In the last few years, paracord has become popular, mainly as bracelets and pouches. There are several forms, shapes, and colors out there. This post will define what it is and some of the creative ways you can use it for your survival.
What is Paracord?
Paracord is the portmanteau of the words “parachute cord”. It was initially designed for skydiving. The most popular paracord is 550, which can carry up to 550 lbs. It’s made of plastic braided nylon. This means that if you keep a flame near it, it would melt. It is heavier, lighter and smaller than other ropes, making it versatile for several different uses.
How is Paracord Used for Survival?
Emergency Situations
Build a shelter by connecting branches with a paracord if you have nowhere else to go. Cut open the cord and strip threads inside to connect a hook and you’ve got an improvised fishing line. It can also be used for high loads as other gear, water buckets or another human if they get injured and if you have enough. If you are lost in the forest and have to find food, you can use paracord for snares.
Wilderness First Aid
If you break the bone while you’re outside, use a cord and a relatively straight stick to make a splint before you can get more medical aid. If you get a sprain, it’s quick to make a sling to take the weight off the injured appendage. If the condition is severe, use the rope as a tourniquet to avoid bleeding to death.
To prevent rope burn, tie a cloth such as a t-shirt around a person’s arm. Then tie the rope around their arm and back behind their head to hold their arm steady and to avoid any injury. A splint is like a sling to hold the limb straight and you can tie it to their appendage.
Survival Gear
Paracord is useful for making cords, phone pouches, knives and small tin cans. It may also make handles for walking sticks. Most knives have a hole in the lanyard, and paracord is the best fit for that. With any knot-binding skills, you can create lanyards in various shapes and styles. Brightly colored paracord can be tied around gear, making them easy to spot and harder to lose in your backpack and in the outdoors. This is particularly useful for pockets and organizers with similar colors.
Your Fellow Patriot,
Steven Bryant
