Many people have fun exploring new routes while hiking or running. Some even enjoy rappelling, where you drop down a cliff or overhang and use ropes to swing or climb your way back up.
However, not everyone enjoys these activities because they are expensive to participate in. Or maybe you just don’t like interacting with other people!
Either way, most of us know at least one person who has a lot of survival rope lying around. Sometimes it’s given away as part of a fundraising effort, but many times it’s left behind when someone moves or doesn’t need them anymore.
It would be great if those resources were re-purposed and donated to a cause that can make a difference, but what does this crazy pile of survival gear mean to you?
What is its true purpose?
That depends on how you plan to use it and what you want to do with it. If you look online, you’ll probably find lists and pictures about every conceivable reason to use survival rope, so there isn’t really an expert source. You get what you search for, I guess!
With that said, let’s take a closer look at some uses for survival rope that we hope will inspire you to give some (or all) of yours a second chance. On our list are reasons to donate or recycle your old survival ropes.
Types of Survival Ropes
First, let’s discuss what types of ropes are needed to survive in the wilderness. There are three main categories: climbing, belaying, and lifeline or “survival” ropes.
Climbing ropes help you climb mountains, trees, or structures. These usually have either fixed or removable knots that help secure your grip.
Belaying lines are similar to climbing ropes, but they hold someone else up! A common use case for this is when rigging an anchor for a rappelling system.
Lifelines or “survival” ropes are simply extra-long pieces of rope that can be tied into various configurations. They serve as a last line of defense if something happens like someone gets cut off by a stream or river.
This article will focus only on how to make a basic taut-line rescue with a survival rope.
Why You Need it
Survival ropes are typically categorized as either tangle-free or aid-in-tension use. The first type is more common, as they tend to work very well when you need them.
A few examples of this include using a regular fishing line as a lasso to catch a dog or creating a simple noose out of an old shoelace to trap some animal or person.
The second type is much trickier to use effectively but can be lifesaving in the right situation. These types of ropes are referred to as “aid-in-tension” or ATR (advanced tactical rescue) ropes.
They are usually made of nylon or polyester fiber that is slightly thicker than normal sport rope. This makes the rope heavier, which gives you a little bit more control over what you can do with it.
But before you get too excited about all those extra grams, remember that these things cost around $20–$30 per foot! That means a length of five feet will set you back around $100 – even more expensive if it doesn’t work.
Where to Buy it
Survival ropes are typically categorized as either water or land-use ropes. The term “survival” usually implies both uses, so most people buy one that can do at least one thing per category– but expensive ones will have several functions!
Land use ropes include hemp line, kernmantle, paracord, and Dyneema. The hemp line is probably the best known due to its wide availability and relatively low cost. It is also very strong and durable, making it an excellent choice if you are buying your first survival rope.
Kernmantle is similar to parachute silk in composition. This type of rope is slightly thinner and less durable than normal polyester fiberglass lines, but it is much more flexible and able to be shaped by hand. Due to this quality, it is popularly used for bivy sacks (sleeping bags) and other types of camping gear.
Dyneema is a newer material than kermantle, with stronger fibers. However, it is heavier and costs more to produce which may limit its practicality depending on your budget. It is however still quite sturdy and reliable unless cut improperly.
Water-use ropes include natural cotton fluff, nylon twine, and leather shoelaces.
Paracord Survival Uses
Many people have various sized packs that include pouches to hold survival ropes. These ropes are usually made of nylon or polyester material and are marketed as “survival” ropes because they say they will help you survive a disaster (no, not really).
Most people use these ropes for shelter building or rappelling. More than likely, you already have one in your pack!
Shelter building requires using some rope to create roofs or walls for protection from the weather or other intruders. Rappeling uses the rest of the rope to create safety when lowering yourself down or raising something else up. Paracord can be used to create a shelter by suspending it between two trees and then draping a tarp over the top. Paracord is a great tool to make an emergency shelter in situations, as it is quick and easy to set up.
Survival Paracord Bracelet
Survival paracord bracelets are an essential tool for any outdoorsman or adventurer. Not only do they look stylish, but they can save your life in a pinch. This survival bracelet is made of a strong, lightweight nylon cord that can be unraveled and used in a variety of survival situations.
When you’re in the wilderness, having the right tools can be the difference between life and death. A survival paracord bracelet can help you in a number of ways, from providing a fishing line to building a shelter. The bracelet itself is a great way to ensure that you’ll always have the right tools for the job.
The paracord bracelet is made up of several strands of strong, lightweight nylon cord that can be unraveled and used in a variety of situations. These strands are held together by a plastic or metal buckle, and the bracelet itself is often made in a variety of colors and designs.
One of the advantages of a paracord bracelet is that it’s lightweight and compact, so you can easily carry it with you at all times. As such, it’s a great tool to keep in your pocket or backpack, so you’ll always have it ready when you need it.
The paracord itself is usually extremely strong and can be used to tie shelter, build a fire, or even set traps. You can also use it to repair or mend clothes, or to create a makeshift sling to carry an injured person. The possibilities are almost endless, and it’s a great tool to have in any survival situation.
