Cheat sheet: Outdoor gear

1. 1Read the temperature ratings – Many sleeping bags are tested to EN ISO 23537, with comfort, limit and extreme ratings.
2. 2Weigh up the fill – Down: lighter and more compressible for the same warmth but sensitive to wetness.
3. 3Check the fit – Choose a suitable length and width: too big means cold air that has to be warmed; too tight compresses the fill.
4. 4Use it correctly – Shake the bag out before sleeping so the fill lofts.
5. 5Air after every night – In the morning let moisture escape, air it or dry it in the sun if possible before packing it again.
6. 6Store loosely – At home, store it loosely in a large breathable bag or hanging up, not in the compression sack.
7. 7Wash per manufacturer instructions – Wash only when necessary and exactly per the manufacturer's instructions (detergent, temperature, drying).

Danger: The standardised extreme rating describes a range in which there is a risk of hypothermia. Never choose a sleeping bag for the planned trip based on this value.

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1. 1Cover the functions – Navigation (map, compass, charged phone), light, sun protection, first-aid kit, tool/repair, fire, weather protection and insulation…
2. 2Waterproof inside – Put clothing, electronics and the first-aid kit in dry bags or a liner.
3. 3Distribute weight – Heavy items (water, food) close to the back and in the middle, light bulky clothing at the bottom or outside.
4. 4Pack for access – Rain jacket, snacks, map, sun protection and phone on top or in outer pockets; the first-aid kit easy to find and known to everyone in the…
5. 5Adjust the pack – Hip belt (if any) on the hip bones, tighten shoulder straps, close the chest strap.
6. 6Check before leaving – Phone charged?

Danger: In an accident or if someone cannot go on: call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) and protect the person from cold and wet.

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1. 1Determine torso length – Measure from the prominent neck vertebra to the level of the top of the hip bones.
2. 2Load – Heavy items close to the back at about shoulder-blade height, light items at the bottom and outside.
3. 3Hip belt – Loosen all straps, put the pack on and close the hip belt so the pads wrap around the hip bones.
4. 4Shoulder straps – Tighten the shoulder straps until they sit snugly without carrying weight.
5. 5Load lifters – Tighten slightly so the top of the pack does not lean back.
6. 6Sternum strap and test – Close the sternum strap a little below the collarbone.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/gear/gear-backpack-fitting

1. 1Define the use – Decide season, terrain (forest, mountains, coast), number of people and transport (on foot, bike, car).
2. 2Choose a design – Dome: freestanding, versatile.
3. 3Season – Three-season tents are meant for spring to autumn; four-season or expedition tents are made for snow load and winter storms.
4. 4Check details – Vents, vestibules for gear, entrances, guy points, floor material and whether the fly can be pitched first or together with the inner.
5. 5Trial pitch – Pitch it at home before the trip, take the instructions and replace missing parts.

Danger: No stove, barbecue or heater inside a closed tent – carbon monoxide and fire risk.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/gear/gear-choosing-tent

1. 1Pad type – Foam pad: robust, puncture-proof, bulky.
2. 2Check the standard – Only compare R-values determined under the same standard; many manufacturers now state ASTM F3340.
3. 3Estimate conditions – Snow and frozen ground need considerably higher values than summer nights.
4. 4Combine – In winter put a foam pad under an air pad – more insulation and a backup if one punctures.
5. 5Care – Do not inflate air pads by mouth if the manufacturer advises against it (moisture), carry a patch kit, and store open and dry.

Caution: On snow or frozen ground without enough insulation you can get badly chilled even in a good sleeping bag. Act early on signs of hypothermia.

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1. 1Home – Water and food for several days, light, battery radio, first aid, medication, hygiene, a way to cook outdoors without power, cash.
2. 2Car – Hi-vis vest and warning triangle per local rules, light, warm clothing or a blanket, water, some food, charging cable, and in winter a…
3. 3Go bag – Document copies, medication, water and food for about three days, change of clothes, light, power bank, hygiene items – portable for each…
4. 4Use overlaps – Buy items needed in every kit (light, first aid, charging cable) several times rather than moving them around.
5. 5Review regularly – Set dates for checks – see the gear maintenance schedule.

Caution: Vital medication and aids belong in every kit a person might rely on for a while; check expiry dates regularly.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/gear/gear-kit-comparison

1. 1Basic length – Stand the pole upright next to the foot and hold the grip: the forearm is roughly horizontal, the elbow roughly at a right angle.
2. 2Strap – Put the hand up through the strap from below and grip the handle together with the strap so the strap takes the pressure.
3. 3Uphill and downhill – Shorten a little uphill, lengthen a little downhill.
4. 4Rhythm – On the flat plant the poles diagonally to the step (right pole with left foot).
5. 5Stow – On scrambles, ladders and chains shorten the poles and fasten them securely to the pack, tips down or protected.

Caution: Where a fall is possible on steep ground, do not put your hands through the straps, so the hand comes free if the pole snags.

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1. 1Insert a liner – Put a waterproof liner or heavy-duty bin bag into the pack and pack the contents into it.
2. 2Double-protect critical items – Put the sleeping bag, spare clothing, documents and electronics into their own dry bags or pouches as well.
3. 3Close properly – Press out the air, flatten the opening and roll it at least three times, then close the buckle.
4. 4Keep wet items separate – Put a wet tent and wet clothing outside or in their own bag, never in the dry section.
5. 5Check – Occasionally fill with air, close and squeeze – escaping air shows holes.

