Shut-off valve fitting waxed hemp vs unwaxed hemp vs teflon tape?
Hemp is natural fiber will last but adding wax helps to lubricate and will last longer , for the longest lasting valve stem packing I use PFTE. PFTE rope not tape although tape will work with enough wraps the "rope" comes in different sizes, PFTE won't freeze like hemp that has some water in it, PFTE in a powered form is a great lubricant where hemp can be a bit abrasive over the years. Both are goodproducts but I would use Teflon over hemp and the best option would be the rope or round PFTE products tape will work but it takes a lot of wraps.