Paracord: The Most Versatile Item in Your Bug-Out Bag

by TESS PENNINGTON June 13, 2012

No fashion accessory says "prepper" more than a paracord bracelet.  With that around your wrist, you have at least 10 feet of 550 pound test rope.  The cord is made of many tiny strands and can also be unravelled if a thinner cord is necessary.

Paracord, according to Wikipedia, is a "light weight nylon kernmantle rope originally used in the suspension lines of US parachute during World War II.  Once in the field, paratroopers found this cord useful for many other tasks.  It is now used as a general purpose utility cord by both military personnel and civilians."

The question isn't "What can you do with paracord?"  It's "What can't you do with paracord?"

Here are some ideas for what paracord can be used for.  Some of these would use the cord in its entirety, while others would call for the cord to be unravelled with single strands being called into duty.

50 Ways to Utilize Paracord in a Survival Situation

1.     Bear bag

2.     Belt

3.     Bow drill for fire starting

4.     Clothesline

5.     Dental floss

6.     Dog collar

7.     Fish stringer

8.     Fishing line

9.     Hair tie

10.  Hammock

11.  Handcuffs

12.  Hatband

13.  Handle on an improvised weapon

14.  Key fob

15.  Lanyard

16.  Leash

17.  Net

18.  Pulley system

19.  Rappelling (Only in extreme emergency - not designed for this)

20.  Repairing broken equipment

21.  Repairing flip flops or sandals

22.  Repairing torn clothing

23.  Replacement drawstring for bags or clothing

24.  Replacement handle for bags or totes

25.  Replacement hardware for doors or drawers

26.  Replacement shoelaces

27.  Rifle sling

28.  Rope ladder

29.  Secure an animal by tying it to something

30.  Secure a tent or shelter

31.  Secure outdoor items during a windstorm

32.  Shoelaces

33.  Sling

34.  Slingshot

35.  Snare

36.  Snowshoe assembly using branches and paracord

37.  Stitch a wound or repair tore clothing

38.  Stretcher for an injured or ill person

39.  Suspenders

40.  Tie down items to a vehicle roof rack

41.  Tie on a splint

42.  Tie things to your belt or belt loops

43.  Tie up an intruder

44.  Tourniquet

45.  Tow rope

46.  Travois for hauling supplies

47.  Tripwire

48.  Water filter

49.  Watchband

50.  Zipper pull

You're really only limited by your own creativity.

Speaking of creativity, paracord bracelets can be ordered from Amazon, but it's simple and fun to make your own.  This video shows you how to tie the cobra knot to create your own bracelet.  Once you've mastered the basic knot, there's no need to stop with bracelets: you can create belts, hatbands or key fobs to be sure that you always have this vital survival element close at hand!