It has been said on more than one occasion that duct tape is the DIY homeowner’s secret weapon. Your typical handyman relies on duct tape to handle everything from fixing broken furniture to holding rusty car panels in place. Well, outdoor enthusiasts have their own version in the cam buckle strap.
The cam buckle strap is a specific type of tiedown that combines a nylon webbing material with a cam buckle to hold everything in place. Cam buckle straps are similar to ratchet straps in both form and function.
So why do outdoor enthusiasts love them? Like duct tape, they have so much to offer. A nice selection of cam buckle straps can replace an entire inventory of ropes, chains, and bungee cords.
How Cam Buckle Straps Work
If you are not familiar with how cam buckle straps work, no worries. They are pretty simple to understand. Imagine a long strap made of nylon webbing material with a metal buckle attached to one end. The cam buckle looks a lot like a belt buckle except that it has a cam over which the strap material travels as it’s threaded through. A spring-loaded mechanism applies downward pressure to keep the strap in place.
You can use cam buckle straps in a variety of configurations. Regardless, tightening a strap down is as easy as threading it through the buckle and pulling it tight. The cam reduces friction so that you don’t have to pull so hard. When you are satisfied with the amount of tension on the strap, you simply let go. The buckle automatically engages to hold the strap in place.
So Many Uses for Cam Buckle Straps
Versatility is the number one reason outdoor enthusiasts love cam buckle straps. Just step back and think of all the things you can do with them. For example:
- Secure a Tent – Cam buckle straps can be used in place of ropes to secure a tent. Unlike ropes, they will not slip when the temperature changes or a tent is exposed to heavy rain.
- Rig an Inflatable Raft – Whitewater rafters typically rig their inflatable rafts with rope. Cam buckle straps are better because they won’t slip. In addition, nylon webbing material doesn’t absorb water.
- Rig a Backpack – Likewise, cam buckle straps can take the place of nylon ropes when rigging a backpack. Use straps to attach your sleeping bag, tent, and any other gear you are carrying.
- Secure Vehicle Cargo – Investing in cam buckle straps means saying goodbye to ropes and bungee cords for securing vehicle cargo. Whether you use a pickup truck or throw cargo on top of your car, cam straps keep it all secure.
There are many more uses not described here. According to the makers of the Rollercam brand, cam buckle straps are an appropriate substitution in nearly all applications that involve ropes and bungee cords.
They Don’t Require Rocket Science
If versatility is the number one reason outdoor enthusiasts appreciate cam buckle straps, the number two reason is the fact that you don’t need a rocket science degree to use them. Deploying a cam strap is as easy as putting on a belt to hold up your trousers. There really isn’t anything complicated about it.
If you are interested in trying cam buckle straps, just know that you don’t want to do it on the cheap. Invest in a high-quality brand instead. The better the quality, the more reliable the product will be. And when it comes to securing cargo, rigging an inflatable raft, and other outdoor applications, you don’t want to take any risks on inferior products.
