A spool of cord might not seem like an essential piece of camping gear—until you need to secure a loose tarp, bundle equipment, or fix something that breaks miles from home.
That’s where SGT Knots Tarred Nylon Twine, commonly known as tarred bank line, earns its place in a camping kit.
It’s thinner and more compact than standard 550 paracord, with a slightly grippy coating that helps knots hold securely. And whether you’re organizing a camp kitchen, setting up a lightweight clothesline, or making a temporary gear repair, a few feet of bank line can solve problems without adding much bulk to your gear box.
The verdict: SGT Knots tarred bank line is a practical choice for everyday campsite utility, especially in the versatile #36 size. It offers a useful balance of strength, knot security, and compact storage. However, it isn’t a no-stretch cord, its black coating can leave residue, and paracord or dedicated shelter guylines are better for some applications.
For most car campers, a small spool of #36 is the smartest starting point. Here’s why—and when you might want something different.
What Is SGT Knots Tarred Bank Line?
SGT Knots Tarred Nylon Twine is a twisted nylon utility cord treated with a protective black coating.
Bank line originally developed its reputation in fishing and marine applications, where cordage needed to withstand moisture, repeated handling, and exposure to outdoor conditions. Those same characteristics make it useful for camping, bushcraft, and general equipment organization.
Unlike paracord, which typically has a braided outer sheath surrounding multiple inner strands, bank line uses a simpler twisted construction.
That makes it relatively compact for its strength, easy to cut into useful lengths, and convenient to keep in a camping storage box.
The tar treatment is another important difference.
It gives the cord a slightly tacky texture that helps create friction between strands when knots are tightened. The coating also helps protect the nylon against moisture and environmental exposure.
It’s not waterproof in the sense of being completely unaffected by weather, and it isn’t immune to UV damage or abrasion. But it is well suited to ordinary outdoor utility tasks.
SGT Knots Tarred Bank Line: Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | SGT Knots Tarred Nylon Twine / Bank Line |
| Material | Nylon |
| Construction | Twisted |
| Finish | Black protective tar coating |
| Popular camping sizes | #18 and #36 |
| #18 diameter | Approximately 1.47 mm |
| #36 diameter | Approximately 2.16 mm |
| #18 breaking strength | 160 lbs |
| #36 breaking strength | Approximately 300–320 lbs, depending on spool specification |
| Best applications | Gear organization, lightweight lashings, temporary repairs, and general campsite utility |
| Main limitations | Nylon stretch, possible coating residue, and low visibility |
One important distinction: breaking strength isn’t the same as safe working load.
Knots, wear, abrasion, and sudden forces can substantially reduce how much weight a line can safely support.
Bank line is general-purpose utility cordage, not a substitute for climbing rope, vehicle recovery equipment, or certified cargo restraints.
Why Tarred Bank Line Works So Well Around Camp
The biggest reason to carry bank line isn’t its strength rating or protective coating. It’s how many small campsite problems it can solve without requiring specialized equipment.
Three characteristics make it especially useful.
1. Grippy Cord That Holds Knots Securely
If you’ve ever struggled to keep a knot tight around a slippery piece of synthetic cord, the appeal of tarred bank line becomes clear.
Its coated surface creates friction that helps properly tied knots resist slipping.
That makes it useful for securing bundles, attaching lightweight accessories, and making small repairs where you want a knot to stay in place.
For example, a short piece of #18 bank line can hold a group of tent stakes together without the extra bulk of thicker paracord.
The tradeoff is that heavily tightened knots can be difficult to release.
If you frequently adjust lines throughout the day, smoother cordage may be easier to work with.
2. Plenty of Cord Without the Bulk
A major advantage of bank line is how much usable cord fits into a relatively small spool.
The #36 version measures approximately 2.16 mm in diameter, noticeably thinner than standard 550 paracord.
That makes it easier to store inside a camp kitchen box, emergency repair pouch, or vehicle gear organizer.
You can keep an entire spool in your gear bin or cut several shorter lengths in advance for specific jobs.
Either way, you’re carrying useful spare cordage without sacrificing much storage space.
For campers trying to maintain a clean, organized setup, that simplicity matters.
3. Weather-Resistant Construction
Nylon naturally resists biological rot, while the tar coating adds protection against moisture and general outdoor wear.
This makes bank line useful in damp campsites, rainy conditions, and equipment setups where the cord may encounter mud or wet surfaces.
However, weather resistance doesn’t mean unlimited durability.
Prolonged sunlight, abrasion against rough edges, and repeated loading can eventually weaken the fibers.
Inspect frequently used cordage and replace damaged sections rather than relying on the coating to prevent every type of deterioration.
SGT Knots #36 vs. #18 Bank Line: Which Size Should You Buy?
SGT Knots offers multiple bank line sizes, but #36 and #18 are the most practical options for general camping use.
