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36 Awesome Paracord Projects For Preppers

Want to know how to make cool paracord projects? We picked 36 of our favorite 550 cord ideas for you to try out. Our selections offer everything from paracord lanyards and belts to whips and weapons – even a cool paracord keychain with a secret hidden compartment that makes a super tiny survival kit.
36 DIY Paracord Projects
Parachute cord, which is now universally known as paracord, is a lightweight nylon all-purpose utility cord that is used by military personnel and civilians alike. Paracord is an ideal material for lots of different types of projects due to its durability and flexibility. The uses of paracord as a tool in a survival setting are countless.
You are likely familiar with the ever popular “survival bracelets” made from paracord, which are meant to be unraveled when needed to lash poles together, to fix broken laces and straps and to secure cargo. Did you know there are also hundreds of other great paracord projects you can also make? Paracord makes an excellent material for stylish bracelets, lanyards, pouches, watches, belts, dog collars, whips and more.
Paracord Projects 101
Before you get started, make sure you know what you’re working with and have the right supplies. If you really want to get into paraweaving, you should check out Paracord 101. After that, you should be all set to delve into these 36 paracord projects for preppers!
Project #1: Paracord Belt
Keep your paracord close to you with this versatile, functional DIY. Everyone can use a belt and everyone should keep paracord on them! This tutorial shows you how to make a DIY paracord rescue belt, my favorite of all the paracord belts I tried.
Paracord bracelets can come in handy but only have 8-12 feet of rope, while a paracord belt can have up to 50 feet or more of rope. In extreme situations, 50 feet of rope would be a lot more use for you than 8-12 feet. However, this paracord belt gives you at least 50 feet of rope that is quickly accessible, and depending on your waist size, up to 100 feet. This belt is a quick deploy survival rescue belt that uses Slatt’s rescue weave. You can unravel, or deploy, the paracord in a matter of seconds.
Make your own belt with these paracord belt instructions.
Project #2: Paracord Keychain with Secret Compartment
There are a lot of different ways to make these guys, but the one we like the best is this survival kit keychain from DIY Ready. You can store money, matches, any small essential survival items you can think of in this cool keychain with a secret compartment.
Check out this tutorial to learn how to make a paracord keychain. My favorite paracord keychain is under 2 oz and essential to any fisherman, get it here.
Project #3: Paracord Bullwhip
These instructions will help you make a bullwhip entirely out of paracord. It should not be that hard for those of you who know their way through ropes, knots and braiding (but I wouldn’t recommend this as a beginner project).
It involves careful and regular braiding of up to 12 strands a bit over 12 feet long, which can be a bit messy or frustrating if you’re not familiar with manipulating such lengths of cord. You will also need to know ( or be willing to learn) some ‘advanced’ knots to make it look nice.
For more information on this paracord project, click here.
Project #4: Paracord Rifle Sling
Another sling to keep your weapons close by without taking up your hands. This is perfect for any hunter or outdoorsman.
Make your own with these instructions.
Project #5: Paracord Giant Monkey Fist
Why make a regular monkey fist when you can make a giant one? This DIY using a pool ball core will give you the ultimate monkey fist to use for your self defense. A paracord monkey fist is beneficial to carry on you for survival and self defense purposes. It’s super easy to conceal and carries enough power to slow down any attacker.
In this tutorial you’ll learn how to make a paracord monkey fist using a pool ball! This giant monkey fist weighs in at a hefty 6 ounces! Here’s how to make a paracord monkey fist.
Project #6: Paracord Bundle Compression Strap and Handle
This is a very handy tool. It’s simple, but it will keep your sleeping bag, tarps, and other large items bundled up tight and easy to carry.
It can get frustrating carrying soft items like blankets or clothes to a camp ground. I designed this super easy to make strap to carry blankets; however, it can also be used to carry other items like bundled wood which makes it incredibly useful!!
The design is super simple and does not require many tools or materials. I used two colors to make this, but you could of course use one if you prefer. I am using this for camping so I made sure to choose darker color paracord to ensure that it will not show how dirty it will get after extended use. For the full instructions, click here.
Project #7: Paracord Snow Shoes
You never know what kind of conditions you’ll have to be prepared for. Check out these instructions to learn how to make your very own paracord snow shoes.
