Have you ever wondered why so many survivalists wear paracord bracelets? While some consider them stylish, there is also a secret to them that not many know.
Here is the truth; paracord bracelets are multi-purpose tools in disguise.
Thats right. Paracord bracelets provide many utilities for different survival situations. Anyone who considers themselves a true survivalist must always wear one when planning to enter a primitive environment.
But what are some examples of paracord bracelets uses?
The goal of this article is to help inform you of why having a paracord bracelet is a must-have item for hardcore survivalists. You will also see fourteen examples of paracord bracelets that you could try while primitive camping.
Let’s dive in.
What Makes Paracord So Special?
If you are unfamiliar with paracord, then you should know that it is considered one of the most robust materials in the world.
Paracord is made of nylon, and it is very strong. The paracord’s strength can hold anywhere between 90 to 550 pounds, depending on the quality you buy. It is also very flexible and can stretch to great lengths without breaking.
As you can imagine, having a paracord handy is an excellent tool for any survivalist or planner. Having it in bracelet form is convenient as it eliminates the burden of carrying it loosely in your bags. Whenever an emergency occurs that requires rope, just unravel your bracelet.
Now that you know the main benefits of paracord, below are fourteen paracord bracelet uses that every survivalist should know.
1. Emergency Shelter
If you’re out in the woods, one of the first things that should be on your mind is shelter. Finding or building a shelter can be tricky. Having a paracord bracelet can help you improvise in emergencies.
One of the easiest and quickest ways to build an emergency shelter is by using a tarp. If you have one handy, you could use your paracord to connect it to a tree to create a roof over your head.
Don’t have a tarp? Gathering logs and branches could also create a “lean-to” shelter. With the right knowledge of basic knots, you could tie them to other branches or logs to provide an overhead shelter.
Check out the video below to see an example of what a lean-to shelter looks like.
2. Hanging a Hammock
A hammock can provide excellent comfort and shelter when camping. Aside from finding two trees with the right width from each other, another common issue is not having a strong string to tie it.
Cue the parcord bracelet! Paracord is the perfect tool for tying a hammock. Looping the paracord a few times around the tree and tying effective knots will help keep the hammock stable for your relaxation purposes.
3. Hanging Clothes
Having wet clothes is more serious than you think. Wearing wet clothes can cause hypothermia, which can lead to death.
Ideally, you would have a change of clothes handy. Otherwise, you would be better off stripping down until your clothes are dry.
The best way to dry your clothes in nature is to hang them in facing sunlight. Survailaist who carry paracord bracelets could unravel it and use it as a sturdy clothesline by tying the ends of the cord to a tree and securing it with knots.
The clothes should dry quickly if hung directly in the sunlight.
4. Catching Fish
Aside from shelter, food should be the next item on your priority list while camping. Luckily for you, paracord can be used to help you get food.
One of the best sources of protein you can get is fish. If you are by a source of fish and happen to have some paracord, then you are in luck! Paracord can be used to make fishing lines, and it works very well due to its strength.
It’s also possible to make a fishing net too. Making a net is somewhat time-consuming. If you want to see a demonstration of someone making a fishing net out of paracord, check out the video below.
5. Snare Traps
Fish isn’t the only thing that Paracord can put on the menu. A paracord bracelet can also allow you to make small snare traps for catching critters, such as rabbits and squirrels.
With a few rocks and sturdy sticks, you can create a trap that pulls tightly so that an animal can become snared in your trap. You must make the slip not wide enough for the animal to be snared.
Check out the video below for an example of a trap being built.
6. Bear Bag
Keeping your food safe from wildlife is something that can be easily forgotten. Having your food supply stolen can be devastating to your chances of survival. Even worse, it could be fatal if it attracts a bear.
If you are camping in the woods, storing your food in a bear bag should be considered. Paracord is helpful, especially if you have a lot of heavy food.
Bear bags must be 12 feet off the ground and 100 feet from the campsite. Using your bracelet paracord, you can find a tall tree to tie and hoast your bear bag high enough to keep bears and other animals away.
