Webbing vs paracord for desert hiking?

[radioradio]

I know carrying 30ft-ish of webbing is the gospel around here for desert hiking. I’m curious why webbing is more popular than say paracord or other thinner lighter rope…

 

[futurafree]

I didn't know others used that, but it's what I take. I decided it was lighter, takes up less space, and the shape was less likely to slip through (thick round rope) or cut into (paracord) my hands when using as a handline or lowering packs.

 

[b.stark]

Mostly because if you're using webbing as a climbing aid it's far superior than paracord. I think it's safe to say paracord is dangerous as a climbing aid and would not use it as such myself.

If you're just using it to hand line a relatively light day pack, paracord works OK. If you're hand lining a heavier multi day pack paracord can burn the living crap out of your hands real quick.

 

[Bob]

Webbing....always. you ever try climbing up on Paracord?

 

[RyanP]

Mostly because if you're using webbing as a climbing aid it's far superior than paracord. I think it's safe to say paracord is dangerous as a climbing aid and would not use it as such myself.

If you're just using it to hand line a relatively light day pack, paracord works OK. If you're hand lining a heavier multi day pack paracord can burn the living crap out of your hands real quick.

I think this sums it up. Often my trips have multiple days of hiking with minimal scrambling, where I just want the option of hauling or lowering my pack a couple of times if needed. In that case, paracord is a good choice because it is light and compact. But if you're using it a bunch, it's worth bringing the webbing since it's easier on the hands. And like others said, if you think there's even a chance that you'll want it as a climbing aid, then paracord is not a suitable choice. But I don't have a ton of experience with this so I'm interested to hear others' responses

 

[Bob]

lol..... weight difference is not great for what you can do with webbing.

 

[someguy]

There are some techniques where you can use webbing to self-extract from keeper potholes. Michael R. Kelsey details them in his Utah guidebooks.

It's always better to travel with friends to avoid the scenario entirely.