The 10 C’s for Urban Survival: Cordage
For when the SHTF.
Thriving in the dynamic urban landscape requires a blend of traditional survival wisdom and contemporary readiness. Understanding the crucial elements of survival is vital. These principles act as guiding lights, ensuring resilience and adaptability in challenging circumstances. To know which pieces of equipment to take with you in any survival situation, most experts will recommend the 5 C’s of Survival: cutting, combustion, cover, containers, and cordage. Which we will cover below.
Added to that we’ve merged the fundamental tenets of both urban and wilderness survival, so city dwellers can arm themselves with a versatile toolkit to confidently navigate various scenarios. Let's explore the amalgamation of not just the 5 C’s but expanded it to the 10 C's of survival, customized for urban environments.
Like anything in real life, you’ll of course need to add on, amend, or completely have to redo the items in your SHTF bag. Also, you’ll probably need multiple grab bags depending on your situation and where those bags are stashed. Like most articles on survival these “How To’s” are for one person. If you have the responsibility of not just yourself, you’re gonna need more stuff.
This article however brief is not for camping so you’re not going to see stuff thrown in for a prolonged stay. It’s grab, go, move, rest, move.
- Combustion
- Cutting tools
- Cover
- Container
- Cordage
- Communication
- Composure
- Concealment
- Commodity
- Currency
5. Cordage: Enough Rope?
In the vast tapestry of wilderness survival, the role of versatile cordage is akin to that of the thread in a weaver's loom—essential, intricate, and capable of binding together the fabric of life itself. Cordage serves as the sinew that ties together the essential elements of shelter, tools, and tasks, providing the lifeline upon which survival hinges. Within your meticulously curated survival kit, the inclusion of high-quality cordage—such as paracord or bank line—is not merely a suggestion but a cornerstone of preparedness, offering unparalleled strength, durability, and versatility in the face of adversity.
However, the utility of cordage transcends its physical properties, extending into the realm of ingenuity and resourcefulness. Beyond its primary function of securing shelter and lashing together makeshift tools, cordage serves as a conduit for innovation, enabling the resourceful survivor to fashion solutions to a myriad of challenges. By including smaller strands of fishing line and thread within your kit, you unlock a world of possibilities, from repairing torn gear and fashioning improvised traps to performing delicate surgical procedures in the absence of medical supplies.
Yet, to fully harness the potential of cordage, one must delve into the art of knot tying and lashing—an ancient craft that lies at the intersection of practicality and mastery. Through the acquisition of basic knots and lashings, such as the square knot, clove hitch, and bowline, the survivor transforms cordage into a versatile tool capable of adapting to the demands of any situation. With each knot tied and each lash secured, the survivor gains not only the means to construct shelters and set traps but also a deeper understanding of their connection to the natural world.
Indeed, the versatility of cordage knows no bounds, offering a solution to every challenge that nature may present. Whether it be the need to hang food away from hungry predators, construct a sturdy shelter against the elements, or fashion a makeshift splint for an injured limb, cordage stands as the silent guardian of survival, ever-ready to lend its strength and support.
When selecting cordage for your survival kit, it is essential to consider the advantages of multi-purpose options, such as military-grade Parachute Cord or Tarred Bank Line. These versatile cords offer a wealth of strands for a wide range of tasks, ensuring that you are prepared for the rigors of wilderness survival. With their unparalleled strength, functionality, and camouflage abilities, they stand as a testament to the enduring power of well-chosen cordage in the wild.
In conclusion, the inclusion of versatile cordage in your survival kit is not merely a matter of preparedness—it is a declaration of resilience, resourcefulness, and reverence for the natural world. By embracing the timeless art of knot tying and lashing, and selecting high-quality cordage, you equip yourself with the tools and skills necessary to navigate the challenges of the wilderness with confidence and competence. From securing shelter to setting traps, cordage remains an essential component of the survivor's arsenal, ensuring readiness for whatever trials may lie ahead.
