Paracord is a lightweight nylon rope that was originally used in the suspension lines of US parachutes during World War II. Soldiers, however, found that this miracle rope was useful for far more than their paratrooper missions. In the ensuing years, both the military and civilians alike have found hundreds if not thousands of uses for paracord. It is available by length, typically 50 to 100 feet
(or more) and in a variety of colors. Many hikers and outdoor sports enthusiasts make or purchase “survival bracelets” made of several feet of paracord which is woven into a compact bracelets that can be unraveled in the field. By the way, you will often see paracord referred to as Paracord 550 means that it has a breaking strength of 550 pounds or more. Now that is strong! Paracord can be used for many purposes such as securing things, removing heavy debris and fixed objects, strapping things together, as a harness to escape a burning building, controlling bleeding as a tourniquet, and the list goes on. You can even unravel the cord and use the individual strands as a fishing line or as thread to sew on a button. Wonderful stuff.
44 Ways to Use Paracord for Prepping and Survival
1.Secure a tent
2.Secure a tarp between trees
3.Hang tools from your belt
4.Hang tools from around your neck
5.Secure things to the outside of your backpack
6.Make a tourniquet
7.Secure a splint
8.Make a sling for your arm
9.Make an emergency belt to hold your pants up
10.Make emergency suspenders
11.Replace a broken bra strap (it happens)
12.Replace broken or missing shoe laces
13.Repair a zipper pull
14.Secure your boat or skiff to a tree
15.Make a tow line; double or triple up for extra strength
16.Create a makeshift lanyard
17.String a clothesline
18.Hang something up off the ground
19.Rig a pulley system
20.Make traps and snares
21.Replace damaged or missing draw strings in 22.packs, bags and sweat pants
23.Keep rolled up items secure
24.Create a neckerchief slide
25.Tie objects together for easier transport
26.Make a rope
27.Make a hammock
28.Make a sack for carrying groceries or gear
29.Bundle stuff together
30.Tie tall garden vegetable plants to stakes
31.Make a pet leash
32.Make a pet collar
33.Secure a garbage-bag rain poncho around your body to keep you dry
34.Hang food in trees to keep the bears away
35.Tie stuff down so it will not blow away in a storm
36.Create a trip wire
37.Create makeshift hand cuffs
38.Tie bad guys or intruders to a tree or chair
49.Tie people together on a trail so that they keep together
40.Identify members of a group using different colored armbands or bracelets
41.Use as sewing thread (inner threads)
42.Use as fishing line (inner threads)
43.Emergency dental floss (inner threads)
44.Emergency suture material (inner threads) when there is nothing else available
45.Make arts and crafts to stave off boredom