This is a traditional style snow shoe with paracord for the webbing. The intention was to give a modern twist to classic style that almost everyone is familiar with. This tutorial includes a step by step for the frame and also shows you the basic weaving for the net. For the full DIY, click here.
Project #8: Quick Deploy Paracord Bracelet
There are so many ways to make paracord survival bracelets. Here’s our favorite version: The Blaze Bar. The blaze bar paracord survival bracelet unravels in seconds:
Here’s how to make a paracord bracelet like the one above.
Project #9: Paracord Survival Tin Pouch
Keep your Altoids tin survival kit in this pouch to keep it protected and yourself prepared! Throughout this Instructable, I will be showing you guys how to make a pouchout of paracord. This particular pouch is made to fit an Altoids tin.
For many outdoorsman or survivalists, Altoid tins are the perfect containers for a small, pocket survival tin. I like using the pouch for my survival tin so I can pack more stuff into the tin and not worry about it popping open. Check out the full instructions!
My personal favorite is the survival paracord pod it comes with everything a prepper needs.
Project #10: Paracord Watchband
Add some survival to your daily wardrobe by creating watchbands for a pre-existing watch face. Choose different colors to make different looks!
This is a super project if you want to make something unique and also functional. You can make either a solid color watchband or one with two colors. You can also follow the same steps in this tutorial to make a bracelet with a side release buckle.
Check out the DIY instructions here.
Project #11: Paracord Hanging Chair
With the addition of some palette boards, you can create a hanging chair out of paracord. Very comfortable, very easy to make chair from a pallet and some paracord.
I have never seen a chair like this before. It is so easy to make and it is comfortable because it conforms to your body.
For the instructions, check out this site.
Project #12: Paracord Tent Rigging
With some paracord and know how, you can turn any ordinary tarp into a makeshift shelter.
For the full DIY, click here.
Project #13: Paracord Koozie
Make a can koozie out of paracord to keep your drinks cold and yourself stocked up on paracord.
To make your own koozie, check out this DIY.
Project #14: Paracord Snare Trap
This easy snare trap will help you catch small game and could be your key to staying fed in a survival situation. These instructions and tutorial will show you how to use paracord and sticks to create a basic snare that will increase your probability of catching something in the wild.
For more, check out the full DIY!
Stone Mountain multifunction paracord fire laces at Survival Life store.
Project #15: Paracord Dog Toys
This super strong material is perfect for chewing on by man’s best friend. These easy to make colorful rope toys are great for any size dog. Just scale up or down the diameter of the rope to fit your dog, 1/4″ for small dogs or 3/8″ for large dogs.
Directions given are for a basic toss/tug toy pictured below. Pictured are several variations based on the basic knot that can be created with a little practice and creativity. For the full instructions, check out this DIY.
Project #16: Paracord Laptop Harnass
Stow your technology in this cool paracord case! I noticed there wasn’t really a design for a paracord laptop harness/carrier made out of just paracord that didn’t involve simply weaving it, so I decided to remedy this with the paracord contest as a motivator.
When starting this project, I had several criteria I wanted to hit, and after three other prototypes, this one succeeds.
- 100% paracord
- Symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing
- Successfully holds the darn laptop where it’s supposed to be!
- Is easy to remove the laptop from and easy to put it back in
To make your own, check out these instructions.
Project #17: Paracord Chair
Another chair with a different layout. This version doesn’t have to be suspended and features a seat of paracord rather than wood. This project is really simple, as it involves two intersecting wooden rectangles that have a seat and back made from woven paracord.
I’m going to assume that anyone attempting this project has basic woodworking skills and is familiar with power tools, so this won’t be a woodshop class. I will be presenting a flexible idea that can be modified rather than absolute plans. Please feel free to experiment and play, but don’t get locked into a rigid perspective that there’s only one way to do it. :o)
Want to build your own? Click here
Project #18: Paracord Leatherman Pouch
Keep your Leatherman safe and close using paracord to fashion a custom pouch. This instructable will show you how to weave a custom made pouch using paracord. The method used can be easily modified to fit a range of items from multi-tools and torches to mobile phones. It is very simple to make and doesn’t use any fancy or difficult knots.
