The two greatest features of fishing line outside of catching dinner are ones most people don’t think about. Fishing line is nearly impervious to weather and it is unusually strong, even when compared to rope. These two features can come in very handy in an emergency situation. Let’s examine some survival uses for fishing line.
1. Shelter
Tie fishing line between two sturdy supports and it can hold just about anything off the ground, especially a tarp or canvas. Even a single line tent can be enough to get the average person through a night or two in the wilderness.
2. First Aid
The conventional wisdom is that tourniquets are best made from bandages or soft materials so they can be tightened or loosened as necessary. A permanent tourniquet can be hazardous if it’s not removable. However, if there is no other option, fishing line can serve as an effective temporary substitute if absolutely necessary.
3. Food Preservation
Any wilderness traveler knows that if you are hunting your woodland friends, they are not far behind when you go to store your food. Getting your supplies off the ground and out of reach is the key to making sure your leftovers don’t get pilfered. Fishing line is sturdy and durable, and can suspend moderately heavy loads for considerable intervals.
4. Fabric Repair
While it might not pass muster as a fashion statement, fishing line can make a very effective and nearly indestructible stitch for heavyweight fabrics like ponchos, jackets, tents, and bags. This is one of the most useful and unexpected survival uses for fishing line. Combined with an ability to tie good slipknots, fishing line can often make a fabric even stronger than its original weave.
5. Snare
If you have the proper knowledge and patience, fishing line can be fashioned into a very effective snare or trap for wild game. Everything that makes it a good choice for a shelter support also makes it tremendously effective for hunting.
Most wilderness travelers will tell you a knife is the absolute top necessity in any survival kit. But they will also tell you rope and string are a close second. Fishing line serves many vital purposes for survival in the outdoors. You should have a place in your emergency or survival kit.
Featured Image from Mael BALLAND/Unsplash
