One of the most valuable items you can have in a survival kit and bug-out bag is a good length of rope. It’s a versatile item that can help you accomplish a whole lot of tasks much more easily than without it. Here are just a few to keep in mind.
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Build a Shelter Much More Easily
From lashing branches together to creating wall supports and a roof to providing apex support for a makeshift tent, when you need to get out of the elements quickly, a rope will make that happen much faster.
Related Article: “3 Great Shelter Options for Surviving Unexpected Situations”
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Tie things to your bug-out bag
If you have items you want to include, that don’t fit into your bag, you can secure them to the outside to make it easier to carry.
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Secure Objects in Place
If there is a storm coming up, the rope will help your secure items down to keep them from blowing away.
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Creating a Handle for Heavy Item
Larger, more awkward items can be made easier to carry by wrapping them and creating a handle or “backpack” strapping.
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Create a Ladder for Scavenging and Access
If you are faced with needing to reach survival items like food that is growing out of reach, or you want to make camp in a tree, having a ladder will make that much easier. A long piece of rope or paracord will allow you to create one to meet your needs.
Suggest Article: “Bowline: The Most Important Knot Everyone Needs to Know”
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Building a Trip Wire
Knowing if someone or something is approaching your location it a great defense against unwanted visitors both two-legged and four-legged. Attach a can with some rocks and stretch the line across an area likely to attract something and you’ll hear them coming in enough time to react.
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Tie a Tourniquet
The last thing you want in a survival situation is uncontrolled bleeding. So, if it means the difference between bleeding out or pulling some threads out to stop it, go for the threads.
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Put Together a Stretcher
Used together with tent material, clothing, and tree branches, whether you need to pull an injured person to safety or just want an easier way to transport material to your camp, a stretcher will come in handy.
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Bind a Splint
Use cording to bind sticks to a broken arm or leg to it will stay stable until you can get medical help.
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Make an arm sling
To keep an injured or broken arm more stabilized, even with a splint, you can use your rope to secure the arm to your body, keeping you from moving it excessively and making the injury worse.
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Go Fishing
If you have the desire and the patience, there are two ways you can utilize rope or cordage to get your next meal.
First, use some of the strands attached to a long stick and bait to create a fishing pole.
Second, if you have enough material, make a fishing net to use for trapping, or catching fish in shallow areas.
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Getting a Fire Started
With a section of rope and a pliable stick, you can build a bow drill and create a friction fire.
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Go Hunting
While it won’t be the most effective or prettiest one ever made if you have the knowledge and the desire, consider making a bow and arrow set to bring down the smaller game.
A Must for Any Kit in Any Scenario
As you can see, rope or cordage can come in handy for a multitude of reason. We’ve just touched on a few but more than likely if you ever find yourself in a survival situation, you’ll discover even more ways it can be useful.
