Uses For Paracord
Parachute cord or “paracord” is good for more than just keeping you alive when the need for adventure and a rush of adrenaline kicks in. Versatile, lightweight, and strong, it’s the perfect tool to keep around for moments when you need to improvise.
Deemed as one of the most popular survival tools, this stretchy and durable rope could be the solution to any tricky situation. The great news is that its easy on the pocket and can be purchased from most hardware stores.
Let’s take a quick look at a few of our favorite things that this nifty item can be used for:
1. Build A Shelter
If you’re the type who loves to head out onto the paths less beaten with the intention of spending days out in the middle of nowhere and beyond, then our advice is – pack your paracord. If you’re hardcore and know your way around the wild, you could even lighten your load and ditch your backpacking tent altogether because guess what? Paracord’s got your back!
Yup, more than just a long ropey thing, this tool can help to keep you snug and warm when you need a roof over your head. Simply use the cord to tie sticks and branches together, creating a wall, roof, or dome. Cover with leaves or a tarp and there you have a makeshift tent.
Got kids? Use this idea of tying branches together to build a fort for the little guys.
2. Start A Fire
It’s time to light the fire but you’ve left those darn lighters at home. Problem solved! Paracords are excellent fire starters.
This stretchy cord can be used as tinder to start a fire and works brilliantly even when the conditions are wet and miserable. Here’s how:
- Unravel your cord and snip off a piece that’s two to four inches in length
- Remove the inner strands or “guts” of the paracord and set them aside as tinder
- Find yourself a flat surface and collect some firewood so that you can add “fuel” to your flames as soon as they are ready
- Place the tinder onto your flat surface and surround it with small twigs and leaves (things that will encourage it to burn hot and heavy)
- Light your improvised tinder and start adding your firewood to create a good-sized fire
3. Make A Paracord Survival Bracelet
Crafters love this versatile rope and it’s been used to make many fashionable bracelets. Apart from looking attractive, however, these wristbands are an excellent way to carry this versatile material on your person. This way you can always ensure that you have it readily available for more dire situations at all times.
The question is, what can you do with smaller lengths of the cord?
Smaller lengths of paracord can be used as tourniquets to slow down the blood flow in the case of a severe wound. You can tie them to trees so that you don’t get lost (or so that you do get found) and the threads can even be pulled apart for stitching things together. Use them to tie your hair back or to keep tent poles well-stacked. Again, the uses are almost endless!
A paracord survival bracelet would make the ideal gift and if you ever want to spoil yourself with a lifesaving gadget that makes you look stylish too – then you know exactly what you need.
4. Boot Laces
Perhaps not as exciting as our other suggestions but just as practical – you can use this type of cord to keep those waterproof boots strapped securely to your feet.
Just picture this: you’re out hiking and one of your lace’s snaps. Instead of enduring an uncomfortable walk back home, simply unravel some of your paracord and, well, Bob’s your uncle! You’ve got yourself a comfy pair of hiking shoes or boots that ain’t going anywhere.
With all of the bright and brilliant colors available, you can also add a touch of flair to your shoes and turn drab to dazzling.
5. Climbing Rope
When used in parachutes this cord is used to bring you safely down to the ground – but why not use it to get you moving in the opposite direction too! This cord makes awesome climbing rope. It’s strong and sturdy and easy to grip.
You can even twist separate cords together to make a stronger and more reliable rope.
While we do not encourage you to tackle cliffs and extreme heights with this makeshift rope, you certainly can get yourself over a wall or up a tree or two.
6. Clothesline
Again, this is perhaps not one of the most of exhilarating uses that paracord has, but it is a useful one none-the-less.
If you are out camping and need to hang your river-washed clothes, simply tie the two ends of your cord to separate trees and – washing line complete!
If you’re home and the clothes’ lined is maxed out with a week’s laundry – whip out your paracord and get those garments dry!
With this handy cord at your disposal, there is simply no excuse for not getting your chores done.
And what else?
Paracord can pretty much do it all, it just takes a little innovative thinking. Other uses can include:
- Cord for a hunting bow
- A hair tie-back
- Tent cords
- Trotlines for fishing
- A tow-rope
We really could go on and on with this list but the bottom line is that if you do not have this cord-type in your home, your car boot, and your hiking waterproof backpack – then it’s time to head to your nearest hardware store for the best investment ever! Who knows, it could be your lifesaver.
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