How Paracord Can Save Your Life When Camping…
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Paracord ↗ (AD) is a versatile and durable material that can be used for a variety of purposes in the outdoors. Whether you need to set up a shelter, secure your gear, or even catch some fish, paracord can come in handy and even save your life in an emergency. In this article, we will explore some of the most useful and practical ways you can use paracord when camping.
What is Paracord?
Paracord, also known as parachute cord or 550 cord, is a type of nylon rope that was originally used for the suspension lines of parachutes during World War II. It consists of a core of seven to nine interwoven strands, surrounded by a sheath of 32 woven strands. The core and the sheath can be separated and used individually for different tasks.
Paracord is rated by its tensile strength, which is the amount of force it can withstand before breaking. The most common type of paracord is 550 paracord, which has a tensile strength of 550 pounds (250 kg). However, there are also other types of paracord with higher or lower strength ratings, depending on your needs.
Paracord is lightweight, flexible, water-resistant, and resistant to rot and mildew. It comes in various colours and patterns, making it easy to customize and identify. Paracord is widely available and affordable, making it an essential item for any outdoor enthusiast.
How to Use Paracord When Camping
Here are some of the ways you can use paracord when camping:
- As a guy line for tents ↗ (AD) or tarps ↗ (AD): You can use paracord to secure your tent or tarp to the ground or to nearby trees. This will help you create a stable and comfortable shelter that can withstand wind and rain. You can also use paracord to adjust the tension and height of your tent or tarp, depending on the weather and terrain conditions.
- For hanging food and clothes: You can use paracord to create a simple clothesline or a bear bag to hang your food and clothes from a tree branch. This will help you keep your items dry and away from animals that might be attracted by the smell or sight of them.
- For setting up traps and snares: You can use paracord to make traps and snares for catching small animals or fish for food. You can also use paracord to make tripwires connected to noisy objects, such as cans or bottles, to alert you of any intruders approaching your campsite.
- For fishing: You can use the inner strands of paracord as fishing line. You can also use paracord to make fishing hooks, lures, nets, or spears. Fishing can be a great way to supplement your food supply and enjoy some leisure time in nature.
- For fire starting: You can use the inner strands of paracord as tinder for starting a fire. You can also use paracord as part of a bow drill system, which is a method of creating friction heat by spinning a stick against a wooden board. Fire is essential for cooking, warmth, light, and signalling.
- For first aid ↗ (AD): You can use paracord to make splints, slings, tourniquets, bandages, or sutures for treating injuries. Paracord can also be used to make dental floss or toothbrushes for maintaining oral hygiene.
- For repairing and making tools: You can use paracord to repair or reinforce your gear, such as backpacks ↗ (AD), boots ↗ (AD), knives, axes, or pots. You can also use paracord to make new tools, such as bows, arrows, slingshots, hammers, or shovels ↗ (AD). Paracord can help you improvise and adapt to any situation.
- For wrapping tool handles: You can use paracord to wrap the handles of your tools, such as knives or axes. This will improve your grip and comfort, as well as protect your hands from blisters or cuts.
- For signalling: You can use paracord to make signal flags, whistles, flares, or smoke signals for attracting attention or communicating with others. Paracord can also be used to make trail markers or bracelets that indicate your location or direction.
- For fashion: You can use paracord to make bracelets, necklaces, belts, keychains, lanyards, or other accessories that add some style and personality to your outfit. Paracord can also be used to customize your gear with different colours or patterns.
Disclaimer: Paracord is not intended for climbing or rappelling purposes. Paracord is not tree-friendly and may damage the bark or cambium of the trees. Paracord should be used with caution and respect for the environment and wildlife.
