Paracord is a survivalists best friend. But how much paracord do you need for a bug out bag?
How much paracord do you need for your bug out bag?
The short answer? We pack about 100-150 ft of paracord in our bug out bags, but the total amount will vary by person based on their bug out plan, and their other bug out bag gear. This depends on your planned uses. If you need paracord for your shelter plans, for making snares, or for other uses, you’ll want to have more in your pack. Below are several paracord applications you may want to consider in a bug out scenario, and how much you’ll need for each. Going through it is a good exercise to determine if you’ve got enough paracord in your bag currently.
Bow and Arrow
A bow string for a survival bow and arrow you’ll want at least 8 feet. The smaller cords can be useful for making arrows, but there are better materials you may want to consider for that instead.
Running Paracord Total: 8′
Snares and Traps
You’ll want about 4-5′ of paracord per snare, depending on what you’re trying to catch. I like to run 5-6 snares at a time.
Running Paracord Total: 38′
Making a Shelter
Building a shelter from scratch? As much paracord as possible. Suspending a tarp? 10-30 feet depending on the tarp and if you’ve got good trees around you.
Running Paracord Total: 68′
Fishing
Fishing, stream fishing I’d want at least 8 feet. Keep your distance from the water better, but not so long that you can’t wield your pole. If you’re trying to fish a pond, lake, or the ocean, you’ll want 20-30 feet, though you can separate the inner strands and tie them together to get more length out of a smaller piece of rope. The inner white nylon rope isn’t clear fishing line, but it’ll be enough for a really hungry fish. You can also buy survival line paracord, which we HIGHLY recommend, and one of the inner strands is actually fishing line. It also has strands of waterproof fire starter cord, and a strand of wire. When I first heard about this stuff, I was worried they were replacing some cords, and sacrificing strength. Nope. These are added, and it actually is stronger because of these additions. If a Leatherman knife was turned into a rope, it would be this stuff. Check it out.
Running Paracord Total: 88′
Foraging
Caring things you forage. I’ve tied wild game like ducks, grouse, and even an elk quarter to my pack with paracord before.
Running Paracord Total: 98′
Gear Repair
I’ve repaired gear, shoe laces, and made a belt with paracord before. For miscellaneous uses like this, I would carry 10-20 feet.
Running Paracord Total: 118′
Grand Total Paracord for Bug Out Bag
Grand total comes to about 120′, if you use paracord for a lot of things, I’d plan on at least 100 ft. If some of these uses aren’t in your plans, or you have specific gear to tackle those things, you can subtract that amount of paracord from your bug out bag.
I also like to macrame another 20-50 feet onto my pack as emergency, last resort paracord. In fact, I weave paracord like this into all of my bags and backpacks, just in case, not just my bug out bag.
Buying Paracord
Buy in Bulk
When I buy paracord, I try to buy in bulk. Doing so gets you the best deal, and I use it enough that I’ve never regretted having a 1,000 foot spool. This spool is a great option, and comes in 37 different colors. usually only use black though.
As I already mentioned before, Survival cord is another great option. It’s stronger than regular paracord, and is much more versatile. that being said, it does cost a bit more, but you’re paying for the added fishing line, strands of waterproof fire starter cord, and a strand of wire.
What’s the Status of Your Bug Out Bag?
Paracord is a vital part of your bug out bag, but you need all the right gear in a SHTF scenario, and there is little margin for error. When your life depends on it, you want to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. For that reason we put together an extensive bug out bag checklist to help you determine if you’re prepared, should you ever need to get out of dodge.
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