TIPS AND TRICKS: HOW TO MAKE A SURVIVAL BRACELET

How To Make A Survival Bracelet...

We've all seen them. Those survival bracelets made from 550 parachute cord. Bear Grylls (as far as I can tell) brought on their popularity among adventurers and it has since become a fashion statement.

I wear one everyday.

I have heard a lot of fellow adventurers say that it's a waste, there's not enough cord there to matter, and various other negative statements about them. I have no idea why some people think that way. In a real survival situation, any resource is a good resource. Why wouldn't you want one?

Eight ot ten feet of 550 cord can serve plenty of purposes when the chips are down. You can use them to help lash a shelter, mark a trail, or hang your food. You can use the strands inside for fishing line, sewing thread, snares, and even dental floss.

In my mind, even if it's trendy, you shouldn't leave home without one. I subscribe to the old survivalists theory of "It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it".

So that poses the next two questions... "How do I make one?" and "Why make one when they are so cheap to buy?"

Let me answer these in reverse order. As to why you would want to make one... you might use the one you wear while you are on the trail and need to make another when you get back to base camp and your big roll of 550 cord.

As to how to make one... well Heritage Pride Firearms made a very detailed video on the subject... check it out below. Then make one for yourself...

TIPS AND TRICKS: FOOT CARE FOR ADVENTURERS

Photo Courtesy: takealonghike.com

Take Care of Your Feet

There is no tool or equipment more essential to an adventurer than their feet. If your feet are not healthy, it rips the fun out of any adventure.

No matter the sport, if you hike, ski, swim, bike, surf, or anything else, your feet are essential to achieving your goals. 

When I was going through Army basic training at Ft. Benning GA and the first 20 mile road march was coming up, the Drill Sergeants gave us all plenty of good advice about preventing and managing blisters. They suggested keeping our feet clean and dry, wearing two pairs of socks, using mole skin on the hot spots, changing socks during the march, and finally (believe it or not) wear pantie hose. Yes, pantie hose.

Naturally, a bunch of testosterone-filled, infantry trainees were going to have no part of wearing pantie hose... till the second road march came along. As it turned out, pantie hose help considerably in preventing blisters and also improve circulation to the legs.

These days however, technology has much improved socks, boots, and other things that will help prevent blisters on your feet, but certain needs still must be addressed... like proper fitting footwear and keeping your feet clean and dry.

BMC out of the UK has a great article on their website about help with foot care on the trail. 

Their article explains some of the painful details about friction blisters, risk factors, prevention, treatment, complications, and more...

Check it out at the link HERE... Warning: Graphic pics ahead

Take care of your feet adventurers... they are an essential resource!