Paracord bracelets are a great way to make sure you’re prepared for any outdoor adventure. Not only do they look great, but they can also help you survive in the wilderness. Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or a beginner, having a paracord bracelet will make sure you’re always prepared for whatever lies ahead.
Survival Paracord Recommendations
Are you looking for the best paracord for survival situations? You’ve come to the right place! Paracord is an incredibly versatile material that can be used in countless ways during a survival situation. It is lightweight, durable, and can be unraveled to create a variety of useful items such as fishing nets, snares, and shelter. With so many options available, it’s important to choose the right cord for your needs. Here are some of our top survival paracord recommendations in survival scenarios.
1. Mil-Spec Paracord: The gold standard of paracord, mil-spec paracord is made in accordance with U.S. Military specifications. It is the most reliable and highest-quality cord available. The core is made of 7 strands of nylon wrapped in a nylon sheath, making it incredibly strong and durable. Mil-spec paracord is perfect for any survival application, from shelter-building to rigging up a fishing line.
2. 550 Paracord: This type of paracord is also known as Type III paracord. It is made with 7 inner strands, but the sheath is made of a lower-grade, less durable material. However, 550 paracord is still quite strong and is the most commonly used type of paracord in the US. It is perfect for everyday tasks such as tying down a tent or lashing together a firewood stack.
3. Micro Cord: This type of paracord is made with 4 inner strands and a sheath of polyester or nylon. It is thinner and lighter than 550 paracord but still plenty strong. Micro cord is perfect for tasks that require a lot of cord but don’t require the extra strength of 550 paracord. It is ideal for making slings, lanyards, and other small items.
4. Braided Paracord: If you’re looking for the strongest paracord available, then braided paracord is the way to go. It is made by weaving 7 inner strands together, creating a braided sheath. This makes it incredibly strong and durable and perfect for any survival scenario.
No matter what type of paracord you’re looking for, any of these options will serve you well in a survival situation. Make sure you always have plenty of paracord on hand, just in case.
Types of Survival Ropes
One-piece ropes are made up of one material, usually nylon or polyester. These are typically referred to as monofilament lines due to how they feel in your hand- you get an overall feeling that this line will not break down or distort.
Two-piece ropes have separate loops at each end of the line. The joining section is either braided or woven together. A braided lock can be attached to each loop to help secure it more tightly.
Three-piece cables have an additional element between the two other parts. This could be a figure eight, a ladder pattern, or even another rope! Most commonly seen with three-piece rescue cords are parallel inner strands. When pulled apart these strands form a circle which helps create enough friction to assist in hauling or pulling away objects.
Survival ropes come in many different lengths and sizes to fit various needs. Make sure to research what types of ropes are needed before buying so you know there’s a match for the job.
Why Do You Need to Know About Survival Ropes?
As we already discussed, you should always be prepared for anything at any time. If needed, knowing how to make or find a tourniquet can save your life.
Likewise, knowing what kind of rope will work as a basic cord (for example, a shoelace) first aid neck strap is important. This article about why survival ropes are so crucial may surprise you!
So, what are some examples of survival ropes? Here are three common uses for survival ropes that you probably know about but might not know why they are necessary.
1.) Finding Help
This use for a survival rope is one of the most obvious. If you need help, a survival rope is an essential gear because it acts as an easy way to get a hold of outside assistance.
It works by being tied around something solid – like a tree, body part, or building – then pulled up to connect to another piece of equipment such as a belt loop, backpack zipper, etc.
The attached item becomes your new handle where you can pull the rope through easily.
The Importance of Knowing About Survival Ropes
As we have seen, most people do not know how to use a length of paracord as a proper survival tool. This may be due to there being no practical applications or it could be because they believe that this material is already built-in into our daily lives!
A few years ago, you would have found many using plastic zip ties for emergencies. While these are much better than the old steel carabiners, they are still not very useful unless you have access to more materials or knowledge about alternative tie-down systems.
Zip ties only work when you can find additional components such as clamps or weights to hold down whatever object you want to be tied up. If you need to get going, you will probably lose focus on what you were doing while waiting for those extra pieces to arrive at your location.
In fact, some experts say that zip ties should never be used outside of a convenience store robbery where time does not matter. They argue that leaving too easily accessible, humans add value to them by breaking out the specialties just to take something away.
Many professionals now recommend looking towards rappelling equipment instead. These types of knots and ropes are designed to be practiced and understood, which helps to ensure their effectiveness in any situation. Even if you have never done it before, there are ways to learn how to safely and effectively use a piece of rappelling gear like a biner or sling.
How To Choose a Good Survival Rope for Yourself
As we mentioned before, your choice of rope makes a big difference in what you can or cannot do with it. Length is another key factor to think about when picking out a survival rope.
You want enough length to be comfortable to use, but not so long that it gets in the way. A good rule of thumb is to measure one foot of rope per person per year! This means a 1-foot (30 cm) heavy-duty nylon rope will last you a decade if used by one person every year.
Also, make sure the knot you choose is reliable. There are many types of knots that purists say are better than others, but they all have their place depending on the situation.