This patricular pouch used a total of 25 feet of 550 paracord however if you are making a pouch for something larger then obvooisly you would need a little more. When making anything its always best to start with the best materials you can find which is why i always recommend using genuine military spec 550 paracord. The better the cord the longer your pouch will last. Find the full DIY here.
Project #19: Paracord Dog Collar
This durable collar will stand up to almost anything and add some personality to your best friend! Right now, our favorite one is this DIY paracord dog collar. It’s the ultimate dog collar made with about 40ft of 550 paracord. This paracord dog collar is your best bet if you are looking for a stylish collar that is also super strong and durable.
If you’ve been following our paracord projects, then you know the Cobra weave is one of the more popular weaves. For this paracord dog collar, we are going to take it one step further and do a King Cobra weave! This weave is super strong and even adds a thickness and padding to the original cobra weave, making the collar more comfortable for pooches of all sizes. Find the full DIY here.
Project #20: Paracord Double Monkey Fist Bookmark
This multi-functioning project can help you stay safe and up on your reading. This snazzy bookmark will have all your friends saying “cool!” I like playing with knots and stuff, so when I saw a picture of this somewhere on the internet, I decided it would be a cool project to do.
It was a bit of a challenge, but it isn’t too difficult, and it has a definite cool factor. Find the instructions here.
Project #21: Paracord Bottle Net
Keep your water bottle strapped to you with this easy DIY. Great for hiking, biking, or any outdoor activity! I’ll be showing you how I made a fitted net to carry a Nalgene or other water bottle.
Using the lid loop on the canteen works, but I have had several break after a while, and then I am doomed to loose the lid. The net gives you multiple attachment options and offers some protection against rubbing. Make your own with these instructions.
Project #22: Paracord iPhone Case
These instructions will help you make a case to protect your precious technology. Create this simple case with a few knots to keep the paracord wrapped tight and your phone secure and in place.
Use different colors to alter the look and create a 550 paracord case that’s custom to you! Full DIY here.
Project #23: Paracord Bow Sling
Keep your bow close by and hands free with these instructions for an awesome 550 cord bow sling.
Make your own DIY paracord bow sling with these instructions.
Project #24: Paracord Hammock in a Nalgene
Whether you want to use it for the backyard or for hammock camping, this DIY will help you create an extremely durable paracord hammock. This is a hammock that can be used a food net (to keep bears away from food), fishing net, or shelter.
Project #25: Paracord Lanyard
Lanyards are a great functional way of keeping your keys, now made even better with paracord! Make a paracord lanyard to hold your ID badge.
A lanyard made of 550 paracord will last a long time, and is very durable. You can pick from hundreds of colors of paracord. You can also add a Tracer, which is a piece of micro paracord braided in. One of our favorite easy paracord projects!
Check out the full instructions!
Project #26: Paracord Eyeglass Lanyard
This DIY paracord project is perfect for anyone who enjoys being on the water. Whether fishing or floating, use paracord to keep your glasses or shades in place. This Instructable describes a method of making a paracord lanyard to help keep your glasses on, or near, your head. Based on your adjustment of the cord, the glasses can either dangle on your chest, or be held snugly to the face.
This method uses only paracord; some alternative approaches that incorporate additional materials are shown at the end. Check out the full instructions!
Project #27: Paracord Water Jug Harness
This simple rig can be customized to different sized jugs, a very convenient tool to have around when carrying water.
Follow these instructions to make your own!
Grab your vey own fishing paracord kit for free.
Project #28: Paracord Army Man
Keep kids entertained with this toy completely made of paracord.
Project #29: Paracord iPhone Cable
Everyone gets annoyed when their phone cable breaks. Up the durability with this project!
Full instructions here.
Project #30: Paracord Self Defense Key Fob
On top of being a keychain, this project features a monkey fist addition to keep yourself defense ready.
Read the full instructions here.
Project #31: Paracord Drawstring Bag
This Paracord DIY will help you create a versatile and durable bag. Adjust the DIY for different sizes!
Since I was going for a simple design, I used overhand knots for 99% of this design; since it’s so simple, I’m sure others have ended up doing this at some point or another. Note: This can be used as a general idea on making more drawstring pouches/sacks using different knots. Check out the full DIY.
Project #32: Paracord Multi-Tool Pouch
Every good prepper knows how important a multi-tool can be. So why not make it it’s own paracord pouch.
