Stay Taut: Why Guylines Are Essential for Every Camper and Bushcrafter

When it comes to camping and bushcrafting, most people focus on the big-ticket items like tents, tarps, and sleeping bags. But there's one essential piece of gear that often flies under the radar: guylines. These humble ropes might seem like a minor detail, but they play a crucial role in keeping your shelter secure, stable, and comfortable, especially when Mother Nature decides to throw a tantrum.

In this blog, we'll dive into what guylines are, why they’re so important, and break down two of the most widely used materials for guylines—Paracord 550 and Bank Line. So, whether you're a seasoned camper or just getting started, you'll have a solid understanding of these vital pieces of gear.

What Are Guylines?
Simply put, guylines are ropes or cords that you use to anchor and stabilize your shelter. They’re attached to the corners, edges, or specific points on your tent or tarp and then secured to the ground or a nearby tree. The main job of guylines is to keep your shelter taut and in place, preventing it from collapsing or flapping around in the wind.

Think of guylines as the unsung heroes of your campsite. Without them, your tent might not survive a windy night, and your tarp might sag, letting rainwater pool right above your head.

Why Are Guylines So Important?
Guylines might seem like a small detail, but they have a huge impact on your camping experience. Here’s why they matter:

Stability and Wind Resistance: If you’ve ever camped in a windy area, you know how much of a game-changer guylines can be. They keep your shelter steady and prevent it from turning into a giant kite.

Better Water Runoff: When your tarp or tent is properly tensioned, water rolls right off instead of pooling on top. This helps you stay dry and keeps your gear safe from leaks.

Flexible Shelter Setup: Whether you’re setting up a simple lean-to or a more complex tarp shelter, guylines let you get creative. They make it easy to adapt your setup to the terrain and weather conditions.

More Space Inside: By pulling the sides of your tent or tarp outward, guylines create more room inside. This is especially handy if you’re working with a small shelter and need every bit of space you can get.

Prevents Wear and Tear: When your shelter is properly tensioned with guylines, it’s less likely to get damaged by wind or sagging. This extends the life of your gear, saving you money in the long run.

The Best Materials for Guylines: Paracord 550 vs. Bank Line
Now that you know why guylines are so important, let’s talk about the materials. There are plenty of options out there, but two of the most popular are Paracord 550 and Bank Line. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each.

Paracord 550: The All-Arounder
Paracord 550, also known as 550 cord, is a versatile, lightweight, and strong nylon cord that has become a staple in the camping and bushcrafting community. Originally used in parachutes (hence the name), this cord is made up of an outer sheath and multiple inner strands, giving it a high strength-to-weight ratio.

Strength: Paracord 550 can hold up to 550 pounds, which is more than enough for securing guylines, but it’s also handy for other tasks around camp.

Versatility: The inner strands can be used for smaller tasks like fishing line or sewing thread, making paracord a multi-use tool.

Elasticity: Paracord has a bit of stretch, which helps absorb shock from wind gusts. This can be both a pro and a con, depending on your needs.

Ease of Use: It’s easy to tie and untie, making adjustments on the fly a breeze.

Downside: Paracord can absorb water and stretch when wet, which might require re-tensioning your guylines in rainy conditions.

If you’re leaning towards using Paracord 550, you might want to check out the Texas Bushcraft Firecraft Cord. This isn’t your average paracord—it’s a multi-functional survival tool wrapped in a durable, abrasion-resistant nylon sheath. Inside, you’ll find three additional strands that take it to the next level: a water-resistant waxed cotton tinder for starting fires, a 150D waxed thread for sewing, and a 40-lb test fishing line. These added features make the Firecraft Cord incredibly versatile, perfect for anyone who likes their gear to do double duty. Whether you’re securing your shelter, stitching up gear, or catching dinner, the Texas Bushcraft Firecraft Cord has got you covered.

Bank Line: The Tough and Tarry Option
Bank Line is another favorite in the outdoor community, especially among bushcrafters. It’s a nylon twine that’s been coated with tar, making it incredibly strong, durable, and resistant to rot.

Strength: While Bank Line isn’t quite as strong as Paracord 550, it’s more than capable of handling guyline duties.

Durability: The tar coating makes Bank Line highly resistant to water, rot, and abrasion, which is perfect for outdoor use.

Knots: Bank Line is known for holding knots well, which is crucial when you need your guylines to stay put.

Downside: The tar can make Bank Line a bit messy to handle, especially in hot weather. It’s also less stretchy, so it doesn’t absorb shock as well as Paracord.

For those who prefer the rugged reliability of Bank Line, the Texas Bushcraft Tarred Bank Line is your go-to outdoor rope. Designed to adapt and overcome any challenge, this black, tar-coated nylon twine is made for heavy-duty outdoor applications, from camping and hiking to fishing and emergency preparedness. With a breaking strength of 350 lbs, it’s tough enough to use as an emergency snare cord, a tripwire, or even to suture a wound in a pinch.

This all-climate outdoor rope is tar-coated for UV and weather resistance, ensuring it withstands moisture and abrasion. Whether you're stringing up shelter halves between trees, setting catfish trotlines, or securing a load in your truck, Texas Bushcraft Tarred Bank Line will keep everything intact, even in harsh conditions. Available in both 1/4-lb and 1-lb sizes, it’s less bulky than paracord, making it easy to pack while leaving more room for essentials. With its versatility and strength, Texas Bushcraft Tarred Bank Line is always ready to be your lifeline, no matter where your adventures take you.

Which One Should You Choose?
Both Paracord 550 and Bank Line are excellent choices for guylines, and the best one for you depends on your specific needs:

If you’re looking for versatility and a multi-use tool, Paracord 550 is your best bet. It’s great for those who like to have one cord that can do it all.

If you need something tough, durable, and resistant to the elements, Bank Line is the way to go. It’s especially useful in wet or harsh conditions where you need your guylines to stay strong and secure.

Wrapping Up
Guylines might not be the most exciting piece of gear in your camping setup, but they’re definitely one of the most important. Whether you choose Paracord 550 or Bank Line, having reliable guylines can make the difference between a comfortable night’s sleep and a windblown disaster.

So next time you’re packing for a trip, don’t forget to check your guylines. A little bit of cord can go a long way in making sure your shelter is ready for whatever the wild throws at you.

Who We Are
At Texas Bushcraft, we are a small family-owned business founded in 2018 in Austin, Texas. We were motivated to share our love for the outdoors and inspire others to enjoy nature without the need for big, fancy gadgetry. Our mission is to preserve traditional bushcraft skills and support our customers on their path to self-reliance. We offer simple, elegant outdoor gear and educational resources to help you prepare to thrive in the great outdoors. Thank you for choosing Texas Bushcraft as your guide.