Abstract: A composite cable is formed by wrapping plural separately jacketed cables in a helical fashion by an outer containment element, such as a jacket formed as a strip of material. Air gaps may exist between wound strands of the outer jacket to expose the inner cables. Two or more strip-like outer jackets may be helically wound about the plural cables in opposing directions wherein one outer jacket overlaps the other outer jacket. Alternatively, the two outer jackets may overlap and underlap each other and form a basket weave pattern. The outer jacket material may be stored on a spool and unwound to helically wrap the bundled cables.