The crème de la crème of bungee cords? (Or creative travel accessory)

August 13, 2018 7:54 PM

I need some bungee cords for general travel use, attaching packages and extra bags to my main rolling bag, on an impromptu basis. All bungee cords are not created equal! This is one of those types of things where it's a commodity product, but there are definite winners and losers. And then, maybe there's a neat indie product or creative solution out there that's even a tad innovative? 15-30" is probably the range I'm interested in.
posted by Jack Karaoke to Travel & Transportation (11 answers total)

Best answer: ROK straps?
I've used them and like them, but for slightly different scenarios.
posted by mu at 8:12 PM on August 13, 2018 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: @mu These look great! Thanks!
posted by Jack Karaoke at 8:45 PM on August 13, 2018

Best answer: PUNCTURED BIKE TUBES! You can get them for free at any bike shop. They are infinite and functional.
posted by aniola at 8:47 PM on August 13, 2018 [2 favorites]

Best answer: Yes, aniola has it right. Bike tire inner tubes. That was what we used in the Navy to secure for sea (make sure everything didn't fall off shelves, etc). My favorite way was to cut the tube so that it was just one long strap-- that seemed to be the most versatile way to use them.
posted by seasparrow at 10:30 PM on August 13, 2018

Try a marine supply store, choose the strength, quality and color of shock cord and crimp on the hooks at the exact length needed.
posted by sammyo at 10:40 PM on August 13, 2018

I have been using old bike tubes myself-- they're great. One thing I'd like to add are hooks to make them quicker and easier to use. Anyone have a recommendation for those?
posted by alexei at 11:51 PM on August 13, 2018

Response by poster: @aniola - Good call, but I share alexeis Q.
I can tie a knot or two, but it's nice to just zip/zap/go.
I'll think on it.
posted by Jack Karaoke at 1:56 AM on August 14, 2018

Best answer: Hooks and hog ring crimps for shock cord seem to be pretty available. Marine stores seem to carry them, plus of course Amazon. Get PVC-coated if you need them not to scratch things, otherwise go for stainless steel. Plastic hooks are also available if you orefer that. I bet they'd work on bike tubes—the diameters involved are similar enough that I'd definitely give them a try.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 2:34 AM on August 14, 2018

Response by poster: Thanks all.
Ordered a ROK strap, and also
A few plastic hooks to use with a bike tube, one for each end, to secure with knots, and one or two to thread onto the center part, in order to criss-cross loads.
A T-bar thing because it looks easy-peasy, if maybe on the small side. We'll see what wins, but I'm sure they'll all be useful.
posted by Jack Karaoke at 3:04 AM on August 14, 2018 [1 favorite]

alexei & Jack Karaoke - You just loop it through itself onto a bar or something on one side using the same technique you'd use to connect two rubber bands, and use the natural loop/U-shape at the other end to hook it on the other side.

That's the way I use them most often. I usually have a couple on my bike rack attached at one or two points and ready to go.
posted by aniola at 6:07 AM on August 14, 2018

I have lots of bungee cords and used them while traveling in a van. Inside the cord, it's elastic bands. The bigger the diameter, the stronger, but for a suitcase, smaller works because its easier to wrangle. They don't last. The rubber bands inside break and wear out. I basically buy cheapish bungie cords at Harbor Freight, and when they start to degrade, replace them. The stretchiness of bungie cords makes some loads vulnerable; for some uses, I extend the length with a piece of rope of appropriate diameter. Used to work with antique dealer and learned that an enormous amount of stuff can be hauled if you do it right and secure it well.
posted by theora55 at 11:09 AM on August 14, 2018