8 Outdoor Paracord Hacks That You’ve Never Thought of Before
Paracord is a handy piece of equipment that many people have started carrying because it's super useful outdoors. Most people know it’s good for tying gear, making shelters, or crafting a bracelet, but this cord can do a whole lot more than that. If something goes wrong while you’re outdoors, a single strand might save the day.
These lesser-known uses for paracord aren’t just clever, they’re the kind of tricks that can turn a bad situation into a manageable one and help you make it out alive in one piece. So read on, and discover all the amazing things you didn’t know your paracord could do.
Create a Makeshift Fishing Net
If you’re near water and desperate for food, you can use your paracord to craft a small net using the threads on the inside. Start by stripping away the outer sheath and knotting the strands into a grid pattern. It takes a little time and patience, but with a frame made from branches, you can make a dip net for small fish or frogs. It won’t catch dinner for a large group, but it’s better than trying to survive on an empty stomach.
Fix a Broken Boot or Shoelace
Losing a shoelace or blowing out a boot lace in the middle of a hike is no fun. Paracord makes a surprisingly comfortable and sturdy temporary replacement. You can thread it just like a regular lace, and it’ll hold up much longer than twine or string. If your boot completely falls apart, you can even use your paracord to hold it back together until you make it to camp or the end of your trail. It’s not the most stylish option, but it keeps your feet safe and gets the job done.
Make an Emergency Dog Leash or Tether
If your dog leash snaps or your pet starts wandering at camp, paracord can step in as a strong and dependable solution. With a few quick knots and a carabiner or two, you can fashion a leash or temporary lead in just a couple of minutes. As a leash, it’s lightweight, folds up small, and can even handle the pull of a big dog. And if you don’t have a pup, paracord still works great for tying gear or even keeping livestock in check if you’re ever on a farm.
Stitch a Wound (If You Absolutely Have To)
This is one you’ll hopefully never need to use, but in an absolute emergency, the inner strands of paracord can be used to stitch a wound closed. They’re thin, stronger than alternatives like dental floss, and can be threaded through a sterilized needle or improvised sewing tool. It’s not ideal and it certainly isn’t pretty, but if bleeding won’t stop and help is far away, this trick could buy you enough time to get to safety. Always seek proper care, but know that this option exists if you ever have to use it.
Build a Tripwire Alert System
If you're camping alone and worried about critters or other people creeping into camp, you can use paracord to set up a simple intruder alarm around your camp. Wrap it low to the ground around your camp and hang tin cans, bells, or even stones in a metal cup. Anything that brushes against the line will make noise and give you a heads-up that something is near your camp. It’s a basic alarm, but it’s effective. And in a pinch, it can buy you the few seconds you need to grab your flashlight.
Make a Sling for an Injured Arm
Injuries happen, and it’s not always easy to make a proper sling when you’re in the backcountry without a full first-aid kit. Paracord works well for securing an injured arm to the body or tying a piece of clothing into a support strap to stop an injury from moving around. And if someone takes a fall and can’t carry weight on one side, a fast paracord sling can help stabilize the injured leg until help arrives. It’s not fancy, but when you’re desperate, having something to limit movement can keep an injury from getting worse than it already is.
Hang a DIY Solar Still
Water is life, and paracord can help you build a solar still in an emergency. Dig a shallow hole, place a container in the center, and stretch plastic wrap over the top. Then, use your paracord to secure the edges and tie a small weight to create a drip point over the container. As sunlight heats the soil, moisture will evaporate, then condense on the plastic, and drip into the container. It won’t quench your thirst completely, but in an emergency where water is needed to survive, every drop counts.
Fashion a Bow Drill for Fire Starting
If your lighter’s out of juice and the matches are soggy, your handy paracord can help you get a fire going the old-fashioned way. You can use it as the string for a bow drill, which is a primitive tool that uses friction to start a fire. It takes some dry tinder and a little skill, but it’s absolutely doable. The flexibility and strength of paracord make it perfect for using as a bow drill, and as long as you’ve practiced a few times beforehand, it’s a great backup fire-starting method.
A Rope That Can Do More Than Just Knots
Paracord has earned its place in bug-out bags and glove boxes for good reason. It’s strong, light, and can be used for so many things. That’s what makes it really special, beyond how tough it is. From catching fish to stitching wounds, this unassuming rope will show up for you when you need it most. So tuck a few feet into your backpack or tie it around your wrist. You never know when it’ll save the day.