Make your own with these instructions. Buy your very own Paracord Pod Survival Kit.
Project #33: Paracord Backpack Strap Wrap
Up the durability of normal pack straps by this addition of a paracord wrap. The paracord strap wrap is a simple way of tidying up loose ends on your gear using various lengths of paracord. Using paracord instead of things like cable ties has its obvious advantages to any paracord fanatic.
Depending on the amount of the strap you want to cover and the thickness you want to make it you can use anywhere between 2 or 3 meters up to 15. Click here for full instructions.
Project #34: Paracord Bandoiler
Keep your ammo neat and orderly with this easy DIY.
Under certain circumstances I like to bring a rifle and ammo with me when I go into the wilderness. And of course it’s always a good idea to bring a length of paracord too. Both items fall into the “could come in handy” category of gear.
In the endless pursuit to lighten my pack and reduce bulk, I’ve combined the two. Rather than just carrying around paracord on the off chance I might need it here’s a way to give it a full time job; holding your ammunition. It allows you to leave the ammo boxes at home and is a step up from just having loose rounds scattered about your pack.
Click here for the full instructions.
Project #35: Paracord Wallet
Aside from looking pretty cool, this super durable wallet will last a lot longer than traditional wallets. This wallet is made from approximately 28′ of gutted paracord.
Check out the full instructions here.
Project #36: Paracord Rock Sling
This DIY will give you a back up weapon that doesn’t need bullets or arrows to be useful. You’ll never run out of ammo with this paracord slingshot.
The sling is one of the easiest ranged weapons you can make. Because of that, it is popular with survivalists and anyone who likes to improvise. It is a weapon made out of a piece of string or a cord. It has been used since ancient times for hunting and more prominently, in warfare. The sling was popularized as a cheap, easy to make weapon with range greater than that of a bow. Due to it low cost it is considered a weapon of the poor. Read the full instructions here.
Ready to make some of these cool paracord projects? Here are our top picks for supplies.
Paracord:
1000′ 550 7 Strand Spool Paracord
ParacordPlanet 1000′ Spool of Type III 550 Paracord – Black
Royal Blue Parachute Cord 550lb Nylon USA Paracord Spool 1000′
Tools:
Perma Lok Super Jumbo Lacing Needle For 1/8″, 5/32″ Or 1/4″ Lace
Accessories:
Jigs:
Multi-Monkey Fist Pro Plus Paracord Jig with Rotating Head Makes Monkey Fist From 5/8″ – 2 1/4″
Pepperell NOM054449 Parachute Cord Ezzy-Jig Bracelet Maker
Did we forget any paracord projects? Let us know in the comments below!
Need paracord in bulk? Amazon has you covered.
For awesome survival gear you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!
This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

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Homemade Weapons You Can DIY To Awaken Your Inner Caveman

Learn to make your own homemade weapons so you’ll have a fighting chance in a survival situation where all you have is nature.
[You Get One FREE] Weird Little Knife Drives TSA Crazy!
How to Make Homemade Weapons
Why Should You Learn to Make Homemade Weapons?
Let’s say you got lost in the wild, and you somehow forgot or lost your Cold Steel Leatherneck Tanto 39LSFT (or whichever is the best survival knife for you). What do you do?
While your situation is most likely not quite as bad as Tom Hanks had it in Castaway, let’s face it. The only way you’re gonna get out of this situation in good shape is to let out your inner caveman.
Let me explain. Our very primitive ancestors lived in a time when every day was a survival situation. Any tools or weapons they needed had to be made from scratch.
So, should you be unlucky enough to have only the shirt on your back while you’re lost in the wilderness, you’ll have to follow suit. Let the training of your inner caveman begin.
Today’s lesson: how to make DIY weapons in the wild with only the resources nature provided you.
How to Make a Knife | Homemade Weapons
Having a knife, any kind of knife is probably one of the best things to happen should you suddenly find yourself in a survival situation. You can use it to help you find food, build a shelter, and defend yourself against wild animals.
So it’s highly fortunate nature is waiting like a momma at a craft table with lots of materials you can use to create one.
1. Stone Knives
Bone, shell, bamboo, wood, or even an old aluminum beer can may work to perform the puncturing function of a blade. You know you’ve seen these a million times when you’re out hiking.
