Mine have carabiners at both ends (twistlocks) but are basically the same - can be used as an impromptu belt and/or cowstails. My main one is made out of dyneema now - costs a bit more, but lasts much, much longer than 5 or 6mm cord.I’m a big fan of a separate knotted “bag tether” and an even bigger fan of something that has multiple uses.
Today’s trip only has one planned up pitch so used my bag tether for my foot loop.
No knots to undo and really simple.
That's interesting. What diameter, and where did you buy it?My main one is made out of dyneema now
Just tied from 5mm dyneema cord. Join the two ends together with a double fishermans that incorporates the other strand of the loop, tie a few extra overhands in it for grip and clipping the bag short, and I then usually girth-hitch on the carabiners so they don't flap about. The design is totally stolen off Starless River since when I bought my first bag tether from there, that's how it was tied. I've just added a bit more length and an overhand or two, plus made it with dyneema - which at £4/m or so is pretty pricey at first but I got bored of replacing the cord when the knots get cored (as shown in Ian P's photos).That's interesting. What diameter, and where did you buy it?
You are indeed correct (and my dyneema bag tether is indeed tied with a triple fishermans). Dyneema is indeed not a sensible material for general-purpose cowstails, but perfectly reasonable for 'expert' use on a short horizontal traverse where there is no possibility of a shock load. And much better than nothing when cowstails were not expected to be neededTriple fishermans recommended for dynemma
![]()
Beal Dyneema Cord Blue (x 1.1m length)
<p> Static 5.5mm cord that is almost as strong (1800 daN kg) as 9mm rope. 1.1 metre length. Enough to restring a Hex or other nut. Also a good length for restringing a double loop cam such as a DMM 4Cwww.needlesports.com
Dyneema not recommended for cowstails
Not really a swipe at 'ct' but has anyone here had a home tied rope footloop break in use? save yourself a little money and tie a loop there will, i'm sure, be recommendations on how to. wait for this posts.I just wanted to say to you all thanks for your kind and thoughtful contributions on this post. Much appreciated and valued. I've made a new loop from a load of old static rope. Cheers!
I did, but it had served about 20 years.Not really a swipe at 'ct' but has anyone here had a home tied rope footloop break in use? save yourself a little money and tie a loop there will, i'm sure, be recommendations on how to. wait for this posts.O.G.