Paracord, also known as 550 cord because of its 550 pound tensile strength, was originally used as the inner strands on military parachutes. Our troops (and before long, ordinary citizens) quickly realized its versatility to improvise solutions to a variety of challenges.

As the old saying goes, “adapt, improvise, and overcome;” I’ve put together a list of 59 uses for paracord to help get you out of or through just about any situation.

This list is just a start. I know my readers are a smart and creative bunch who can rattle off dozens of additional uses, so let’s hear it guys and gals; what are some of your favorite or most creative uses for paracord?

1. Construct a bow drill
2. Improvise pack straps
3. Tie down equipment on a vehicle
4. Climb/descend steep terrain
5. Build a stretcher
6. Clean out the hose on your CamelBak
7. Tie plants to stakes
8. Make a sling to launch stones for hunting or defense
9. Improvise fishing line (inner strands)
10. Shred it for tinder
11. Mark straight lines for gardening or construction
12. Tow a vehicle (requires several strands)
13. Tie bolas for hunting
14. Hang food out of reach of predators
15. Make a headband/hair tie
16. Construct snares (inner strands)
17. Lash logs or reeds together to make a raft
18. Rescue a person who fell through ice
19. Melt it to seal small holes in water containers
20. Follow it to find your way out of a cave
21. Improvise boot laces
22. Build a shelter with a tarp
23. Create a makeshift sling
24. Tie your boat/raft to shore or a dock
25. Rig a guideline for crossing streams
26. Construct snow shoes
27. Rescue a person stuck in quicksand
28. Make tent guy lines
29. Wrap an axe handle to absorb shock
30. String a bow
31. Lash poles/logs together to build a teepee
32. Improvise a fan belt
33. Raise or lower gear on steep terrain
34. Create a trellis for vines and climbing plants (like tomatoes)
35. Tie an arrow or spear head to a shaft
36. Hang an animal for butchering
37. Make a fish stringer
38. Dummy cord vital gear to prevent loss
39. Wrap a knife handle
40. Improvise a watch strap
41. Climb with a prusik knot
42. Sew your pack/clothing (inner strands)
43. Construct a net
44. Rescue a drowning person
45. Tie up intruders
46. Rig a splint
47. Clean your rifle, pistol, or shotgun barrel
48. Set a tripwire
49. Improvise a belt
50. Swing a mirror, chemlight, or flashlight for signaling
51. Construct a rope ladder
52. Hang a hammock
53. Lash gear to your pack
54. Emergency climbing/rappelling (requires several strands)
55. Improvise a fuse
56. As a guide line to keep partners together in the dark
57. Construct a clothes line
58. Improvise a rifle sling
59. Replace a broken/missing anchor line

Source:howtosurviveit.com