Jute twine strength

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Shotgun

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Feb 3, 2006
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I'm thinking about carrying jute twine out backpacking to do my tarp hanging and shelter builing just because it's natural, biodegradable, and it can be used as tinder in a pinch. I was wondering if anyone else uses it as such or if anyone can tell me the general strength of it? Is it strong enough to tie a tarp down in the wind?
 
I was playing around with my firesteel today and also found that twine is a great substitute for tinder, next time I'll post pics, I'll definitely carry some with me as a tinder backup.......
 
Jute is one of the strongest natural vegetable fibres available and depending on what ply (2,3,4) you use it's definitely strong enough to tie down a tarp in wind.
 
The little spool I got from Wal-Mart said "7 lbs. safe working load". So be careful what you get. I only plan to use the jute for a firestarter kit; maybe there's heavier grades available.

Cotton line might be better. I've got some that's rated at 20 lb.
 
i have some "recycling twine". i dont know what exactly it is made of, but it has a 50lbs working load. i have a 2600 foot spool of it that i got for around $8.
 
I think some one had there thumb on the scale when they rated the cotton at 20 lbs. Jute will prove out to be much better than cotton every time. I have spent 25 years making bow strings out of natural material. cotton is worthless for anything other than bandages and skivies.
 
Jute is more than strong enough to hold a tarp. If it's going to be real windy or a storm, just double it up and twist it. I never use paracord as I thinkit's way overrated, dosn't hold knots well, and dosen't make good tinder, and is expencive for what it is. I guess I just grew up before paracord and most synthetics, so I just use what's worked for me for the past 60 years. I keep a roll of jute in my kit bag. Great stuff.
 
I've made numerous shelters with Jute twine using it even to lash supports together to make frames for tepees and leant-tos It's more than adequate, plus if you leave some behind it just biodegrates, and leaves no trace..and it makes great tinder...
 
If you know a farmer who bales hay or someone who feeds their critters hay get some baling twine from them. Its heavy duty jute but some of it is treated to prevent rotting. It will still bio-degrade but just take longer.---KV
 
I haven't used jute in a long time, My last experience with it... was tying down my poncho last winter and because of the cold... it would snap
 
I carry some jute plus 550 cord. the jute is much cheaper, and is plenty strong for the things you mention. I also like that it will catch a spark too.
 
As a cordage, it's great for lashing, whipping and general binding... but I would not trust it as a tie-out line. Not much strength or shock rating.
 
I use jute a lot for things like sling making, net making, bag making. The reason I use it is because it's a natural fibre and looks it, it's a good tinder material, fairly strong and IT'S CHEAP!!! :D

A picture of the jute pouches I make for my PSK's:

DSC04011.jpg



Doc
 
bikermikearchery said:
I think some one had there thumb on the scale when they rated the cotton at 20 lbs. Jute will prove out to be much better than cotton every time. I have spent 25 years making bow strings out of natural material. cotton is worthless for anything other than bandages and skivies.
Click to expand...


The cotton stuff I've got was braided or woven, and around 1/8" diameter. They probably sell it as clothesline. Twenty pounds seems about right for it.
 
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