Gearward’s “Compact Survival Cord” rivals 550-paracord in strength and functionality
Survivalists recognize the importance of traditional 550 paracord. It’s strong, compact, easy to work with, and provides all the characteristic benefits of cordage that a survivalist requires to stay alive (hey, if it’s good enough to suspend a parachute, it’s good enough for me). Thus far, there’s been no true…
How to make rope from plants – fiber extraction and natural cordage construction.
You can make rope or natural cordage (rope and string) from many different fibers including (Bast) Dogbane, Milkweed, Nettles, Hemp, Flax; (Leaves) Cattail, Yucca, Agave, Douglas Iris; (Bark) Willow, Maple, Basswood, Cedar; (Root) Leather Root, Beach Lupine; (Whole stem) Tule, Juncus, and straw. Each type of material has specific requirements…
Bowline on a Coil – how to secure a climber to a rope.
Bowline on a coil The bowline on a coil is utilized to secure a climber to the end of the climbing rope. Utilize a minimum of three wraps parallel to each other and laying between the hip bone and lower set of ribs. All coils touch and are tight enough…
Rappel Seat – how to create a rappel seat out of rope.
Rappel seat left hand brake The rappel seat is utilized to form a rope harness for rappelling and can be tied for use with the left or right hand. Leg straps do not cross, and are centered on buttocks and tight. Leg straps form locking half-hitches on rope around waist. …
Everything you need to know about rope, cordage, and lashings.
Terminology To be able to construct shelters, traps and snares, weapons and tools, and other devices; you should have a basic knowledge of ropes and knots and some of the terminology used with them. The terms are as follows: Bight. A simple bend of rope in which the rope does…
All about knots – their use and how to tie them.
Knots The basic knots, uses, and methods of tying them that you should know for your survival are discussed below. For additional types of knots, such as hitches and lashings, use the links below. Additional types of knots Bend- joins two ropes together. Hitch – ties rope to a post, stake etc.…
The ultimate guide to splices and whippings (used to splice ropes together).
Splices It is not uncommon, especially in a wilderness survival situation where you possess limited supplies, to encounter situations where a longer length of rope is needed. Rope splices are used to splice shorter lengths of rope together to form a single, larger length of rope. Good rope splices hold…
All about hitches (used to tie rope to another object).
Hitches Hitches are used to tie a rope to another object such as a barrel, pole, post, stake, or bundled cloth ( tarp). A hitch holds well due to the friction set up between the two surfaces of the rope being pressed together. Barrel Hitch Provides a lifting sling for…
Construction lashings and their use when building structures.
Construction Lashings and Structures Lashings are used to firmly hold together two or more spars (poles, masts, scaffolding, legs, trestles, etc.) There are numerous survival construction projects that require lashings for construction. Here is an example of lashings used to hold two posts together (details on how to create lashings…
Weaving can be used to create mats, tarps, blankest, and more. All about weaving, mats, and looms.
All elements of rope work incorporates weaving or interlocking of strands by passing over and under each other. At a smaller scale, weaving can be used in the wild to create mats, tarps, blankets, and more. The process of weaving is fairly simple. Sword Mat and Homemade Loom Step 1:…
Stop ending your rope with a knot. how to create fancy but functional endpoints (plaits) for ropes.
Sennits Most ropes are braided by twisting the strands but strands can be plaited (called a sennit) to create a “fancier” looking rope. Similarly, rather than ending a rope by tying it off in a knot or by whipping the end, you can terminate the rope end with plaits. This…
You can do a lot more with plants than just eating them. Here are a collection of miscellaneous uses for plants.
Plants can be your ally as long as you use them cautiously. Be sure that you know the plant and how to use it. Some additional uses of plants are as follows: Make dyes from various plants to color clothing or to camouflage your skin. Usually, you will have to…
