I keep a variety of bungee cords in a zipper pouch and don't often use them. But on a June trip to the coast, I put up my Clam shelter, and the wind began to blow. I wouldn't do this in a high wind, but I put stakes of decent size in the ground, hooked a three foot bungee into the stake and to the loop in the middle of the Clam. It worked very well, and was very quick to take down also. They were stretched a little, but not much.
And thanks to the person who suggested using a bungee cord for a paper towel roller, I love it.
Some other ideas for bungees I like for camping are short clothesline, garbage bag hanger, curtain rod if needed,--maybe hooked onto cup hooks or something, chest strap to keep backpack on, hang things from easy-up tent cross pieces, keep small items on shelves, hang a tarp for shelter, and whatever!
The other thing I like to keep on hand is "550 cord/paracord". I make sure it is the "military" version vs the new stuff they are selling at craft stores, original 550 cord is a much better quality then the craft variety. Thin, light weight, but strong. If I can't bungee it then 550 cord to the rescue. Burn the ends a little and it won't fray and unravel.
I have some cord on a spool also in the tool bag. I don't go to craft stores, and it looks like it would do ok, but I will check out 550 and see if it's different. One needs to tie down the shower tent at the coast, but the stakes pull out of sandy soil rather easily. There have been times when better to do without the privacy tent or the Clam, and especially not use the ARB awning in wind.
