CHAPTER IV
In this chapter, I will talk about the importance and uses of cordage. I will discuss the various cordages you may want to include in your kit.
In this chapter, I will talk about the importance and uses of cordage. I will discuss the various cordages you may want to include in your kit.
Three types of cordage -
Image 1 was taken from Pixabay and is free for commercial use. Image 2 was taken from the Heinnie Haynes website. Image 3 was taken by me from my smartphone. Clicking on image 1 & 2 will take you to the appropriate source.
Jute twine, tarred bank line and paracord are the three main cordages commonly used in the "outdoor" bushcraft and survival scene. Below, I will discuss each one so that you can understand them.
[1] Jute twine - Jute twine is an affordable cordage made from natural fibers, meaning it is biodegradable but also the weakest of the three. As a result, I do not consider it a viable cordage option for a long-term situation. Jute twine can, however, be used as ignitable material to start a fire. Once unravelled and sufficiently processed, it can be ignited by a combustion device capable of producing a flame, hot sparks or an ember.
[2] Tarred bankline - Tarred bank line is a nylon cord covered in tar, making it weather and abrasion resistant. It comes in many different grades. No.36 bank line seems to be the most common grade bought, which I believe was popularized by David Canterbury. Within these many grades are two main types of bank line: twisted and braided. The twisted bank line can be unravelled so that you can make use of the finer strands that make up the actual cordage. A braided bank line, on the other hand, cannot be unravelled and will not fray at the ends. The fact that bank line is covered in tar means it has the potential to make a sticky mess inside your pack on extremely hot days, which is why I am not a fan of it.
[3] Paracord - Paracord is a strong, durable, rot-resistant, quick-drying, affordable cord made from nylon. It is also very versatile, as it contains multiple inner strands in its shell that can be used independently. Paracord, like tarred bank line, comes in many different grades. I believe paracord is the superior cordage for a long-term situation, and I will discuss it further below.
Paracord explained -
Jute twine, tarred bank line and paracord are the three main cordages commonly used in the "outdoor" bushcraft and survival scene. Below, I will discuss each one so that you can understand them.
[1] Jute twine - Jute twine is an affordable cordage made from natural fibers, meaning it is biodegradable but also the weakest of the three. As a result, I do not consider it a viable cordage option for a long-term situation. Jute twine can, however, be used as ignitable material to start a fire. Once unravelled and sufficiently processed, it can be ignited by a combustion device capable of producing a flame, hot sparks or an ember.
[2] Tarred bankline - Tarred bank line is a nylon cord covered in tar, making it weather and abrasion resistant. It comes in many different grades. No.36 bank line seems to be the most common grade bought, which I believe was popularized by David Canterbury. Within these many grades are two main types of bank line: twisted and braided. The twisted bank line can be unravelled so that you can make use of the finer strands that make up the actual cordage. A braided bank line, on the other hand, cannot be unravelled and will not fray at the ends. The fact that bank line is covered in tar means it has the potential to make a sticky mess inside your pack on extremely hot days, which is why I am not a fan of it.
[3] Paracord - Paracord is a strong, durable, rot-resistant, quick-drying, affordable cord made from nylon. It is also very versatile, as it contains multiple inner strands in its shell that can be used independently. Paracord, like tarred bank line, comes in many different grades. I believe paracord is the superior cordage for a long-term situation, and I will discuss it further below.
Paracord explained -
The images above were taken by me from my smartphone.
550 type III paracord is what pops into a human's mind when they hear the word "paracord," or at least in the minds of the humans familiar with paracord. Paracord, also known as parachute cord, was used by American paratroopers when parachuting in the Second World War. Since then, it has been used for various applications and is often carried as part of a bushcraft or survival kit. 550 paracord can be overkill for a lot of camp projects, which is why I carry two grades of paracord: 550 and micro cord. I will discuss these grades below.
[1] 550 paracord - 550 paracord, as the name suggests, can hold a static weight of 550lbs or 249kg before it breaks. Static weight implies that the weight is still or unmoving. This means that though 550 paracord is strong, it should not be used for activities like rappelling. The significant movement involved will compromise the 550-pound breaking strength, causing the paracord to snap before the weight reaches 550lbs. The 550 cord comes in many different colours and houses seven strands inside its nylon shell, as seen in image 1. These strands can be removed and used independently for smaller projects. This particular grade of paracord will be suitable for setting up shelters, creating ridgelines, etc.
