We just bought a new tent and will need to attach the tie down ropes to the fly. My husband suggested using reflective rope instead of what came with the tent. My failing memory seems to recall something about the reflective rope being abrasive and could damage tent material. Does anyone use this or have experience with it?

I seem to recall the same thing, something about the reflective strand being abrasive. To be on the safe side, I would install sacrificial loops to the fly's loops where the reflective rope would be attached.

Reflective rope will have minute glass beads in it which can be abrasive.

I have used this cord and it is very abrasive because of above comments. Use a small loop then you can tie this cord onto the loop. The cord works good at night, it lights up like the 4th of July with a flashlight.

I have tried several reflective cords and they seem to be improving.

The latest I've tried is from Cooke Custom sewing. By touch, it feels indistinguishable from the non-reflective version.


Good Luck

Reflective Yellow Tracer 1/8" Poly Cord

Doesn't have "glass beads" in the cord just a strip of flexible reflective material woven into the cord (like the reflective patches on jackets or shoes). Big Agnes uses it on their tents and it's great for locating tent and cords from a distance with even a weak flash. I don't think it is noticeably that much more abrasive than regular nylon cord. CCS sells it at a good price.

The reflective is abrasive but can be dealt with and works good. I found "glow in the dark" caving cordage that I like a lot better. Paracord Glow In The Dark is not my supplier (mlhwilderness on Ebay, no longer in business).

butthead

PS: Outdoor Recreation Supply Multiple colors! bh

I use Lawson Reflective Glowire, and have not noticed any abrasion issues. Small sacrificial loop, as mentioned, if you want to be extra safe.

Dutchware's Reflect-it is pretty soft, super light and super strong. Just a strip of mylar, so I can't imagine it would hurt a thing.

https://dutchwaregear.com/product/reflect-it/

And never tie a knot again for tensioning:

https://dutchwaregear.com/product/slide-lock/

I use the Nite-Ize stuff for tarps and have never had an issue abrading my gear.
Nite-Ize Reflective Cordage

Thanks for all the options. I kind of like the glow in the dark stuff, but wonder about those cloudy days, or when we travel a lot and the rope doesn't get any sun time. I never thought of adding a loop, then tiring the reflective rope to it. I think I might actually get both and see which I like better. thanks

The big advantage that I have found with this type of cord is that my headlamp illuminates in the dark. This prevents me from clotheslining-myself on the way to the latrine :).

" I kind of like the glow in the dark stuff, but wonder about those cloudy days, or when we travel a lot and the rope doesn't get any sun time. "

It picks up light from flashlights very well, even cloudy days will get it to glow in the dark for some time. Just another option.

butthead

I've had reflective line on my old MSR tarp for about 8 years. Been through quiet a few trips with strong winds, and I've never noticed any sign of abrasion on the tie out loops. After all, it's not like the line is sawing back and forth.

I have had the Kelty TripTease on two tarps for years and it has held up well. heavier than some of the newer reflective lines. it is easy to tie. It has been good for me. Look around for other sources, I just linked the first thing that came up on Amazon.