The numbering system is straightforward: higher numbers generally indicate thicker, stronger twine.
The important question isn’t which size has the highest breaking strength. It’s which one handles your typical campsite jobs without unnecessary bulk.
| Feature | #18 Bank Line | #36 Bank Line |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 1.47 mm | 2.16 mm |
| Rated breaking strength | 160 lbs | 300–320 lbs |
| Length per 1/4-lb spool | Approximately 250 ft | Approximately 120 ft |
| Handling | Thin and lightweight | Easier to grip and manipulate |
| Best uses | Small bundles, lightweight accessories, minor repairs | General campsite utility, larger lashings, gear organization |
| Best choice for | Minimalist gear kits | Most car campers |
SGT Knots #36: Best Overall for Car Camping
For most campers, #36 is the size worth buying first.
Its thicker diameter makes it easier to handle than finer twine, especially when tying knots around larger equipment.
At the same time, it remains compact enough to store in a small repair kit or camping gear box.
It’s particularly useful for:
- Securing rolled tarps and ground sheets
- Bundling camping equipment during storage
- Creating temporary attachment points for lightweight accessories
- Repairing loose gear straps
- Organizing items inside a camp kitchen box
- Setting up short clotheslines for lightweight clothing
The #36 size also gives you some additional strength margin compared with #18, although neither should be used for safety-critical loads.
Which spool size makes sense?
A 1/4-pound spool contains approximately 120 feet of #36 bank line—plenty for occasional car camping and general gear organization.
A 1-pound spool contains approximately 486 feet, making it more appropriate for people who regularly use cordage for camping, repairs, or projects at home.
Unless you’re frequently cutting new lengths, there’s little reason to start with the larger spool.
Check Pricing and Available Sizes for SGT Knots #36 Tarred Bank Line
SGT Knots #18: Best for Lightweight Tasks
The #18 version makes sense when your main priority is compact cordage for smaller equipment.
At approximately 1.47 mm in diameter, it’s notably thinner than #36 and takes up very little space.
It’s a good choice for:
- Bundling small camp kitchen utensils
- Organizing tent stakes and accessories
- Keeping cables and tools together
- Tying lightweight equipment bags closed
- Making simple loops for small accessories
- Temporary repairs that don’t require heavier cord
Its main drawback is handling.
Thin twine can dig into your fingers when tensioned, and tightly cinched knots can be frustrating to untie.
For larger jobs, #36 is generally more comfortable and forgiving.
Check Pricing and Available Sizes for SGT Knots #18 Tarred Bank Line
Do You Need Both?
Probably not.
If you’re assembling a car camping kit from scratch, start with #36. It covers the widest range of typical campsite tasks without being unnecessarily bulky.
Consider adding #18 later if you frequently work with smaller gear or want lightweight cordage for a compact repair pouch.
For occasional campers, one spool of #36 is usually the more sensible purchase.
Best Uses for Tarred Bank Line While Camping
Bank line becomes most useful when it’s treated as a general-purpose problem solver rather than a replacement for every rope in your camping setup.
Here are the applications where it makes the most sense.
1. Organizing Camping Gear
One of the easiest ways to use bank line is to keep loose equipment under control.
A few short lengths can help organize tent stakes, bundle cooking accessories, secure rolled ground sheets, or prevent small items from shifting around inside storage bins.
For example, instead of allowing utensils and lightweight tools to move freely inside a camp kitchen organizer, you can bundle related items with #18 line.
Use #36 for larger bundles that need a slightly thicker cord.
Avoid wrapping tarred twine directly around delicate fabrics or light-colored equipment that could pick up residue from the coating.
2. Adding Temporary Tarp Tie-Outs
Bank line can be useful for extending lightweight tarp attachment points or connecting smaller shelter accessories to suitable anchors.
The grippy finish helps knots stay secure once properly tightened.
However, there is an important limitation.
Bank line is nylon, and nylon stretches under tension.
That means it’s not automatically the best choice for a long tarp ridgeline that needs to remain consistently taut.
For frequently used shelters, especially large tarps exposed to wind, a dedicated low-stretch polyester guyline is often more practical.
Bank line is better viewed as useful backup cordage or a lightweight solution for appropriately loaded, temporary setups.
If you’re improving your shelter arrangement, choosing the right anchors, tensioning method, and tarp configuration matters just as much as choosing the cord itself.
3. Making a Campsite Clothesline
A simple clothesline can make car camping more comfortable, especially after rain or a day spent hiking.
A short length of #36 bank line can work for hanging dish towels, washcloths, and lightweight clothing between suitable anchor points.
Keep the span reasonably short and avoid overloading the line with heavy, water-soaked items.
You may need to retension it as the load changes because nylon naturally stretches.
