You’re on your big annual (or monthly, or even weekly for you hardcore wilderness fans) camping trip out in the middle of the woods. Everything is going great and then two days in your shoelace somehow breaks on the middle of a hike, or you can’t find your matches and forget the striker at home. You could: a) pack up and head home – but we know that’s not your style. Or b) whip out your Metal Worn paracord bracelet or lanyard, fix the issue and continue connecting with nature. Decided on Plan B right?
Our Metal Worn paracord products are made in the USA and tested for toughness, plus our custom, handmade Titanium beads give it just enough flash to make your survival tool unique. Think you’re tough enough to make it in the wild without the extra help? Think again. Here are 10 ways paracord can really come in handy in emergency survival situations:
1. Replace a shoelace
It might sound ridiculous, but it happens. Your shoelace can snag on a bush or in the middle of pulling it tight it can rip. If you burn the edges of each end, you can easily restring your shoe using paracord and be able to continue on.
2. Repair a backpack
More often than the previous situation, you’ll find yourself with a broken backpack or bag. In those cases, use the parachute cord to replace the ripped strap or you the thin inner lining as thread to patch up holes.
3. Catch some fish
Again, the inner part of the cord can be used as a fishing line. In some cases, depending on the color of the rope, you can even keep it intact (if it’s blue or black for instance) and use it to catch your next meal.
4. Build a shelter
If you have a piece of tarp with you, then your shelter is set! Simply tied the paracord around two points (like two trees) and lay the tarp over it. You can also get extremely crafty and make a hammock.
5. Start a fire
This one can be a little tricky, but with a bit of practice you’ll be able to start a fire in a pinch as long as you have the cord and two pieces of wood. Use the paracord and a long branch to fashion a bow, then place the bow string around the middle of a spindle (your other piece of wood). On top of some tinder, move the bow back and forth rapidly to create friction until there’s a spark and the fire starts. At the very least, if you happen to have any sort of fire starter around, the inner layer of the rope can be used as kindle, since it hold a flame pretty well.
6. Create a splint
Even the most seasoned outdoor enthusiast can run into some trouble during a camping trip or expedition. Whether it’s a sprained ankle or knee or a broken finger, the rope can be used to anchor the wounded area against a rigid surface like a log or board.
7. Make a tourniquet
Things can get messy in the wild. Tightly tie the string around a limb to stop bleeding until the injured person can receive medical help.
8. Mark a trail
Tie brightly colored pieces of paracord to trees or bushes if you plan on doing any hiking off-trail, that way you have a solid marking system to find your way back to camp.
9. Hang your gear
Bears and raccoons are notorious for sniffing out food, so hang it – or other parts of your gear – up in a tree to keep them from getting to your goods.
10. Beat boredom
Not every wilderness trip need is a life or death situation. Sometimes the only threat is dying of boredom, and in that case, unwind your paracord for a little bit of arts and crafts or use it as a jump rope and get a decent workout in.
If you find yourself out and about in the wilderness you don’t want to be caught without this essential survival tool. Metal Worn parachute bracelets and lanyards are stylish enough for everyday wear – to purchase your handmade, personalized product visit our shop now or contact us for more info.