[2] Micro cord - The Atwood micro cord is made of a nylon and polyester blend and can hold a static weight of 100lbs or 46kg before it breaks. It is compact and lightweight, meaning you can carry more of it than the 550 cord. It does not have any strands inside its shell, making it hassle-free, as you simply cut as much as you need. Removing an inner strand from 550 paracord can be a hassle. As you tug on a strand to remove it, they all want to come out. The Atwood micro cord will be ideal for most tasks involving cordage without being overkill, like 550.
550 type III paracord is what pops into a human's mind when they hear the word "paracord," or at least in the minds of the humans familiar with paracord. Paracord, also known as parachute cord, was used by American paratroopers when parachuting in the Second World War. Since then, it has been used for various applications and is often carried as part of a bushcraft or survival kit. 550 paracord can be overkill for a lot of camp projects, which is why I carry two grades of paracord: 550 and micro cord. I will discuss these grades below.
[1] 550 paracord - 550 paracord, as the name suggests, can hold a static weight of 550lbs or 249kg before it breaks. Static weight implies that the weight is still or unmoving. This means that though 550 paracord is strong, it should not be used for activities like rappelling. The significant movement involved will compromise the 550-pound breaking strength, causing the paracord to snap before the weight reaches 550lbs. The 550 cord comes in many different colours and houses seven strands inside its nylon shell, as seen in image 1. These strands can be removed and used independently for smaller projects. This particular grade of paracord will be suitable for setting up shelters, creating ridgelines, etc.
[2] Micro cord - The Atwood micro cord is made of a nylon and polyester blend and can hold a static weight of 100lbs or 46kg before it breaks. It is compact and lightweight, meaning you can carry more of it than the 550 cord. It does not have any strands inside its shell, making it hassle-free, as you simply cut as much as you need. Removing an inner strand from 550 paracord can be a hassle. As you tug on a strand to remove it, they all want to come out. The Atwood micro cord will be ideal for most tasks involving cordage without being overkill, like 550.
Image 1 was taken by me from my smartphone. Image 2 was taken from the Paracord.eu website. Clicking on image 2 will take you to the appropriate webpage.
The 550 cord will definitely be useful for a handful of tasks, though it will be overkill for most. I recommend carrying a less-overkill grade of paracord along with the 550, just as I do. There are numerous types of paracord available, as seen in the images above, and you are not just limited to the micro cord. I recommend doing more of your own research so that you can select an appropriate grade for yourself.
The 550 cord will definitely be useful for a handful of tasks, though it will be overkill for most. I recommend carrying a less-overkill grade of paracord along with the 550, just as I do. There are numerous types of paracord available, as seen in the images above, and you are not just limited to the micro cord. I recommend doing more of your own research so that you can select an appropriate grade for yourself.
The images above were taken by me from my smartphone.
Note: Each strand inside the nylon shell is three-ply, meaning it is made up of three finer strands, as shown in image 2. "... A threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:12). In other words, paracord is some strong stuff.
Note: Each strand inside the nylon shell is three-ply, meaning it is made up of three finer strands, as shown in image 2. "... A threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:12). In other words, paracord is some strong stuff.
The images above were taken by me from my smartphone.
When paracord is cut, the ends begin to fray, like in image 1. Melting the end will be necessary to prevent the paracord from fraying further. A flame from a lighter can be used to achieve this, as shown in image 2. Alternatively, touching the frayed end to an ember will melt and seal the paracord, preserving lighter fluid.
Paracord uses -
When paracord is cut, the ends begin to fray, like in image 1. Melting the end will be necessary to prevent the paracord from fraying further. A flame from a lighter can be used to achieve this, as shown in image 2. Alternatively, touching the frayed end to an ember will melt and seal the paracord, preserving lighter fluid.
Paracord uses -
Image 1 is a screenshot taken from MR Bushcraft Survival's YouTube video. Image 2 is a screenshot taken from Corporals Corner's YouTube video. They are used to illustrate a point I am making. Clicking on each image will take you to the original video.
Paracord can be used as a binding agent to tie two or more components together. It can also be used to secure a tarpaulin or a tent via its tie-outs, as shown in image 2.
Paracord can be used as a binding agent to tie two or more components together. It can also be used to secure a tarpaulin or a tent via its tie-outs, as shown in image 2.