They’re easy to crack or break or shape into a fairly sharp point which will do in a pinch. Unfortunately, you’re not going to be able to use a chicken bone or an expertly-shaped aluminum can point to skin, chop, baton, or any of the other necessary functions of a survival knife.
This is where the stone comes into play. I’ll start by saying making a knife out of stone isn’t easy, but it can be done.
You’ll need three things: a core rock, a hammerstone, and a pressure flaker. Remember, you’re going to be smashing these together in true caveman fashion.
So, having stones you can reasonably grip in each hand is going to make your life a lot easier. Although, it’s definitely an option to stand poised over one rock smashing down on it.
You, with a two-hand grip, pounding until you’ve chipped away at it a bit. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
2. The Core Rock
The core rock is what you’ll be making into a blade. Find any large stone, preferably made from obsidian, slate, chert, or flint with a relatively flat side.
In case you weren’t a rock collector in any of your previous lives, here’s another way to decide if a rock meets the requirements for good knife-making material. Tap or click a rock together with another rock and listen for a ringing sound (like glass).
The more rock sounds like glass, the better it is as a material for your core rock. If you can, choose a rock which is already a bit sharp to reduce the amount of time you’ll need to shape it.
3. The Hammerstone
The hammerstone is a medium-sized, spherical rock, preferably made of granite. It will be used to smash, chisel, chip and shape the core rock.
You’ll be using it to chip off pieces of the core stone and to narrow the edges to a blade shape.
RELATED: How To Keep Your Edge | Knife Sharpener
4. The Pressure Flaker
The pressure flaker, or flaking tool, is a rock with a sharp point to help you refine the blade’s edges. You’ll use your flaking tool after you’ve thinned the edges of the stone with the hammer stone to make the “blade” sharper.
When you start making your knife, you’ll want to be sure to wet the core stone to shorten the time it takes to shape it into a blade. Begin by striking glancing blows near the edge of the core rock with the hammerstone.
Chip away at the core rock until you get the general shape of a blade. Then, use the flaking tool to refine the edges you need to sharpen.
You can also use a stone with a rough surface such as a sandstone to sharpen the edge. Use some rope, cloth, or leather to lash the base and create a handle.
If you are having troubling shaping the rock into a knife, you can opt to create stone blades instead. Check out the videos below to learn how:
Part One:
Part Two:
How to Make a Spear | Homemade Weapons
We’ve talked about how to make a spear using your best survival knife in a previous article. The same principle applies here.
Even without your Cold Steel Leatherneck Tanto 39LSFT or whichever survival knife you normally bring with you, you can still make a spear using your newly made stone knife. To make a spear, you’ll need to find a five-foot-long stick tough enough to endure repeated short or long-distance throws.
- First, pick the end of the stick which has a more rounded tip and use your stone knife to start shaving to create a spear. Once you’re done, be sure to heat the spear over some hot coals to make your spear sharper.
- As an alternative, you can also make a spear by tying your knife onto a stick. Find a stick which is about an inch wide.
- Measure about 2 inches from one end of the stick. Mark the point, then split the stick into two until you reach the 2-inch mark, creating a sort of Y shape.
- This will create a space where you can stick your stone knife before you lash it on with some twine, cord, or rope. To lock the blade in place, put some moss or lichen in the remaining space.
- If you haven’t had time to fashion your knife out of stone yet, you can also use broken pieces of shell or glass or splintered bamboo or bone and secure it to the end of your stick.
- If you find a way to split your stick without a knife, you can insert the splintered bone or bamboo into the wedge and tie it off like you would when turning a knife into a spear.
How to Make a Weighted Club | Homemade Weapons
While sharp pointy tools are all well and good, you can never go wrong with a blunt homemade weapon. You can use it for hammering or bludgeoning something such as a weighted club.
The weighted club could be one of the deadliest ancient weapons. To make one, you’ll need the following: a piece of wood around 14-16 inches, a medium-sized rock, and some rope.
- Once you have all the materials, you’ll need to wrap some lashing 6-8 inches from the end of the stick.
- Split the same end until you reach the lashing in order to create a V-shaped notch. The rock you picked out should be shorter than the length of the split.
- Insert the stone then lash it securely (above, below, and across the stone). The lashing on the stick above the stone clamps both sides of the split together providing the first point of security, so it’s especially important to create a good, tight lashing above the stone.
