Paracord and Duct Tape - By Montezuma

Paracord and Duct Tape is a staple of any survival (or kinky weekend) kit. There are thousands of uses and a million reasons why you should have some with you.

While I understand that SILENCE is GOLDEN and DUCT TAPE is SILVER, I'm just going to put this out there as a pet peeve... I can't stand it when they use a small piece of duct tape to cover someone's mouth in the movies. It may pull a little on your face, but that tape will come of if you don't wrap it. :) 

Paracord

Paracord, 550 Cord, Parachute Cord are all synonyms. When shopping for paracord, you want to make note of the Minimum Breaking Strength, which should be 550 lbs, if it is less, you are dealing with an inferior product. A few examples of what you may find useful:

• Repair a broken lace on a boot or pack.
• Along with a tarp or poncho create a shelter.
• Secure food out of reach of bears.
• Clothes line
• Inside lines can be used for a makeshift fishing line.
• As a tether to keep your gear secured to yourself or bag.
• Make a snare for small game.

You can buy or make parcord bracelets, rifle slings, belts, dog collars, bikini tops, etc, etc, etc. The advantage being that if you have a bracelet holding up to 24' of cord and the need presents itself, you are prepared and it doesn't need to take up extra space in your pack.

There are several places that provide woven paracord products, Survival Straps has a policy that if you unravel it and use it in a survival situation, they'll replace it.

Duct Tape

I am sure everyone is aware at the legendary reputation of duct tape, but let's talk about some ways that you could deploy duct tape in a survival situation:

• Repairing torn tents, tarps, clothes, etc
• Sealing/Waterproofing 
• Making minor/temporary repairs to a vehicle.
• Fixing a sole on a shoe/boot
• I put some on my neosporin to prevent it breaking and making a mess in my kit.

Paracord and Duct Tape, obviously the list just goes on and on and on.... How do you use them?