Parachute cord (p-cord) bracelets have grown quite popular over the last few years. They’ve helped advertise for companies, fundraise for good causes, and are available in a wide variety of colors and styles. However, they’re much more than a fad; they are vital tools for survival and can be lifesavers in an emergency. I’ve spent some time compiling a list (in no particular order) of potential uses for p-cord, in hopes of helping those of you who are unfamiliar with the versatility of it better prepare yourself for possible emergencies.
Full Cord
Tie tarp to trees
Lanyard to hold small items, such as a small LED light, knife, keys
Spare boot laces or belt
Dog leash
Wrap a knife handle for a secure grip
Bow drill
Clothes line
Improvise a sling if you’re injured
Carry gear on your back when you don’t have a rucksack
Headband or hair tie
Bundling around firewood for easy carry
Tie on to a sled so you can drag it
Hang a light
Improvise a fuse
Hanging your hammock
Emergency Tourniquet
Replacing a drawstring cord on a sleeping bag or backpack
Tent guy lines
Make a rudimentary stretcher by lashing poles together and making a net
Tie poles together to make a shelter
Lash a blade to a long pole to use as a spear
Lowering equipment down cliff edges
Create a snare
Bow string for a bow and arrow
Hanging a kill or your rucksack out of reach of animals at night
Make a sling for killing small animals
Inner strands
Emergency snare
Fishing line, or even fish net if you have enough
Floss with the inner strands
Emergency suture
Emergency sewing thread
Thread for field repair on multiple items
There are, of course, dozens of other context-specific uses for p-cord, as well as ways to use the cord for personal entertainment (knot-tying practice, swing, etc.), but the ones listed above are some of the more useful and popular in survival situations. I suggest keeping a good length of bundled rope on hand, as well as a bracelet or two. You can even by fixed blade knives that come equipped with a p-cord wrapped handle. While some may think that it’s “cool” to wear a p-cord bracelet, the thin, but strong, rope is incredibly handy in the outdoors, so be sure to always have some nearby.
