Bungee Cords vs Tack Strap: Which Is Better for Outdoor Gear?

Every Kiwi has a tangle of bungee cords lying around in the garage, the ute, or the boat shed. They’re cheap, handy, and great for holding down the odd load — until they slip, snap, or stretch beyond use.

If you’ve ever watched your chilly bin slide around the back of your ute, or heard your kayak straps buzzing loose on the motorway, you’ll know the frustration. That’s why more people are asking: are bungee cords really the best way to secure outdoor gear in New Zealand?

Enter the Tack Strap — a smarter, safer alternative designed to keep your gear locked down, even when the road (or trail) gets rough.

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Why Kiwis Use Bungee Cords (and Where They Fail)

Bungees are everywhere because they’re:

• Cheap — pick up a pack at nearly any hardware or petrol station.

• Quick — hook and stretch, job done.

• Compact — easy to chuck in a glovebox or backpack.

But here’s the flip side:

• They slip. Standard hooks don’t grip well, especially on metal or plastic surfaces.

• They wear out. NZ’s strong UV and salty coastal air chew through cheap rubber fast.

• They don’t fit every load. Too short, too long, or stretched to breaking point.

• They can be unsafe. Overstretched cords ping back with enough force to cause injury.

So while they’re okay for strapping down a tarp or holding a boot closed, they’re not the best choice for serious outdoor gear.

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What Makes Tack Strap Different

Tack Strap was designed as a next-gen tie down system — built to outperform old-school bungees. Here’s how it stacks up:

• Non-slip grip pad → sits directly on your gear, applying focused downward pressure so nothing shifts.

• Center of Pressure Technology (CoP Tech) → stops cords vibrating loose on bumpy roads.

• Adjustable 30” cords → stretch up to 55”, making them useful for awkward loads.

• Steel-core hooks → tougher than the bendy wire on most bungees.

• UV resistant → built for NZ’s sun and outdoor conditions.

It’s not just about holding gear down — it’s about keeping it secure, so you can focus on the adventure, not your straps.

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Which Is Better for Outdoor Gear?

• For motorbikes and ATVs: Tack Strap’s grip pad keeps bikes stable on trailers — bungees can’t.

• For kayaks and paddleboards: Tack Strap stays tight on roof racks, even after hours of driving.

• For camping gear: Tack Strap adapts to different shapes (tents, chilly bins, tarps).

• For everyday ute loads: Tack Strap won’t snap loose when you hit a pothole.

Simply put: bungees are fine for light, temporary jobs. But for valuable outdoor gear, Tack Strap is safer, stronger, and more reliable.

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The Verdict: Upgrade Your Tie Downs

If you’re serious about keeping your gear safe on NZ roads and trails, it’s time to upgrade from traditional bungees.

• Bungees = basic, cheap, unreliable.

• Tack Strap = secure, versatile, built for Kiwi conditions.

👉 Don’t risk your gear (or your safety). Shop Tack Strap today and see why it’s the smarter choice for outdoor adventures.