Backpacks are designed to carry plenty of essentials, but there are always times when you need to strap extra gear to the outside. Whether it’s a sleeping pad, water bottle, fishing rod, or even an emergency rain jacket, securing items externally keeps them handy and saves interior space. Many packs come with straps and loops for this purpose, but what if you need more options? That’s where zip ties come in.
Zip ties are simple, strong, and versatile. They can fasten gear to almost any pack, giving you a quick, inexpensive way to expand carrying capacity. This guide explains how to strap gear to packs with zip ties, from everyday hikes to rugged camping trips, and shows how to use them effectively without compromising comfort or safety.
Why Use Zip Ties for Packs
The main appeal of zip ties is their adaptability. Unlike sewn-in straps or bungee cords, they can be added wherever you need them. If your backpack lacks attachment points, zip ties create them instantly. They hold tightly, resist slipping, and are lightweight enough to carry spares without adding bulk.
Zip ties are also cheap and easy to replace. Unlike straps that require sewing if they break, you can swap out a tie in seconds. For outdoor enthusiasts, carrying a small handful of zip ties is like carrying a portable repair kit, ready to handle unexpected situations on the trail.
Choosing the Right Zip Ties
Not all zip ties are suitable for securing outdoor gear. The type you choose makes a big difference in strength, durability, and convenience.
- Standard nylon ties: Work well for light gear like flashlights, ponchos, or gloves.
- Heavy-duty ties: Wider and stronger, better for heavier items such as sleeping mats or camp chairs.
- UV-resistant ties: Last longer under sunlight, ideal for multi-day treks.
- Reusable ties: Great for gear you plan to remove and reattach often.
- Colored ties: Useful for organising by category or for quickly spotting gear at camp.
A mix of heavy-duty and reusable ties usually covers most backpacking needs.
Tools and Materials You Will Need
To strap gear securely to your pack, gather:
- Zip ties in different sizes (small for light items, large for bulky gear)
- Scissors, multi-tool, or small cutters for trimming ties when you’re done
- Optional: carabiners or D-rings for added flexibility
- Your backpack and the gear you plan to strap
These simple tools allow you to improvise custom attachment points almost anywhere on your pack.
Step 1: Plan Your Gear Layout
Before fastening anything, think about balance and accessibility. Heavy gear should be strapped close to your back and as low as possible to maintain stability. Light gear can be attached higher up or on the sides. Frequently used items, like water bottles or rain gear, should be easy to reach without unpacking.
Planning ahead reduces the risk of straining your back or throwing off your balance. A poorly placed item can swing as you walk, creating discomfort or even danger on uneven trails.
Step 2: Create Attachment Points
Many backpacks come with loops, daisy chains, or straps, but zip ties can create new attachment points if needed. Thread a heavy-duty tie through a section of webbing or around a frame bar, leaving a small loop. This loop acts like a gear lash point.
You can add multiple loops to customise where items attach. These makeshift anchors are especially useful on minimalist packs or school-style backpacks that lack external gear systems.
Step 3: Secure Small Items
For small gear like flashlights, utility knives, or gloves, use short zip ties. Loop them through a pack strap or MOLLE webbing and tighten around the item. Make sure the tie holds snugly but not so tight that it damages the item.
If you want to keep access easy, leave a little slack so you can slide the gear in and out without cutting the tie each time. Reusable zip ties work particularly well here, as they can be opened and closed repeatedly.
Step 4: Strap Larger Gear
Bulky items like sleeping pads, tripods, or tent poles require stronger ties. Use two or three heavy-duty ties spaced evenly around the item to prevent shifting. Thread them through attachment loops or your custom zip tie anchors, then cinch tightly.
When strapping large gear, avoid letting it extend too far from your body. Gear that sticks out can snag branches or throw off your center of gravity. Keep items as flush against the pack as possible for safety and comfort.
Step 5: Secure Water Bottles or Containers
Not every backpack has dedicated bottle pockets. If you need to carry extra water or fuel containers, zip ties can create secure holders. Loop two or three ties around the container, leaving enough space to slip it in and out. Attach the loops to a side strap or anchor point.
For added stability, tie containers at both the top and bottom. This prevents them from swinging as you walk. Reusable ties are best for bottles you’ll want to remove frequently.
Step 6: Add Emergency Gear
Some items should always be accessible in case of emergencies, such as a first aid kit, whistle, or emergency poncho. Attach these to the outside of your pack using colored zip ties for quick visibility.
If you need to grab them fast, use ties loosely or opt for reusable types. This way, you avoid wasting precious seconds cutting ties during a stressful moment.
Step 7: Reinforce Weak Pack Straps
Zip ties are not only for attaching extra gear but also for reinforcing your pack itself. If a strap or buckle breaks mid-hike, you can patch it by looping a heavy-duty zip tie through the webbing. This acts as a makeshift repair until you can fix or replace the pack properly.
This emergency use highlights why many hikers consider zip ties as essential as duct tape for field repairs. They add resilience to both gear strapping and backpack reliability.
Safety Considerations
Zip ties are strong but not indestructible. Overloading them can cause sudden breakage, risking loss of gear. Always choose ties rated for the weight of the item you’re carrying, and double up when in doubt.
Avoid sharp tie ends pointing outward, as they can scratch your skin or snag clothing. Trim ends flush after tightening. Finally, never secure items in a way that blocks access to essential pack compartments—you don’t want to cut ties every time you need something inside.
Long-Term Maintenance
Zip ties exposed to sunlight and outdoor conditions can weaken over time. Check your ties before each trip, replacing any that show signs of brittleness or cracking. Carry a small stash of spares in your kit so you’re always prepared to add or swap ties as needed.
If you use reusable ties, clean them after each trip. Dirt and grit can wear down the locking mechanism. Keeping them in good condition extends their lifespan and reliability.
Advantages of Using Zip Ties for Gear Strapping
Zip ties bring several unique benefits to outdoor packing:
- Lightweight and compact, easy to carry extras
- Strong enough to secure heavy or awkward items
- Customisable attachment points for any pack style
- Cheap and quick to replace if one fails
- Useful for both gear strapping and emergency repairs
Their versatility makes them one of the most practical tools for hikers, campers, and adventurers alike.
Creative Uses for Zip Ties on Packs
Outdoor enthusiasts often discover new tricks with zip ties. Some use them to attach trekking poles diagonally across the pack, saving interior space. Others create makeshift loops for carabiners, expanding attachment options. Brightly colored ties can even serve as trail markers, tied temporarily to branches along a route.
For those who fish or hunt, zip ties secure rods, game bags, or even bundled wood to a pack frame. Their potential goes far beyond simple strapping, making them a multipurpose ally in the outdoors.
Final Thoughts
Strapping gear to the outside of a backpack is often necessary, especially on long hikes or camping trips. Zip ties provide a simple, cost-effective way to expand your pack’s capacity, secure items tightly, and make emergency repairs when needed. By choosing the right ties, planning your gear layout, and applying them strategically, you can keep your load organised and stable on the trail.
While they are not a substitute for purpose-built straps or MOLLE systems, zip ties are an invaluable backup and improvisation tool. With just a few in your kit, you gain flexibility, security, and peace of mind every time you head outdoors.
For more insights and tips on cable ties and other related products, explore cabletiesunlimited.com, get a quick and free quote, and follow us on our social media communities on Facebook and Instagram!