- You’ll want to make sure you bind the split ends securely so the stone won’t fall off whenever you use it to hammer or pound on something.
This video from Wannabe Bushcrafter will show you how to make a bamboo knife:
Now, hopefully, you never find yourself in a situation where making homemade weapons is going to be a necessity for survival. But, if you do find yourself in such a quagmire, this little bit of information and inner caveman training may be what saves your life.
Which of these homemade weapons do you want to make? Tell us your progress in the comments section below!
Up Next:
- Unusual Weapons From Around The World And How To Use Them
- Improvised Weapons: So Easy A Caveman Can Do It
- Lost At Sea Survival Guide | 7 Tips And Tricks For Ocean Navigation
Go to our Survival Life Store to shop some of our favorites self-defense tools and gear!
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***Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.***
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on April 11, 2014, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here
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5 Home Remedies For Chigger Bites

Know these home remedies for chigger bites, or better yet, avoid the bug's bites in the first place with helpful tips included here!
RELATED: Top Ways to Deal with Insects [Especially Mosquitos]
In this article:
- What Is a Chigger, Exactly?
- Where Do Chiggers Live?
- Identifying Chiggers Bites
- Home Remedies for Chigger Bites
- Tips to Avoid Chigger Bites and Chigger Bites Infection
Home Remedies For Chigger Bites
What Is a Chigger, Exactly?
Chiggers are members of the arachnid family. They are extremely tiny, and my guess is you won’t even see them as they jump from the tall grass onto your skin and/or clothing.
Adult chiggers are about 1/60 of an inch and have eight legs. The larvae are red, wingless, six-legged creatures which measure less than 1/150 of an inch.
Because of their red color, you might be able to spot the larvae when they cluster together, especially on white clothing.
What Is the Arachnid Family? It is a large group or class of invertebrate animals where the spiders and scorpions belong.
Where Do Chiggers Live?
Chiggers reside in tall weeds and grass, berry patches, and wooded areas. They could be in your backyard, by the lake, or your favorite hiking trail.
They are most active in summer and fall afternoons – the warmest part of the day.
Identifying Chiggers Bites
Only the larvae bite humans and they tend to choose warm, moist areas of the body.
Chiggers also have claws which help them grab onto your skin. The chigger then attaches its mouth to the skin and injects saliva.
The saliva contains an enzyme which breaks skin cells down to liquid form. Your body responds by hardening skin cells around the saliva, creating a tube (cyclostome) through which the chigger sucks the dissolved skin cells.
Chiggers can stay attached and feeding for several days before falling off.
When the chigger falls off, you are left with reddish bumps. You may notice a bright red dot in the center—this is a remnant of the tube your skin formed in response to the chigger's saliva.
The bumps may look like welts, blisters, pimples, or hives. Bites generally appear in groups and get larger for several days to a week.
While many insects bite exposed skin which is easy to get to, chiggers like to bite in folds of skin as well as places where clothing fits tightly on the skin. Most chigger bites occur around the ankles, waist, armpits, crotch, or behind the knees.
Home Remedies for Chigger Bites
Just remember, no matter what, DO NOT SCRATCH THE BITES! I know, easier said than done. But, breaking the skin on a chigger bite can lead to infection.
Here are 5 home remedies to help with the itching and swelling.
RELATED: Spider Bite? Here’s How To Treat It
1. Vicks Vapor Rub
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Vicks Vapor Rub can put an end to itchy chigger bites immediately and will even reduce the risk of blisters. It’s the cooling menthol in it which relieves itching by affecting itch receptors in the skin.
Steps:
- Take a hot shower (use antibacterial soap.) Pat dry your skin with a soft towel.
- Take a small amount of the vapor rub and add some table salt to it.
- Mix well and apply to the affected area.
- Repeat if the swelling continues (otherwise, there is no need to repeat the process)
2. Cold Compress
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A cold compress can help reduce the itching associated with chigger bites. Its numbing effect helps reduce the sensation of itchiness.
Steps:
- Wrap some ice cubes in a thin cloth.
- Apply the compress to the bites for 10 minutes. Repeat if needed to relieve itching.
3. Baking Soda
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Baking soda is another effective remedy to reduce rashes as well as itchiness. It acts as a natural acid neutralizer which helps relieve itching and reduces the risk of infection.
