A question for you:

I'm currently redoing my survival backpack. It's for one person.

However I have one problem: I don't know how much paracord, snare wire and duct-tape I should include.
I was thinking 9m duct-tape, 15m snare wire and 30m paracord.

How much do you think I should include and how much do you include in you survival kits (especially BOB, backpacks)?

Thanks

Depends on for what purpose you use it for and how good you are with improvising string/cord from. I'm only good with making relative short string with stingy nettles. As a matter of fact i just got home from making some of them. Some roots and vines are ofcorse cord, ready to use. Improvising however does takes time.

Paracord is great stuff, the cord is know for it's multipurpose uses. Multi-purpose things are usually usuable for more than one thing, but not a first choice for anything.
You could consider replacing paracord, with some strong cord, roll of twine and some sewning thread. This will not take much more space, but will give you the right sting for pretty much every job you replace with the paracord.

Twine is biodegrable. A nice feature if you builing a natural shelter. It's cheap, compact and easily carried. I use this stuff for loads of things, if i don't have the time to find/make some.
A little bobbing of sewning thread, for obvious uses and flossing.
The strong cord for lifting things and making strong connections.

The snare wire, is great because it's usually metal. So heatproof and stuff. If you haven't snared before, you probably won;t catch anything with it. Beter to call it just brass/steel wire.

The amount of string is usually as many as you want to carry. To little and you won't have enough and to much means you carry to many things on you back. It really depends on how you use it. Some people complain about never having enough and others never run out. Really the amount is a personal choice, i can't tell you how much is ideal. Just carry as much you thing you need and maybe a little extra.

Those sound like good places to start. Now, pack your kit, and see if you have room for more. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I disagree about getting rid of the paracord. Though it is not as environmentally friendly as natural twine, it is more consistent and reliable. Perhaps you have room for both.

For cord and wire, carry as much as you can. I keep at least 90m in my car kits. 30m is a good start for a kit, but if you can fit more, get more. I've been experimenting with cutting it into lengths of approximately 8m, to make it more managable. So far that is working for me.

It depends on whether you expect to use your kit in a wilderness situation or urban or both. I think duct tape would have less applications in the wilderness than it would in an urban setting...mainly repairing gear you carry, whereas wire and cord would have more uses in the wild. Not to say that you can't use these items in either setting of course.

In the end, I find myself agreeing with ironraven...if you have room, pack more <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I have to agree, First pack what you can use, and learn to use it. Second, if it's a bug out situation I'm not going to care how politically correct or environmentally freindly it is.

As an alternative, I pack 50-80# test fishing line; its a real bear to tie, but is much more compact than paracord -- I can carry it in a wallet.

Teacher

( You have to be near big water to find it or go online.)

I must carry about 50m of paracord in 2 25 m lengths.

I also carry a roll of jute garden twine in my bob for the times when i am not going to retrieve it or I just do not want to waste paracord. It also means I can make slings and things with it.

snare wire enough for two in my kit and about twenty in my bob.

Duck tape just seems to bred, I try to keep about 10 meters but always seem to have more, i.e. a roll keeps finding it's way into my bob.