Best Cordage · #3
#36 Tarred Twisted Nylon Bank Line
SGT Knots
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The bushcrafter's workhorse. Tar-treated twisted nylon holds a knot under load, resists rot and UV, and grips wet wood. A one-pound roll carries hundreds of feet in the space of a fist — you can afford to cut it and leave it in a camp build.
Pros
- Exceptional resistance to rot, mildew, and UV degradation
- Holds knots securely under significant load
- High breaking strength for its diameter
- Excellent value for the quantity and durability
- Grips well, even when wet or with gloves
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than modern ultralight cordage
- Tar can leave residue on hands when new
- Less flexible than untarred nylon or paracord
Best uses
- Bushcraft and survival shelters
- Tarp and hammock suspension
- General camp utility and lashing
- Long-term outdoor rigging
- Emergency repair and bundling
Specifications
- Material
- Tarred Twisted Nylon
- Size
- #36 (approx. 3.5mm)
- Treatment
- Tarred for weather resistance
- Construction
- Twisted
- Typical Roll
- 1 lb (approx. 500-600 ft)
- UV Resistance
- High
- Knot Retention
- Excellent
Pricing
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Best for
Bushcraft and survival shelters, Tarp and hammock suspension, General camp utility and lashing, Long-term outdoor rigging, Emergency repair and bundling
Where to buy the #36 Tarred Twisted Nylon Bank Line
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SGT Knots' #36 Tarred Twisted Nylon Bank Line is a staple for a reason, securing its spot as a top-tier cordage for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize reliability and resilience. This isn't your flashy, ultra-light tech cord; it's a workhorse built for consistent performance in demanding conditions. Its tarred finish provides exceptional resistance to the elements, shrugging off moisture, UV radiation, and rot – factors that quickly degrade lesser cordage. Whether you're setting up a tarp in a downpour, crafting a field expedient shelter, or lashing together a raft, this bank line delivers. Its twisted nylon construction means it holds knots securely under tension, a critical feature when structural integrity is paramount. This makes it an ideal choice for bushcraft, survival, and general outdoor utility where failure isn't an option and predictable strength is key. It's the kind of cordage you can trust to perform, day in and day out, without fuss. While some might gravitate towards lighter or more specialized lines, the #36 Tarred Bank Line occupies a sweet spot of strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness that makes it a perennial favorite. It’s heavy enough to provide substantial breaking strength but still manageable for a variety of tasks, from hanging game to securing a camp. The tarring also adds a bit of grip, which is surprisingly useful when working with wet hands or slippery materials. For those who value practical utility over marginal gains in weight or exotic materials, this bank line represents a sensible, long-term investment. It's proof that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective, especially when Mother Nature throws her worst at you.
Who It's For
This bank line is purpose-built for the serious bushcrafter, survivalist, and anyone who demands robust, reliable cordage in the field. It’s for those who appreciate traditional, field-proven gear over the latest ultralight innovations. If your outdoor activities involve building shelters, setting traps, rigging tarps, or generally needing a strong, rot-resistant line that you can cut to length without worrying about cost, this is your pick. It’s also excellent for general utility around a remote camp or homestead where durability against the elements is a primary concern. It’s less about minimalist backpacking and more about rugged self-reliance.
Materials and Build
The core of this bank line is high-quality nylon, chosen for its inherent strength and elasticity. The nylon strands are twisted together, a construction method that contributes to its excellent knot-holding ability and overall resilience. What truly sets it apart is the tar treatment. This isn't just a coating; it's impregnated into the fibers, providing a formidable barrier against moisture, mildew, and UV degradation. This tarring also gives it a slightly stiff, tacky feel, which improves grip, especially when wet, and helps it maintain its form under load. It’s a classic, time-tested approach to making cordage last in harsh environments.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the #36 Tarred Bank Line consistently performs as advertised. Its high breaking strength means you can confidently use it for tasks that demand significant load bearing, such as guying out a substantial tarp in high winds or creating a robust ridge line. The tarring prevents it from absorbing water, meaning it won't swell or weaken when wet, and it dries quickly. Knot retention is a standout feature; once tied, knots hold tight, resisting slippage even with heavy loads or dynamic movement. The slight stickiness from the tar also makes it easier to handle with gloves or cold hands, adding to its practical utility in diverse conditions. It’s a workhorse that simply does its job, every time.
Durability and Lifespan
Durability is where this bank line truly shines. The tar treatment is a game-changer, making it exceptionally resistant to the primary culprits of cordage degradation: moisture, rot, and UV radiation. Unlike untreated natural fibers or even some synthetic cords, this bank line can be left exposed to the elements for extended periods without significant loss of strength or integrity. It won't degrade quickly when buried or left in damp conditions. While it's not immune to abrasion from sharp edges, its twisted construction offers good general wear resistance. Expect many years of reliable service, even with regular, heavy use in challenging environments. This is a cordage designed for the long haul.
Value & Alternatives
At its price point, the #36 Tarred Twisted Nylon Bank Line offers exceptional value, particularly considering the quantity you get in a typical one-pound spool. For a comparable cost, you might find some polyester utility cordage, but it likely won't offer the same level of rot and UV resistance without a specialized coating. Paracord is often lighter and more flexible but has a lower breaking strength for its size and lacks the tarred weatherproofing. Dyneema is significantly stronger and lighter but comes at a much higher price point, making it impractical for tasks where you might leave cordage behind or use large quantities. This bank line hits a sweet spot for those needing serious strength and weather protection without breaking the bank.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best cordage that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
#36 Tarred Twisted Nylon Bank Line — frequently asked questions
- Is the #36 Tarred Twisted Nylon Bank Line worth it?
- We rank it #3 in Best Cordage. The bushcrafter's workhorse. Tar-treated twisted nylon holds a knot under load, resists rot and UV, and grips wet wood.
- What is the #36 Tarred Twisted Nylon Bank Line best for?
- Best for bushcraft and survival shelters, tarp and hammock suspension, general camp utility and lashing and long-term outdoor rigging. Standouts: exceptional resistance to rot, mildew, and uv degradation and holds knots securely under significant load.
- What are the downsides of the #36 Tarred Twisted Nylon Bank Line?
- Heavier and bulkier than modern ultralight cordage, Tar can leave residue on hands when new and Less flexible than untarred nylon or paracord.
- What are the key specs of the #36 Tarred Twisted Nylon Bank Line?
- Material: Tarred Twisted Nylon · Size: #36 (approx. 3.5mm) · Treatment: Tarred for weather resistance · Construction: Twisted · Typical Roll: 1 lb (approx. 500-600 ft)
- Who It's For?
- This bank line is purpose-built for the serious bushcrafter, survivalist, and anyone who demands robust, reliable cordage in the field. It’s for those who appreciate traditional, field-proven gear over the latest ultralight innovations.
- Materials and Build — what should I know about the #36 Tarred Twisted Nylon Bank Line?
- The core of this bank line is high-quality nylon, chosen for its inherent strength and elasticity. The nylon strands are twisted together, a construction method that contributes to its excellent knot-holding ability and overall resilience.
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