Where cable ties bind permanently, bungee cords hold things under tension and let go again — ideal for anything you need to secure now and free later. They strap a load to a roof rack or bike, tension a tarp into a shelter, hold a car boot shut, or lash bulky gear to a pack. The stretch does the work, gripping firmly without knots.
A set of assorted lengths with sturdy hooks is one of those quietly useful additions to a car and camping kit: reusable, quick, and capable of securing loads that rope or ties handle less easily. They pack small and last for years.
Use them to secure loads for transport, rig or tension a tarp shelter, hold down a boot lid or bonnet over an oversized load, or strap gear to a pack, bike or roof bars. The carabiner-hook types clip quickly to anchor points and release just as fast when you're done.
A range of short and long cords lets you match the tension and reach to the job, from a small bundle to a full roof load.
Carabiner-style or coated metal hooks grip anchor points firmly and won't ping off under tension — the usual weak point of cheap bungees.
A quality elastic core keeps its stretch and strength for years rather than perishing and going slack after a season outdoors.
A cord stretched past its limit can snap back dangerously. Choose a length that reaches with some slack rather than straining a short cord to breaking point.
A bungee under tension can whip a hook into your face if it slips. Keep control of both ends when hooking and unhooking, and shield your eyes.
Assorted-length elasticated bungee cords with strong carabiner hooks for securing loads, rigging shelters and strapping down gear quickly and reusably.
A 50-metre roll of 3M's general-purpose cloth duct tape for the repairs and improvised fixes that come up in any emergency. It tears by hand and sticks to most surfaces, so it earns its place taping tarps, sealing gaps or patching kit in the field. A trusted-brand roll is worth keeping in the grab bag and the car.
A 30-metre length of 7-strand 550 paracord for shelter building, gear repairs and countless improvised jobs. One of the highest-utility items you can pack for its weight.
A concentrated de-icer from a trusted UK car-care brand that clears a frozen windscreen in seconds. Keep one by the door for the commute and a spare in the boot so an overnight freeze never turns into a dangerous, half-scraped drive.
A compact folding saw that cuts green wood, dry timber, plastic and bone with ease. A bushcraft favourite for processing firewood and clearing obstacles.
A 30-litre water-resistant rucksack that makes a solid grab bag — big enough for a couple of days of essentials without being so large you overpack it. Berghaus is a long-standing UK outdoor brand, so the straps and stitching are built to carry a real load rather than fall apart at the first emergency. Keep it packed by the door with your kit inside so you can leave in seconds.
A six-pack of lightweight PU-coated grip gloves for the fiddly, hands-on jobs after a storm or during a clean-up. They keep enough dexterity for handling debris, moving kit or clearing broken glass without wrecking a bulky pair each time. Not cut-proof gauntlets — think everyday protection you won't mind getting dirty.
550 paracord is an incredibly versatile survival essential — useful for shelter building, gear repair, first aid improvisation, and dozens of other field applications. Lightweight and compact for its strength.
Lightweight waterproof sheet for creating emergency shelters, ground cover, and rain protection.
A roll-top dry bag keeps spare clothes, electronics and food genuinely dry when a rucksack or boot can't — the difference between a warm night and a wretched one.
