8 Dental Floss Survival Hacks
Dental floss is one of those small, oft-overlooked items that rarely makes it onto survival checklists, but its strength, compactness, and versatility make it surprisingly useful beyond its original purpose. Whether you're in the backcountry or dealing with an emergency at home, floss can help you repair, tie, fish, and stay safe. Here are just a few smart uses for dental floss while out in the field.
Emergency Gear Repair
When you're out in the wild, tears in backpacks, tent seams, or clothing can go from a small problem to a big one pretty fast. Dental floss is strong enough to be used as thread for temporary stitching. A basic sewing needle or even a sharp thorn can work to push it through fabric. It's not a permanent fix, but it will hold long enough to get you through the trip or back to safety.
Food Storage and Hanging Line
In areas where wildlife is a concern, hanging your food away from camp can protect your supplies and reduce the risk of an animal attack. Dental floss can be used to hang lightweight bags of food from tree branches. You'll need to toss a rock or stick tied to one end to loop it over the limb of a tree. It won’t hold large amounts, but for small kits, it's a helpful last resort to keep critters away.
Makeshift Fishing Line
If you're in a situation where you need to catch your next meal, dental floss can act as a substitute fishing line. It's thin, nearly invisible in water, and strong enough to handle small to medium-sized fish. Tie a hook or even fashion one from a soda can tab, paperclip, or thorn. Add bait and drop it into a stream or pond. It's not perfect, but when your options are limited, it can help put food on the proverbial table.
Emergency Shoelace or Gear Strap
Shoelaces break more often than you'd expect, and losing one out in the field can make walking difficult or even dangerous. Dental floss can be braided to form a strong enough replacement to keep your shoe snug until you’re back in civilization. The same applies to securing gear like rolled-up tarps or keeping tools tied to a pack. It’s not ideal for long-term use, but it works when you need something fast and functional.
Tripwire or Perimeter Alarm
Staying aware of your surroundings is key in any survival setting. Dental floss can be used to create a simple tripwire across a trail or around a campsite. Tie it between two trees and add noise-making items like tin cans, keys, or sticks. If anything crosses the line, you'll hear the noise. It won't stop anything in its tracks, but it'll give you a heads-up when you need one most.
Fire Bow String
Starting a fire with a bow drill is hard enough without worrying about cord failure. Dental floss, when braided or doubled up, can serve as an emergency bow string, as it's durable enough to create the friction needed to start a coal. While it won't last as long as paracord, it’s good for a few attempts and may be all you need to get a fire going in damp or cold conditions.
Shelter Building
Strong cordage is essential for building a shelter, especially when tying together branches or securing a tarp. Dental floss can act as backup lashings if you run out of or lose your paracord. You can even use multiple strands twisted together for extra strength. While it won't hold up long under heavy weight, it does the job in a hurry and holds tight in dry conditions.
Splints and First Aid Fixes
Injuries happen, and when they do, keeping a wound stable or covered is crucial. Dental floss can help tie splints in place when you have nothing else. It also works to secure bandages or even makeshift slings. It's not the most comfortable material, but in emergencies, it can hold things together until you reach proper help. If nothing else, it keeps pressure on a dressing when time is critical.
It's easy to overlook the simple things, but dental floss proves that even the smallest tools can offer a lot in survival situations. Lightweight, durable, and easy to pack, it has the kind of flexibility that makes it worth slipping into every bag, glove box, or emergency kit. You might never need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad it’s there.