For longer clotheslines or heavier loads, thicker polyester cordage is generally a better solution.
And whenever possible, position your clothesline away from walking paths so nobody trips over an almost invisible black cord after dark.
4. Bundling Firewood and Camp Supplies
Tarred bank line is particularly handy for bundling kindling, rolled tarps, lightweight supplies, and other loose equipment.
The coating helps simple knots grip, so bundles can remain secure without complicated hardware.
For example, a short piece of #36 line can keep a rolled groundsheet compact inside a vehicle storage bin.
Just avoid using bank line near open flames, hot cookware, or stove components.
Nylon can melt when exposed to high temperatures, and the protective coating isn’t intended for direct heat exposure.
5. Making Temporary Gear Repairs
A small repair kit can become much more useful with a few feet of spare cord.
Bank line is helpful for temporary fixes such as:
- Tying a loose storage pouch back onto a gear organizer
- Securing a splint against a damaged tent pole
- Holding a broken accessory together until it can be repaired
- Keeping loose equipment from swinging or shifting
- Replacing a missing lightweight tie or loop
These are the situations where carrying a compact spool makes the most sense.
You might not use it on every trip, but when something breaks, having a simple length of cord available can prevent a minor inconvenience from becoming a bigger problem.
For structural, load-bearing, or safety-critical repairs, use proper replacement parts and equipment instead.
Bank Line vs. Paracord: Which Is Better for Camping?
Standard 550 paracord is one of the most common alternatives to tarred bank line.
Both are useful, but their constructions and handling characteristics make them better suited to different situations.
| Feature | SGT Knots #36 Bank Line | Standard Type III 550 Paracord |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Twisted nylon | Braided nylon sheath with inner yarns |
| Rated breaking strength | Around 300–320 lbs | 550 lbs |
| Diameter | Approximately 2.16 mm | Approximately 4 mm |
| Knot grip | Grippy tarred surface | Smoother braided surface |
| Stretch | Nylon stretch | Nylon stretch |
| Handling | Thin, can be difficult under heavy tension | Thicker and easier to grip |
| Visibility | Typically black | Available in many colors |
| Cleanliness | May leave coating residue | Generally cleaner |
| Best use | Compact utility cordage and small lashings | Higher-rated general utility cord and frequently handled lines |
When Bank Line Is the Better Choice
Choose tarred bank line when you want a compact cord for small jobs that require secure knots but don’t justify carrying thicker rope.
It works particularly well for organizing equipment, bundling lightweight items, and making minor campsite repairs.
Its smaller diameter also makes it easy to store in a gear box without adding much bulk.
When Paracord Makes More Sense
Paracord is a better option when you need higher rated breaking strength, improved visibility, or a thicker cord that’s more comfortable to handle.
For example, brightly colored paracord may be a better choice for a temporary line near a tent entrance because it’s easier to see.
Its braided construction and removable inner yarns also offer additional repair possibilities.
However, genuine Type III paracord should not be confused with inexpensive decorative cord that merely resembles it.
If strength matters, choose cordage with a clearly stated and appropriate rating.
What About Polyester Guyline?
For dedicated tarp and tent applications, polyester deserves consideration.
Compared with nylon, polyester generally stretches less under load and absorbs less water.
That makes it a useful choice for shelter lines where consistent tension is important.
So while bank line is excellent general-purpose campsite cordage, it isn’t necessarily the best material for every shelter setup.
The practical answer: Keep bank line for lightweight lashings, organization, and repairs. Choose paracord when you need a thicker, higher-rated utility cord, and consider polyester for regularly tensioned tarp or tent lines.
The Biggest Drawbacks of SGT Knots Tarred Bank Line
Although bank line is versatile, a few limitations could make another type of cord more suitable.
The Coating Can Leave Residue
The tar treatment improves grip, but it can also leave dark marks or a noticeable odor, especially when the cord is new.
This usually isn’t a major issue for outdoor gear, but it’s worth considering if you plan to use the line near sleeping bags, clothing, light-colored fabrics, or food-contact surfaces.
Keeping the spool inside a small resealable bag helps prevent contact with other equipment during storage.
It’s Not a No-Stretch Cord
Despite comparisons suggesting otherwise, tarred bank line is not a static rope.
Because it’s made from nylon, it can elongate under tension.
For short lashings and lightweight campsite tasks, that may not matter much.
For long tarp ridgelines or installations where consistent tension is important, it can become a disadvantage.
Black Cord Is Hard to See
A thin black line can disappear against dirt, trees, and shadows.
That creates a potential tripping hazard when used around tents or shared campsite areas.
Add bright markers to exposed lines or choose high-visibility cordage when people will be walking nearby.
Twisted Ends Can Unravel
Cut bank line may begin to separate at its ends.
You can minimize this by securing the ends after cutting and avoiding unnecessary twisting or abrasion.