Steps:
- Add 1 cup of baking soda to a bathtub filled with cool water.
- Stir well and soak in this water for 15 minutes and pat your skin with a soft towel. (Do this once daily)
Another remedy using baking soda:
- Prepare a thin paste of 2 teaspoons of baking soda and a little water.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas and leave it on for about 10 minutes.
- Rinse it off with cool water.
Note: Do not use this remedy more than once or twice a day. Never use baking soda on broken skin or open wounds.
4. Oatmeal
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Oatmeal contains anti-irritating, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties providing instant relief from itching–one of the common symptoms of chigger bites. It is recommended to use colloidal oatmeal, meaning oats which are ground into an extremely fine powder.
(You can accomplish this yourself by grinding regular oats in a sealed Ziploc bag, using the backside of a spoon to crush the oatmeal.)
Steps:
- Add 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal to a bathtub filled with warm water
- Stir thoroughly
- Soak in this mixture for at least 15-20 minutes
- Repeat 2-3 times a day
5. Olive Oil
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Olive oil can also be used to get relief from the irritation and inflammation. It is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants which reduce itching and facilitate healing.
Steps:
- After rinsing the affected area with water, apply olive oil to the chigger bite.
- Reapply several times a day.
Another option using olive oil:
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and apply on the affected area.
- Repeat a few times a day.
Tips to Avoid Chigger Bites and Chigger Bites Infection
As summer and fall are prime time for chigger bites, it is best to take the following precautions:
- When hiking, stay in the center of the trail and avoid brushing up against vegetation.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants when going into the woods.
- Apply mosquito repellent on your hands, feet, and exposed skin on your arms before going outside.
- Shower immediately after being outdoors and use antibacterial soap.
- Wash your clothes in hot water.
- Resist the urge to scratch because breaking the skin on chigger bites can lead to a possible infection.
This video from Online Pest Control will show you tips to avoid chiggers and ways to get rid of chiggers:
Chigger bites much like other insect bites aren't only discomforting, they can be dangerous too. Many of these insects including chiggers carry diseases in some cases.
The best way to deal with these bugs is to avoid them or control them with our tips here. But, if you're so unlucky, you also now know the best home remedies to chigger bites!
Have you had to deal with chigger bites before? Tell us how, including more useful tips which worked for you in the comments section below!
Up Next:
- How To Prevent And Treat Poison Ivy, Oak, And Sumac
- 11 Natural Ways To Rid Your Home Of Roaches For Good
- Survive Snake Bites with This Helpful Infographic
Go to our Survival Life Store to shop some of our favorites self-defense tools and gear!
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***Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.***
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on June 28, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here
Uncategorized
9 Good Reasons To Carry A “Survival Stick”

Arm yourself with a survival stick, get savvy with it, but first, find out why as you read on!
RELATED: Deadly Parasols | Umbrella As A Self-Defense Weapon
In this article:
- Survival Hiking Stick
- Survival Stick for Support
- Fetching/Reaching Things
- Walking Staff Weapon for Self-Defense
- Balance
- Gauging Depth
- Carrying Gear and Supplies
- Club
- Fishing Rod
Survival Stick: An Underrated Multipurpose Tool?
The Survival Stick in History
A walking stick or a survival cane were popular in the 17th and 18th centuries as a decorative show of power and a defensive replacement for a sword. Yet, the truth is our ancestors have been using them for thousands of years, and for good reason…
…They work! Even the animal kingdom is smart enough to know just how useful these are:
(It may be hard to see, but this gorilla is holding a walking stick to gauge the depth of the water as she sloshes along)
A walking stick is not a new or revolutionary idea. In fact, the use of a walking stick predates history and its use continued on for generations including this present time.
Yet, it is one which is more often than not overlooked. When most people think of a walking stick, it is usually paired with a top hat or seen as a crutch for someone with a walking disability.
Far too few people even realize how important a walking stick can be, especially to someone in the outdoors. We will dig a little deeper into the many uses of a survival stick and maybe safely say, it could be the first multi-purpose survival tool.
Practical and Survival Uses for a Survival Stick
Walking sticks are also known as trekking poles, pilgrim's staffs, hiking poles and hiking staff have quite a few different uses:
1. Survival Hiking Stick
Hold the survival stick in front of you and you can use it to clear your way by parting brushes and branches or leaves and thick tall grasses. You can also use it to clear spiderwebs, especially if you're not too fond of spiders.
