I’ve been camping ever since I was a small child. My parents firmly believed in giving my siblings and me the skills needed to conquer the great outdoors. One of the first things I learned to do while camping was how to create a “harness” out of paracord. The harness can be used to lower injured hikers down a mountain and it could just save a life one day! However, you can do more than create a harness out of paracord, you can create several other paracord projects perfect for survival, as well. If you’re ever in a dangerous situation in the wilderness, one of these paracord projects may just save your life. Keep reading for more.
1. Secure a tent tarp. Believe it or not, paracord is much stronger than rope and makes for a great tool when you need to secure a tent tarp or tie a sleeping back to a backpack. Paracord is tough. Just wait and see!
2. Makeshift Snare. If you’re stuck in the wilderness, rest assured that you can catch live prey with a snare made from one of the strands inside the paracord. You can trap ANYTHING with one of these makeshift snares.
3. Fishing Line. If worst comes to worst, one of the inside strands of paracord makes for a great fishing line! You’ll just have to find something that works for a hook.
4. Paracord Dogleash. Create a dog leash out of yards of braided paracord. Your furry friend will love it and in an emergency situation, you can untie the leash and use it however you need to. You’ll have to braid your dog leash before you head out, or else this probably won’t do you much good.
5. Create a Tripwire. When you’re out in the wild alone, it can be stressful. Especially at night when you feel exposed to just about everything! Use your paracord to create a “tripwire” around your campsite. When something walks across it you’ll be immediately alerted so you can protect yourself.
6. Keep Your Food Safe. Use a line of paracord to string and secure your food (a prized possession) high up in a tree. You definitely don’t want any wildlife trekking through your camp and this trick will help keep you safe.
7. Start A Fire. Starting a fire without kindling, or other needed materials seems impossible sometimes. Fortunately, paracord burns great and many survivalists use it to create a fuse.
8. Makeshift Tourniquet. Injuries are scary enough as it is can you imagine having one out in the woods? If you ever have to set a bone or stop heavy bleeding, a length of paracord makes for a lovely tourniquet. Learn how to make a paracord tourniquet here.
9. Tie a Rucksack. If you need another carrying device, use paracord to tie a fabric scrap around a stick. You’ll feel like you’re in an old-fashioned movie..which may help lighten the mood!
10. Fix A Broken Zipper Pull. If you broke your sleeping bag zipper pull, never fear! Tie a bit of paracord to fix your zipper! It makes things more convenient, and even adds a cool pop of color.
11. Collect Water. Running out of water is terrifying and super dangerous. Tie a knot on the end of your paracord and put it inside of a plastic water bottle. Place this contraption in a damp area, and water will begin to collect inside the bottle.
12. Create a Pullcord. If you tore the pullcord off the engine of your boat, you can create a makeshift pullcord out of a long piece of paracord. Pullcord is great for many boat related emergencies!
And there you have it! Handy paracord projects to help you with all sorts of situations!