A bungee cord is the perfect piece of equipment for any keen adventurer or nature buff. That’s because bungee cords are both durable and versatile, making them ideal for use in a variety of survival situations where you can’t risk using unreliable tools. To step up the way you use bungee cords, our guide to the best knots to use for bungee cords features beginner-friendly knots that can be used with most survival hacks. Read on for some creative and unique survival hacks that make full use of bungee cords. 

Hang clothes to dry

You’ve suddenly found yourself caught in violent rain, seeking shelter nearby. Although you’re dry for the time being, your wet clothes have ended up in a soggy pile on the ground. These clothes will drench everything else in your bag, and the additional water is certain to weigh you down later. Luckily, you remembered to pack a trusty bungee cord in your backpack. Simply tie up the bungee cord into a makeshift clothesline and hang your clothes to air dry whilst you rest. Eventually, they’ll be ready to wear or pack up into your bag and continue on your way. 

Use as a fishing line

Bungee cords can be used as a fishing rod holder for transporting equipment in a car, but they can also be used in a pinch as the fishing line itself. Although you won’t have a reel, a stretchy bungee cord with a hook on the end can be used to draw in some dinner. Just use it like a normal fishing line; attach some bait and hope that a fish will serve itself up for your next hot meal.

Build shelter

A venture into the wilderness can leave you stranded without shelter. If you need to quickly craft a place to keep yourself safe and dry, it helps to have a bungee cord on hand. Bungee cords are extremely durable and also water resistant, so they’re useful for building a reliable shelter. With just a bungee cord and large branches you may find around you, a shelter is simple to make. Gather branches to lean across a vertical support for a lean-to shelter, and use your bungee cord to secure everything together. 

A bungee cord can also be used to support tent poles in windy conditions, preventing your tent from blowing over. If you don’t have a tent, stretch a bungee cord between two trees and then hang tarpaulin over it for a quick makeshift shelter. 

Hold a door closed

In an emergency, bungee cords can be used to create a barrier that blocks a door. Attach the bungee cord to either side of the door in order to block people from entering through it. This can work as a sort of door chain, allowing you to partially open the door from inside without granting access to intruders. Although a bungee cord may not be able to keep out a very determined intruder, it will grant you extra time to prepare for self defence. Additionally, having a bungee cord in place will mean that anyone trying to get inside will make lots of noise. With this hack, there’ll be less chance of someone or something sneaking in and taking you by surprise.

Repair broken straps

There’s nothing worse than your rucksack strap breaking in the middle of a long expedition. But, with a bungee cord on hand, this is a quick and easy fix. Simply substitute the broken strap with your bungee cord and you’ll be able to comfortably carry your bag again in no time. Bungee cords are also useful for keeping sleeping bags and mats rolled up tightly if their straps or cases are broken too. 

Improvise a headlamp

If you’re travelling at night or through dark spaces, a headlamp will help you to see whilst still keeping both hands free. Use a small light or torch and attach it to your head by tying it with a bungee cord. There’s no right or wrong way to do this, and it may take a couple of attempts until you have secured your DIY headlamp in the correct position. If creating a headlamp isn’t working for you, use the bungee cord to secure a lamp somewhere else on your body; for example, across your chest.

Carry things in a belt

Being on your own in the wild means you need a lot of tools on hand, ready to grab in a moment’s notice. Knives, water, and any other tool can be safely stowed in a bungee cord belt that keeps all of your equipment easily accessible. Plus, a bungee cord is stretchy enough to hold all manner of items into a makeshift belt, and its tension will hold all of your accessories in one peace.

Bungee cords have a number of practical uses, including these life saving survival hacks. Take a look at our blog for more ways to utilise bungee cords, or contact us to discuss our products in more detail.