Ranger bands are basically rubber bands that keep gear organized, out of the way, and secure. They are thin and come in varying widths. Ranger bands can be used to double-up AR mags, attach items together, keep straps folded up and secured, just to name a few uses. You can order them from various companies, or, you can save the money and make them yourself.
Ranger bands can be made easily, relatively quickly, and quite possibly, for free. All you need is a bicycle inner-tube. Don’t go to the store and buy new inner-tubes. Go to your local bicycle shop and ask if they have any inner-tubes that they have removed from flat tires. In my experience, they have piles of them they are just waiting to throw away. They’re already trash. The shop will likely give them to you for free. You can make quite a few ranger bands from just a few inner-tubes. Just find the segment of the inner-tube that is punctured or torn and cut it out.
All you need from there is a pair of medium-duty scissors and you’re all set.
Making your own ranger bands gives you the freedom to make the bands any width you would like. If you want ½ inch, go for it. If you want 1 ½ inch, great. Whatever width you would like, you only have to cut the bands to that width. Just keep your cuts straight and make one smooth cut all the way across the inner-tube and you’ll have a rather sturdy band that resists tearing. If there are any notches, or splits, the band will have a weak point that will continue to tear through.
If you’re looking for a project that is virtually free (minus the cost of a good pair of scissors that can be used for years to come), yields a sizable return, and can be done almost anywhere, consider making ranger bands.
Don’t just prepare, prepare to thrive.
