I carry some paracord in my packs. You just never know what [or who :)]you might run across that you need to tie up.

If I was an ultra light hiker I might switch to bank line to get the weight down.

Guys like DC need to do something a little different to distinguish themselves from the youtube pack or to get more attention. Thus you get the guys suggesting carrying condoms and tampons. It is not terrible advise as advise goes, but it is a little unusual and grabs your attention.