Best Cordage · #7
Ultraglide Bear Line
Lawson Equipment
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Purpose-built for PCT-method bear hangs: a slick, low-friction sheath that runs over a branch without sawing into bark or binding, plus enough strength to haul a loaded food bag well out of reach.
Pros
- Exceptionally slick for smooth bear hangs
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Excellent abrasion resistance from polyester sheath
- Lightweight and compact for backpacking
- Bright color aids visibility and retrieval
Cons
- Slickness can make general knot tying challenging
- Higher cost than standard utility cordage
- Not ideal for tasks requiring high friction grip
Best uses
- Backpacking bear hangs
- Lightweight tent guy lines
- Emergency clothesline
- Ultralight utility tasks
Specifications
- Maker
- Lawson Equipment
- Type
- Specialized Bear Line
- Material
- Dyneema core, polyester sheath
- Diameter
- 2.2mm
- Weight
- Ultralight
- Purpose
- Bear hangs, lightweight utility
Pricing
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Best for
Backpacking bear hangs, Lightweight tent guy lines, Emergency clothesline, Ultralight utility tasks
Where to buy the Ultraglide Bear Line
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The Lawson Equipment Ultraglide Bear Line is a purpose-built solution for food protection in the backcountry, specifically designed to make bear hangs less of a chore. Unlike standard cordage, its slick, low-friction sheath is engineered to run smoothly over branches, preventing the common frustrations of snagging and binding that often plague traditional paracord setups. This specialized construction not only eases the hanging process but also minimizes any potential damage to tree bark, a small but important consideration for Leave No Trace principles. While its primary application is bear hanging, the Ultraglide's material science lends itself to other lightweight utility tasks where low friction and abrasion resistance are paramount. It's not a general-purpose cord for every camp task, nor does it pretend to be. Instead, it offers a refined experience for a critical backcountry safety measure. Its strength is more than adequate for lifting even fully loaded food bags, and its bright color makes retrieval straightforward, even in challenging light conditions. This line is for backpackers who prioritize efficiency and reliability when it comes to securing their food supply.
Construction & Materials
The Ultraglide features a thoughtful composite construction: a Dyneema core for exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, encased within a braided polyester sheath. It's this specific sheath material and weave that provides the namesake 'glide.' Polyester is inherently more abrasion-resistant than nylon and less prone to stretching when wet. The Dyneema core ensures that even at a slim 2.2mm diameter, the line maintains significant tensile strength, far exceeding the demands of lifting a bear bag. This combination minimizes weight while maximizing durability and performance in its intended role.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Ultraglide truly shines during a bear hang. The slick outer layer dramatically reduces friction against tree branches, allowing a weighted throw bag to pull the main line up and over with minimal effort. This smooth operation prevents hangups and the frustrating 'sawing' effect on bark that you often get with standard paracord. For anyone who has struggled with a recalcitrant bear hang in the dark or cold, the ease of deployment and retrieval offered by this line is a significant quality-of-life improvement. Its high visibility is another plus, preventing accidental trips and making it easier to locate.
Weight & Packability
Given its 2.2mm diameter and Dyneema core, the Ultraglide is exceptionally lightweight and compact. A typical 50-foot length weighs mere ounces and can be easily stowed in any pack pocket without adding bulk or noticeable weight. This is a crucial factor for gram-counting backpackers where every ounce is scrutinized. Its small diameter means it takes up very little space, making it an easy addition to any ultralight gear list without compromising its functional strength.
Durability & Longevity
The robust polyester sheath provides excellent abrasion resistance, which is vital for a line repeatedly dragged over rough tree bark. While no cordage is entirely impervious to wear, the Ultraglide holds up well to repeated use in its intended application. The Dyneema core is impervious to water and UV degradation, further contributing to its long-term durability. Proper care, such as avoiding prolonged exposure to sharp edges and storing it clean and dry, will extend its lifespan significantly, making it a reliable part of your backcountry kit for many seasons.
Trade-offs & Alternatives
The primary trade-off is its specialized nature. While excellent for bear hangs, its slickness can make knot-tying and holding more challenging for general utility tasks compared to a rougher, more compliant cord like nylon paracord. It’s also generally more expensive than basic utility cordage due to the Dyneema content and specialized construction. For those on a strict budget, standard 550 paracord remains a viable, albeit less efficient, option. However, for dedicated backpackers prioritizing ease of use and reliability for bear hangs, the Ultraglide's benefits outweigh these considerations.
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.
Ultraglide Bear Line — frequently asked questions
- Is the Ultraglide Bear Line worth it?
- We rank it #7 in Best Cordage. Purpose-built for PCT-method bear hangs: a slick, low-friction sheath that runs over a branch without sawing into bark or binding, plus enough strength to haul a loaded food bag well out of reach.
- What is the Ultraglide Bear Line best for?
- Best for backpacking bear hangs, lightweight tent guy lines, emergency clothesline and ultralight utility tasks. Standouts: exceptionally slick for smooth bear hangs and high strength-to-weight ratio.
- What are the downsides of the Ultraglide Bear Line?
- Slickness can make general knot tying challenging, Higher cost than standard utility cordage and Not ideal for tasks requiring high friction grip.
- What are the key specs of the Ultraglide Bear Line?
- Maker: Lawson Equipment · Type: Specialized Bear Line · Material: Dyneema core, polyester sheath · Diameter: 2.2mm · Weight: Ultralight
- Construction & Materials — what should I know about the Ultraglide Bear Line?
- The Ultraglide features a thoughtful composite construction: a Dyneema core for exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, encased within a braided polyester sheath. ' Polyester is inherently more abrasion-resistant than nylon and less prone to stretching when wet.
- Real-World Performance — what should I know about the Ultraglide Bear Line?
- In the field, the Ultraglide truly shines during a bear hang. The slick outer layer dramatically reduces friction against tree branches, allowing a weighted throw bag to pull the main line up and over with minimal effort.
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