Other insects, animals, poisonous plants, and even animal dung can get in the way. Use a survival stick to inspect or poke at those things if you are unsure, and never ever your hands or your feet.
2. Survival Stick for Support
Making your way through an uneven terrain will be more manageable with a walking stick for support. Whether you're going up or down, use the walking stick to either slow you down or hold you up.
You can use your walking stick like breaks to keep you from speeding down or use it to latch on to a rock or crevice when you're climbing up. Besides for yourself, you can also use your multipurpose stick as a support for your tarp emergency shelter.
3. Fetching/Reaching Things
It happens–a supply or gear falling on water, mud, puddle or in an area you dare not walk into. You can fetch or reach for those items with a stick.
It also happens where you need an item over a physical barrier and only a stick can fetch the item for you. You can also reach for fruits, nest, or other food sources up a tree or high structure with a stick.
RELATED: Unusual Weapons From Around The World And How To Use Them
4. Walking Staff Weapon for Self-Defense
To use a survival stick as a weapon, make sure it's a sturdy stick with a finished look and not just any stick you found along the way. You can use it to defend yourself from an attacker whether it's human or animals.
I would suggest to train yourself in some form of martial arts using a stick like a baton as a weapon to have a better handle at it.
You can also fashion a spear with your stick by tying a survival knife on one end. Don't throw this spear though or you risk damaging or losing your knife and stick.
Hold on to your homemade spear and only use it to thrust at your target.
5. Balance
When you're crossing a log bridge over a stream or you're going through the stream itself or other bodies of water, a walking stick can help you balance so you don't fall over. If you're walking through a muddy or rocky waterbed, a walking stick will help you up.
If you're up for it and if the body of water isn't too wide across, you can also use a long stick like a pole vault to cross over so you don't get yourself wet.
6. Gauging Depth
Relative to crossing bodies of water, a survival stick is handy in identifying dips beneath the waters which could cause you to stumble. You can also use the stick to identify where it's safe to take the next step.
You can also use this simple trick with the stick when you're traveling in deep snow, marshland, and even the dessert.
7. Carrying Gear and Supplies
Use your survival stick to help you carry gear and supplies. Pack your supplies with a shemagh, tie it tight to one end of your stick then place the stick over your shoulders in hobo fashion.
You can also carry more supplies with your survival stick. Even today, a carrying pole is used by indigenous people all over the world to carry heavy supplies you never thought possible.
Hang bags of supplies or jars of water on either side of the pole or stick, putting a stopper like a notch or tie on both ends so they don't fall off. Place the center of the stick over your shoulders and balance your load to your destination.
8. Club
Use your survival stick like a club to knock obstacle down. A pillar of rocks or other objects may be on your way and a sturdy stick can help you safely knock those.
If you are in a building with glass doors or windows or inside a car, you can break the glass with a stick. Make to knock over pieces around your entrance or exit with the stick, too.
9. Fishing Rod
You only need to bring a fishing kit and your survival stick will make a good fishing rod. Tie a line on one end of your walking stick and fish away.
A DIY fishing pole is actually effective and many a fish has been caught this way.
As you guys and gals already know, I am a stickler for carrying things only if they have multiple uses. This guy managed to fit almost an entire survival kit into a walking stick he built from scratch, for under $20.00.
Check out this video from SOS 2054 I found, and find out for yourself, too:
A humble walking stick will indeed surprise you with what it can do for your defense, convenience, safety, and survival. Since you know now the practical and survival uses of this primitive multi-purpose tool, it won't surprise me if it lands a top spot on your list of survival tools for camping, hiking, or SHTF.
What other uses can you think of for carrying a “survival stick”? Let us know in the comments section below!
Up Next:
- 7 Unexpected Items You Can Use As Urban Survival Tools
- Minimalist Footwear…An Ultralight Essential? [Gear Review]
- Surviving By The Skin Of Your Teeth: 7 Reasons To Stock Up On Dental Floss
Go to our Survival Life Store to shop some of our favorites self-defense tools and gear!
Follow us onInstagram,Twitter,Pinterest, and Facebook!
**Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on October 11, 2013, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here
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