Cordage, Elastic, and Shock Cord Repairs
Overview
Cordage, elastic, and shock cord repairs maintain the function of shelters, clothing, and gear by restoring tension systems. Simple tools and replacement segments can keep essential components working for the remainder of a trip.
Key points
- Light cordage can replace broken guylines, zipper pulls, or tie-outs on shelters and packs.
- Elastic cords commonly used in tent poles or clothing can lose tension or break with age and abrasion.
- Shock cord repair involves threading new elastic through pole sections or tightening overstretched segments.
- Knots, such as double fisherman’s or figure-eight loops, provide secure connections for cordage repairs.
- Carrying short lengths of spare cord allows for multiple temporary or long-term fixes.
- Elastic repairs on clothing, such as waistbands or hoods, may be done with simple knotting or replacement cord.
- Replacing cordage early helps maintain the stability of shelters in wind or adverse conditions.
- Field repairs often prioritize strength and reliability over aesthetics.
Details
Cordage and elastic components appear across many pieces of backpacking gear, from tent guylines to clothing adjustments. These materials degrade over time through UV exposure, moisture, and mechanical wear. Having several meters of thin, strong cord allows hikers to replace failed guylines, restore zipper pulls, or reinforce pack straps. Making appropriate knots ensures repairs hold under tension.
Shock cords used in tent pole systems occasionally snap or lose elasticity. Field repairs typically involve threading new elastic through the pole sections to restore tension, though this requires patience and careful alignment. Clothing repairs may include rethreading drawstrings or replacing worn elastic components. Because these systems often contribute to critical gear performance, prompt repairs help maintain function during storms or on long days. While many of these fixes can be made permanent at home, field solutions can reliably extend usability through the remainder of a hike.
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