What Cordage Does

The invisible framework of survival

Cordage — rope and string — quietly holds survival together: it lashes shelters, strings the bow drill, sets snares and fishing lines, hangs food away from animals, binds knife handles and packs gear. Look at any primitive camp and you will find cordage in nearly every object.

Why it earns a place in the 5 Cs

Of all survival items, cordage is among the hardest to improvise quickly — good fiber must be found, harvested, processed and twisted, which takes hours you may not have. That is exactly why it sits among the five things to master in advance.

Everywhere you will use it

• Bow-drill string — fire depends on cord.
• Shelter lashings — ridgepoles, A-frames, beds.
• Fishing line, snare loops, trip lines.
• Hanging food caches away from animals.
• Binding knife handles, sewing gear, repairing everything.