How did this drawstring on my 200eg get so long?

This bag has been in storage for years, since I upgraded. I took it out thinking to use it for cheaper gear, but how the heck did the drawstring get so long? I compare it to online photos and they arent so lengthy... it looks like a good 3 feet.

Without knowing what the strings are made of it is tough to say. They are likely some kind of Lycra. Poly lycra is pretty touch stuff but will break down over time. Nylon lycra tends to go a lot faster. Water and sun accelerate the breakdown. The same thing happens to clothes that contain Lycra.

The shock cord loses its elasticity. Ends up being the length it would stretch when new. Easy to replace from stores like REI or outdoor outfitters, 35-50 cents per foot.

NDAPhoto wrote in post #18762374
The shock cord loses its elasticity. Ends up being the length it would stretch when new. Easy to replace from stores like REI or outdoor outfitters, 35-50 cents per foot.

Also craft and fabric stores like A C Moore, Joann Fabrics and Hobby Lobby (closed Sunday) carry it. They call it elastic cord and it typically is about $2 for 5 yards. Several colors exist.

This hasn't happened to mine yet, but the above comments about elastic
are spot-on. It deteriorates, losing elasticity and lengthening.
This commonly happens in low-humidity environments.

I'll replace mine with nylon cords if/when the need arises.

That's interesting... That seems to be exactly what happened.