Inspect reused lengths before relying on them.
It’s Not Suitable for Heavy-Duty Safety Applications
Even #36 bank line has a relatively modest breaking-strength rating compared with larger ropes and specialized tie-down systems.
Never use it for climbing, hammock suspension, lifting people, vehicle recovery, or securing heavy cargo during transport.
For vehicle awnings and other wind-exposed equipment, follow the manufacturer’s anchoring and guyline requirements rather than substituting ordinary utility twine.
Is SGT Knots Tarred Bank Line Still Worth Buying?
For ordinary camping utility, the design remains useful.
A spool of bank line offers a practical combination of compact storage, knot grip, and versatility that can make it a worthwhile addition to a well-organized gear kit.
The more important question is whether you actually need it.
SGT Knots bank line makes sense if you:
- Regularly organize, bundle, or repair camping equipment.
- Want a small spool of utility cord in your car camping kit.
- Prefer grippy twine for knots that don’t require frequent adjustment.
- Need lightweight cordage for miscellaneous campsite tasks.
- Already have suitable ropes and guylines for heavier applications.
You may be better off skipping it if you:
- Primarily need cord for permanent tarp or tent rigging.
- Want brightly colored, highly visible lines.
- Frequently untie and retension your cordage.
- Prefer a cleaner material without a tar-like coating.
- Need cordage rated for substantial or safety-critical loads.
There is also a buying consideration: SGT Knots-branded tarred twine listings may be harder to find through some suppliers, and the product has appeared under RopeHub branding. Availability can vary by retailer and spool configuration.
If you can’t find the exact SGT Knots version, compare equivalent tarred nylon bank line products by material, diameter, breaking-strength specification, and spool length rather than paying a premium solely for the branding.
For this type of utility cordage, getting the right specification is more important than the name printed on the spool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is #36 Bank Line Used For?
#36 tarred bank line is useful for general-purpose camping tasks such as bundling equipment, securing lightweight accessories, creating temporary tie-outs, organizing camp gear, and making minor repairs.
Its approximately 2.16 mm diameter makes it more comfortable to handle than thinner sizes while remaining compact enough for a small gear kit.
Is #36 Bank Line Stronger Than 550 Paracord?
No. SGT Knots #36 bank line has a listed breaking strength of approximately 300–320 pounds, depending on the spool specification.
Genuine Type III 550 paracord has a minimum rated breaking strength of 550 pounds.
Neither rating should be treated as a safe working load, particularly when knots, wear, and dynamic forces are involved.
Does Tarred Bank Line Stretch?
Yes. Tarred bank line is made from nylon, which naturally stretches under load.
Its twisted construction and coating influence how it handles, but they don’t eliminate elasticity.
For applications requiring minimal stretch, polyester cordage is often a better option.
Is #18 or #36 Better for Camping?
For most car campers, #36 is the better all-purpose choice because it’s thicker, stronger, and easier to handle.
Choose #18 if you primarily need lightweight twine for small bundles, organizing accessories, or compact repair kits.
Can You Use Bank Line to Hang a Bear Bag?
Bank line may have enough rated strength for some food-bag hanging arrangements, but strength alone doesn’t make it an appropriate bear-storage solution.
Thin cord can be difficult to handle, may abrade against branches, and can damage bark under tension.
More importantly, food-storage regulations vary by location, and some parks require approved bear-resistant containers rather than suspended bags.
Always follow local requirements and established wildlife-safe food-storage practices.
How Do You Store Tarred Bank Line?
Keep the spool in a dry, organized location away from prolonged sunlight and high heat.
A resealable bag or dedicated storage pouch helps prevent the coating from contacting nearby equipment.
Allow wet cord to dry before long-term storage, and replace damaged or heavily abraded sections.
Final Verdict: Which SGT Knots Bank Line Should You Choose?
SGT Knots #36 Tarred Nylon Twine remains the best all-around size for most car campers.
It’s thick enough to handle comfortably, compact enough to keep in a small gear box, and versatile enough for everything from organizing camp kitchen equipment to making temporary repairs.
A 1/4-pound spool is a sensible place to start. It provides approximately 120 feet of cord without the unnecessary bulk of a larger supply.
Choose #18 if your main priority is lightweight gear organization. Stick with paracord or dedicated polyester guylines when greater rated strength, visibility, or consistent shelter tension matters more.
You don’t need to replace every rope in your camping kit with bank line. But for the small, everyday jobs that inevitably come up around camp, keeping a spool available is a simple and practical decision.
Check Current Pricing and Availability for SGT Knots Tarred Bank Line
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Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. Always verify current product details, fit, compatibility, availability, safety information, and manufacturer instructions before purchase or use. Outdoor conditions and gear performance can vary depending on setup, weather, terrain, vehicle, and experience level.
