I've seen kits with 50-100' of paracord.

Agree, that is probably excessive. I like paracord that includes a flammable strand for fire starting. Usually in my kits, it is precut for tarp fastening, etc. into lengths about three feet or so.

I don't know what you consider too much. Doug Ritter includes 100' of paracord in his Aviator Survival Pack.

Jeanette Isabelle

It really depends upon the situation and circumstances. Generally, if I have 100 feet of anything, it would be at least 9mm diameter climbing rope which often has come in handy for me in the past. Sometimes even that is not adequate.

Couldn't have said it better myself!

I keep Type 1 and Type 3 paracord in my various kits. In some kits I have both, some just one or the other. In my truck I keep 300' of type 1 and 100' of type 3. It takes up very little space and while not insignificant it doesn't weigh much.

I guess it depends on the size of the kit. For me if we're talking a wilderness PSK about the minimum I'd go with is 20'-25'. Much less is asking for trouble IMO. 50' is not overkill but I don't think I'd often need 100.

My main use for cordage in a PSK is to build a shelter, normally a large mylar blanket into a lean-to or plow-point configuration. My AO is the forests of ID and MT, so most of the time I'll be pitching a tarp with a ridgeline running between two trees. Since God doesn't plant them with ridgeline spacing in mind I sometimes need more cord, sometimes less. If I have trekking poles along it's a bit easier and I don't need a ridgeline, just guylines.

So if I'm pitching a shelter and then to lash anything that 25' of cord can start getting used up.

100' is, like any rope, either too long or too short. It's hardly outrageous. As noted above, it depends on the purpose of the kit, the terrain, and the anticipated circumstances.

It could be quadrupled to help get a quad or small vehicle out of a rut. That eats up footage in a hurry, especially when you add knots.

Or, a longer line could permit water and warm clothing to be lowered to a person who is trapped on a ledge and awaiting rescue.

Generally speaking, for any backpack kit to be carried on foot, it's absolutely critical that the list-maker take it for a 5-10 mile schlep. This focuses the mind wonderfully, leading to all sorts of efficiencies.

Actually, my favorite small line for rigging shelters,, etc. is mason's braided twine, which is available in reflective colors. It's lighter than paracord, and adequately strong. Paracord makes great zipper pulls (patterns have been posted by Tony E) and you have the flammable strand for emergency fire starting, at least with the paracord I prefer.

If you are unsticking vehicles, you probably are best off with a chain. On one occasion, I broke a good climbing rope pulling a vehicle across a stream. Pretty spectacular failure. Do stand to the side if you ever attempt this.

I like tarred bankline (Catahoula brand especially) very well although I do sometimes have the cheaper mason's line. I like paracord better for the ridge line though because I like the way it works in conjunction with tarred bankline (a Catahoula Prussik knot holds very well in paracord, and my repertoire of knots could be better! ). Definitely you can get 100' of bank line or mason's line in the space of 25' of paracord.

To clarify, paracord has no magical qualities. It can be a last-ditch bridge material for a small vehicle that only needs a mild tug, and the cord will be destroyed in the process. In that situation, give me a nylon strap any day. But sometimes you use what you have.

(And wow, aren't we consistently easy targets for teacher's regular stirring-the-pot routine? If it adds value, though ...)