Cheap Shelter lines

I've spent many years doing light Winter trips and always found frozen lines a hassle with my shelters.

About 15 years ago I stumbled upon a use for line I was carrying but not for tent lines. I was always a fishing nut, and so my Winter trips were always about fishing, ice fishing to be exact. Well, one trip I happened to leave the stake bag behind, go figure <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> but I did have my fishing kit. Out came my 'Ice Fishing Line' <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

I never had 'frozen or ice crusted lines' again on my Winter trips! I use 'Mason' brand which comes in various lb test/yardage. I have used 40lb test from just one 50yd spool for over ten years. The line does'nt 'wear' quickly because of the low abrasion in snow vs dirt and debris from 3 Season use. This line has'nt failed to date, though if you Winter Trip in areas of high wind or heavy snowfall you may have to source some MUCH heavier lb test line. The 'breaking strength' of my 40lb test is 40lbs or less, user be cautious. Not for newbies, even myself, I use extreme caution in relying upon this line and pitch my shelter accordingly. The spools do come all 'attached' to one another, so if you want more than 50yards consecutive, you can buy in increments of 50yards.

This type of line is made of braided nylon, which reuires burning the ends to prevent fraying. It also is teflon coated which, again, makes knot tying a challenge for newbies. It's a good thing though as knots are fun to learn and practice in camp. This line stays dry, and thus true to original packed weight. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Yes I agree. The braided mason line is very light and comes in rolls. I actually use it for masonary work. It comes in bright colors and if it gets tangled just cut it and string another piece. Use Marshalltown brand braided. Don't bother with the twisted mason line. I also wrap several yards around my hiking staff for spares.

Does mason line stretch when wet?

Thanx,
-Barry

I can't tell you for a fact if it stretches or not but I have used it to guy out my fly and left it for a couple of days in the rain and freezing temps. The lines seemed to be ok but the tarp was saging a little because of the weight of ice.

barry minima; stretch with the braided nylon line. especialy the ice fishin line its not meant to strecth much imo having used it vs say mono line.