Written by The Prepared Ninja

We all have items that we won’t leave behind no matter where we go; cell phones, a watch, glasses, or even a piece of jewelry. If there is something that you are going to always have, it might as well be something that could be useful. Survival bracelets are amazing tools that will come in handy during life or death situations. The paracord strands that compose the bracelet can range from about eight to twenty feet long when unwound. This extremely long length lends itself to a wide variety of functions that could easily save a life.

Some of the functions of a survival bracelet include:

1. Put Up A Shelter

One of the simplest ways of utilizing a survival bracelet is as rope for a shelter. When surviving in the wild, shelter from nature is a mandatory resource. The paracord can be unwound and used to tie together tree branches for a lean-to. Throw grass or a tarp over the structure for protection against rain. The strands can also be used to tie up a tarp for cover or even string up a hammock.

2. Catch Fish

Finding food is essential to survival in the wild. Unweave a strand of paracord and tie it to a hook in order to create a line to fish with. A bracelet could even be fashioned into a small net that can be used to trap fish.

3. Trap Dinner

While it may seem easier to catch fish in a net, the paracord may also be used as string for a snare trap. Snare traps act as a noose that can tie down small animals. Just like the fishing idea, a net can be created to trap small animals as well.

4. Start A Fire

Starting a fire with a survival bracelet requires patience. However, fire is an essential resource for cooking food, staying warm, creating a signal, and first aid. The internal strings of paracord make sufficient bowstrings for creating the friction needed to start a fire.

5. First Aid

A means of first aid is crucial to staying alive for everyone. Cuts or serious injuries can occur at any time. While nothing can replace a good first aid kit, having the survival bracelet handy can help stop bleeding as a last resort when used as a tourniquet. In an extreme set of circumstances, an inner strand from the cord of the survival bracelet could be used to suture a wound shut.

6. Leave Breadcrumbs On The Trail

Getting lost in the woods is the downfall of many hikers. Nothing would be worse than walking around days at a time, coming back to the same spot, and not knowing you have already been there. A strand of the cord can be tied around a tree trunk in order to leave a marked trail.

7. Gear Repair

The thin strings also work as sewing strings. When in the wild, sharp objects tend to penetrate the fabric material of items such as backpacks or tent covers. Unwind one of the thinnest strings and fix a rip. This same repair can be applied to clothing.

8. Pack A Knife

The bracelet does not always have to be used for the string. In some cases, the bracelet can be used to store items. Certain bracelets actually keep small knives woven into them. A small knife is a massive advantage in the wild.

9. Teeth Hygiene

The survival bracelet can also be used for dental hygiene. The smallest strings are about the same size as dental floss. Proper hygiene should not be ignored just because you are in the wilderness.

10. Shoe Repair

If walking around for weeks in the forest, you may need an extra shoelace. Furthermore, if a shoe sole begins to fall off, the bracelet cord can be used as tie to hold the entire thing together.

11. Home Security

Sometimes protecting your home is necessary. In the event of a break-in, the string could be used to tie a door shut in order to slow entry. However, you may wish to invest in a home security system that will scare away intruders. Finding a system is easy at a place such as Select Home Security.

These are some of the many uses of a survival bracelet. Like anything that is part of emergency or disaster preparedness, a survival bracelet is not a solution for many things alone but it can be a great stop gap and is an integral part of an overall plan.

Source: Written by The Prepared Ninja — http://www.thepreparedninja.com/11-uses-for-a-survival-bracelet-guest-post