The image above was taken from Pixabay and is free for commercial use. Clicking on the image will take you to the original image and uploader.
Paracord can be tied between two trees or poles to create a ridgeline that can be used to dry wet clothes.
Paracord can be tied between two trees or poles to create a ridgeline that can be used to dry wet clothes.
The images above were taken from Pixabay and are free for commercial use. Clicking on each image will take you to the original image and uploader.
Paracord can be used as makeshift shoelaces, a makeshift belt, makeshift backpack straps, etc.
Paracord can be used as makeshift shoelaces, a makeshift belt, makeshift backpack straps, etc.
Image 1 was taken by me from my smartphone. Image 2 was taken from Pixabay and is free for commercial use. Image 3 is a screenshot taken from Corporals Corner's YouTube video. It is used to illustrate a point I am making. Clicking on each image will take you to the appropriate source.
An inner paracord strand or thinner cordage can be tied to a long stick to improvise a simple fishing rod. Of course, you must carry fishing hooks as part of your kit for this to work. If the outer shell of your paracord is a bright colour, a small portion of it can be cut and attached to the hook as bait, as seen in image 3. I first saw this done in a Corporals Corner YouTube video. Click on image 3 to watch.
An inner paracord strand or thinner cordage can be tied to a long stick to improvise a simple fishing rod. Of course, you must carry fishing hooks as part of your kit for this to work. If the outer shell of your paracord is a bright colour, a small portion of it can be cut and attached to the hook as bait, as seen in image 3. I first saw this done in a Corporals Corner YouTube video. Click on image 3 to watch.
Images 1 & 2 were taken by me from my smartphone. Image 3 was taken from Pixabay and is free for commercial use. Clicking on image 3 will take you to the original image and uploader.
The inner strand of paracord or thinner cordage can also be used as a thread to make repairs. A paracord inner strand may be too thick for a regular needle, which is why it can be unravelled to use the finer filaments, as seen in image 2.
The inner strand of paracord or thinner cordage can also be used as a thread to make repairs. A paracord inner strand may be too thick for a regular needle, which is why it can be unravelled to use the finer filaments, as seen in image 2.
Image 1 was taken by me from my smartphone. Image 2 is a screenshot taken from Clan Gunn Bushcraft's YouTube video. It is used to illustrate a point I am making. Clicking on image 2 will take you to the original video.
An inner paracord strand or thinner cordage can be used to create primitive traps to capture small game. Clicking on image 2 will take you to Clan Gunn Bushcraft's YouTube video, in which he shows you how to create three simple traps using cordage.
An inner paracord strand or thinner cordage can be used to create primitive traps to capture small game. Clicking on image 2 will take you to Clan Gunn Bushcraft's YouTube video, in which he shows you how to create three simple traps using cordage.
The Images above are screenshots taken from BlackScoutSurvival's YouTube video. They are used to illustrate a point I am making. Clicking on each image will take you to the original video.
Cordage is needed for the bow when using the bow drill method.
Note: The paracord on the bow will begin to wear the more you use it. Applying some beeswax to the paracord will extend its life.
Cordage is needed for the bow when using the bow drill method.
Note: The paracord on the bow will begin to wear the more you use it. Applying some beeswax to the paracord will extend its life.
The images above were taken by me from my smartphone.
Paracord can be used to create a makeshift handle by wrapping it around an object. I performed a paracord wrap to improvise a knife handle in the image above. The same can be done for wooden tools you make in the field to make them more comfortable to grip.
Paracord can be used to create a makeshift handle by wrapping it around an object. I performed a paracord wrap to improvise a knife handle in the image above. The same can be done for wooden tools you make in the field to make them more comfortable to grip.
Image 1 is a screenshot taken from TheOutdoorGearReview's YouTube video. Image 2 is a screenshot taken from Corporals Corner's YouTube video. They are used to illustrate a point I am making. Clicking on each image will take you to the appropriate video.
Cordage can be used to create many items in the field. Above, I have presented two additional examples.
Other cordages -
Cordage can be used to create many items in the field. Above, I have presented two additional examples.
Other cordages -
Image 1 was taken from the snarewire website. Image 2 was taken from Pixabay and is free for commercial use. Image 3 was taken by me from my smartphone. Clicking on images 1 & 2 will take you to the appropriate source.