7. Rescue Line
Having a rescue line is a must for any survivalist. Paracord can help offer you a means of escape in sticky situations. Its durability makes it useful for tethering.
One common situation is that a rescue line helps save someone from drowning. With Paracord, you shouldn’t have to worry about it snapping. Another example is that it could lift someone who is stuck on a ledge and needs help being lifted out.
8. Starting a Fire
Believe it or not, some paracords can be used as fire tinder, although it is challenging and generally recommended only if you are in a desperate situation.
You need to break the plastic covering to start a fire using a paracord. The cheaper paracord brand may be meltable overheat, but the fumes from the plastic are toxic to breathe in, so consider removing it.
Once the plastic is removed, untwist the strand into individual pieces. From there, you should be able to light it with the help of a lighter or match.
As mentioned, this should only be done if you have no choice. Sacrificing your paracord may also hinder your chances of survivability. But before you consider destroying your paracord, consider our next tip.
9. Bow Drill
A bow drill is a standard tool that most survivalists use to start a fire. If you’re crafty, you could use your paracord bracelet to make a bow drill with its tight string.
A bow string requires a strong, firm rope to create heat from the friction of continuous rubbing. You can attach the cord to the spindle and bow with quality paracord. With some patience and luck, you should cause it to spark to start a fire.
The video below shows you in-depth how to build it correctly.
10. Dental Floss
Yes, paracord can be used for dental flossing. While it may not be on most people’s minds to survive in nature, practicing good hygiene can prevent health issues if you plan to stay primitive for the long term.
Using paracord for dental floss does, unfortunately, involve damaging your paracord. If that isn’t an issue, then what is required is that you break the plastic from the paracord and use the strands inside. Cut the strands to the desired length, and use it to floss.
11. Shoelaces
Wearing shoes or boots made for survival is essential when primitive camping. Like with most things, though, anything that gets excessive use and is exposed to the elements will eventually wear out.
Shoelaces are no exception. They can break, and if it happens while on a primitive camping trip, you will be miserable from the discomfort. However, if you remember to bring a paracord bracelet, you can quickly resolve the issue.
The nice thing about using paracord for laces is that it is customizable to any shoe. Simply cut the strands for the desired length of the shoe and use a lighter to melt the ends to use the trends together.
If done correctly, your shoelaces should be able to last until the shoe is ready to be retired.
12. Sling Shot
Why would anyone need to carry a slingshot? Aside from mischief, a slingshot can be useful for scaring away critters and predators such as cougars and mountain lions. Only use your slingshot when you feel the need for self-defense.
The difference between using a slingshot and just throwing rocks is accuracy. With paracord, you could create a durable slingshot that provides the best results.
Making sure it is strong and durable does take effort, however. If you want to learn how to make one, check out the video below.
13. Sewing Thread
Although time-consuming, paracord can be used effectively to fix holes in clothes or even tents.
If you have a needled, you could take apart the paracord bracelet and use it for small tears in the fabric. The nice thing about using Paracord is that it should keep that spot sewn tight if done correctly.
One paracord bracelet isn’t enough to sew significant tears, but it’s still useful for touch-ups that could be kept from worsening later on.
14. Wound Stitching
Open wounds can be fatal, especially while primitive camping. In some instances, you may be away from your medical supplies or not have access to any.
In an escalating situation, a paracord’s threads can be used to sew a wound shut. It is essential to know that they are not the most sterile, so some risk of germs is still involved. In addition, paracord threads do not break down. A doctor’s visit will be required.
Only consider using paracord treads for wounds if you have no other means to treat your wounds.
Final Words
As you can see, paracord bracelets uses are plentiful. Now that you understand the strengths and benefits of the paracord, you can see the many creative ways it can offer utility in a situation.
From hanging hammocks to sewing wounds, a paracord bracelet is the ultimate survival tool that gives the Swiss army knife a run for its money. It is not emphasized enough; wearing a paracord bracelet while primitive camping could save your life if used accordingly.
The truth is, many more uses for paracord are not used in this article. Using paracord of itself is a creative art form and is limited only by one’s creativity and imagination. You may be clever and find other uses that it offers beyond what’s mentioned here, and if so, share your discovery!