Brass snare wire, fishing line and shock cord are other types of cordage you may want to include in your kit in addition to paracord. I will briefly discuss them below.
[1] Brass snare wire - A brass snare wire is a pliable metal wire used to make traps to catch small game. It can also be used to create a bail handle for a container so it can be elevated above a fire.
[2] Fishing line - As the name suggests, a fishing line is used for fishing. It can also be used just like regular cordage for binding things together and creating primitive traps.
[3] Shock cord - As you know from the cutting tool section, shock cord can be used for numerous retention fixes on a sheath. It can also be used as regular cordage if need be.
Honorable mention(1) -
Brass snare wire, fishing line and shock cord are other types of cordage you may want to include in your kit in addition to paracord. I will briefly discuss them below.
[1] Brass snare wire - A brass snare wire is a pliable metal wire used to make traps to catch small game. It can also be used to create a bail handle for a container so it can be elevated above a fire.
[2] Fishing line - As the name suggests, a fishing line is used for fishing. It can also be used just like regular cordage for binding things together and creating primitive traps.
[3] Shock cord - As you know from the cutting tool section, shock cord can be used for numerous retention fixes on a sheath. It can also be used as regular cordage if need be.
Honorable mention(1) -
The images above were taken from the TitanSurvival website. Clicking on either image will take you to the appropriate webpage.
"SurvivorCord" is a product I want to mention the existence of. It is essentially 550 paracord with a few extra cordages included in the shell. Besides the nylon inner strands, you will get a snare wire for trapping, a fishing line for fishing, and wax-fused jute for fire starting. With all these extra additions, SurvivorCord will hold a static weight of 620lb or 281kg before breaking. I recommend doing more of your own research on this product if you are interested.
Makeshift cordage -
"SurvivorCord" is a product I want to mention the existence of. It is essentially 550 paracord with a few extra cordages included in the shell. Besides the nylon inner strands, you will get a snare wire for trapping, a fishing line for fishing, and wax-fused jute for fire starting. With all these extra additions, SurvivorCord will hold a static weight of 620lb or 281kg before breaking. I recommend doing more of your own research on this product if you are interested.
Makeshift cordage -
The images above were taken by me from my smartphone.
A plastic bottle can be cut into a long spiral to improvise cordage, as seen in images 2 and 3. Unfortunately, or fortunately, woodland environments get littered on a regular basis, so you will not have much trouble finding an empty, unwanted plastic bottle lying around. To make this curly strip, you can use a cutting blade or scissors if you have them on your multitool. And yes, I had diet Coke.
Besides a plastic bottle, you can use natural, fibrous materials, like tree bark, to create cordage in the field. I recommend watching Coalcracker Bushcraft's YouTube video demonstrating this. Click here to watch it.
Knots -
A plastic bottle can be cut into a long spiral to improvise cordage, as seen in images 2 and 3. Unfortunately, or fortunately, woodland environments get littered on a regular basis, so you will not have much trouble finding an empty, unwanted plastic bottle lying around. To make this curly strip, you can use a cutting blade or scissors if you have them on your multitool. And yes, I had diet Coke.
Besides a plastic bottle, you can use natural, fibrous materials, like tree bark, to create cordage in the field. I recommend watching Coalcracker Bushcraft's YouTube video demonstrating this. Click here to watch it.
Knots -
The image above was taken from Pixabay and is free for commercial use. Clicking on the image will take you to the original image and uploader.
A thicker cordage, like 550 paracord, will be difficult to tie down with a simple bow knot, which is why I recommend learning how to tie different types of knots. Knots will make life much easier, especially when erecting and dismantling a shelter. Click here to learn all the different knots.
YouTube channel recommendation -
A thicker cordage, like 550 paracord, will be difficult to tie down with a simple bow knot, which is why I recommend learning how to tie different types of knots. Knots will make life much easier, especially when erecting and dismantling a shelter. Click here to learn all the different knots.
YouTube channel recommendation -
The image above is a screenshot of Corporals Corner's YouTube profile. Clicking on the image will take you to his YouTube profile.
I am not particularly good at knots currently, which is why I would like to recommend Corporals Corner's YouTube channel. You will learn a variety of knots and their practical applications and many other things from his camping trips.
I am not particularly good at knots currently, which is why I would like to recommend Corporals Corner's YouTube channel. You will learn a variety of knots and their practical applications and many other things from his camping trips.
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