Caution: A wet sleeping bag and wet spare clothing can become dangerous in the cold. Always pack the warmth reserve most securely.

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1. 1Clothing in layers – Base layer, warm mid layer, rain jacket and trousers, hat, gloves, sun hat.
2. 2Their own small pack – Light, with a chest strap; inside only a water bottle, a snack, a jacket and a favourite item.
3. 3Safety kit – Whistle on the jacket, small light, card with name and parents' phone number, bright colours or reflectors.
4. 4Sleeping – Children's sleeping bag of the right length – bags that are too long stay cold.
5. 5Check fit – Try on footwear and clothing before every season; children's feet grow quickly.

Caution: Children often report cold, hunger or exhaustion late. Regularly check hands, neck and mood, and turn back early.

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1. 11 Navigation – A paper map of the area and a compass, plus your phone with a downloaded offline map and a power bank.
2. 22 Light – A headlamp with full batteries or a charged battery, plus spares.
3. 33 Sun protection – Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses and a hat.
4. 44 First aid – A small first-aid kit with disposable gloves, plasters, blister plasters, a bandage, a triangular bandage, your medicines and an emergency…
5. 55 Knife and repair – A pocket knife or multitool, some tape, a few cable ties and cord.
6. 66 Fire – A lighter and matches in a waterproof bag, possibly some tinder.
7. 77 Emergency shelter – An emergency bivvy bag or at least an emergency blanket, plus a small sit pad against the cold ground.
8. 88–10 Extra food, water, clothing – One meal or a few bars more than planned, enough water (or tablets or a filter to treat it) and an extra warm layer with hat, gloves and…
9. 9Tick off and adapt – Tick off the ten points on the list before every trip.

Caution: Gear only helps if you can use it. Practise map, compass and phone navigation before the trip and refresh your first aid. In an emergency call 112; in Austria mountain rescue is also reachable on 140.

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1. 1Know what it can do – The film is windproof and waterproof and reflects radiant heat.
2. 2Insulate underneath first – Sit on your backpack, a sleeping pad, a rope or a thick layer of dry branches – never directly on stone, snow or wet ground.
3. 3Wrap up completely – First put on all warm layers and a hat.
4. 4Side does not matter – sealed does – On most blankets both sides are coated.
5. 5Protect it from tearing – Unfold carefully, do not drag it over branches or stones.
6. 6Rig it as weather protection – For a roof, do not pierce the corners: put a small pebble in the corner, gather the film around it and tie the cord behind the pebble.
7. 7Use it as a signal – Spread out in open ground and weighed down with stones, the film shines in the sun and is easy to see from above.
8. 8Better: a bivvy bag – An emergency bivvy bag is a closed sack made of sturdier material.

Danger: Anyone shivering hard, confused or who stops shivering is seriously hypothermic. Call 112, protect from further cold (insulation underneath, dry layers, blanket, head covered) and do not move the person unnecessarily.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/gear/gear-emergency-blanket-uses

1. 1Sort and lighten – Spread everything out.
2. 2Lay out the cover – Spread the tarp or blanket flat.
3. 3Roll it tightly – Roll tightly from the loaded edge.
4. 4Bend into a horseshoe – Bend the roll into a horseshoe and tie the two ends together.
5. 5Or: a bundle pack – Put the items in the middle of a square of tarp, fold the sides over like a parcel and tie it crosswise tightly.
6. 6Or: jacket or trousers – Close the jacket, tie the bottom hem tightly shut and fill it from the top.
7. 7Pad the straps – Where cord lies on the shoulder, put socks, gloves or a piece of cloth underneath.
8. 8Check after 10–15 minutes – Stop briefly: is everything secure?

Caution: In cold weather never turn your only warm jacket into a pack. Warmth comes before luggage – carry less instead.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/gear/gear-improvised-backpack

1. 1Mandatory kit within reach – Warning triangle, first-aid kit and hi-vis vest are mandatory in Germany and Austria.
2. 2Warmth for everyone – A blanket or sleeping bag for each person, plus hat, gloves and warm footwear.
3. 3Water and food – Water in bottles that are not quite full so they do not burst when freezing.
4. 4Snow tools – A small snow shovel, ice scraper and snow brush, gloves.
5. 5Light and power – A headlamp with spare batteries, a charged power bank and a car charging cable.
6. 6Towing and jump-starting – A tow rope and jumper cables.
7. 7Check in autumn and spring – Twice a year: swap water and food, test and charge the lamp and power bank, check the first-aid kit's expiry date.
8. 8Snowed in: keep the exhaust clear – Stay in the car, hazard lights on, call 112.

Danger: If the exhaust pipe is covered with snow, carbon monoxide can get into the car – invisible, odourless and deadly. Dig the pipe clear regularly, run the engine only at intervals and open a window on the downwind side a crack while it runs. Never let it run in a closed garage.

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1. 1Read the instructions – Before first use read the manufacturer's information on preparation, backflushing, cleaning, sanitising, frost protection, lifespan and…
2. 2Pre-treat cloudy water – Let cloudy water settle or pre-filter it through a cloth.
3. 3Keep sides separate – Mark the raw-water container and clean side clearly and never mix them up. Keep hands clean where possible.
4. 4Backflush or clean – When flow drops, backflush or clean the surface exactly as described by the manufacturer – only with the water or accessories intended for…
5. 5Protect from frost – When frost is possible, keep the filter in the sleeping bag or close to the body at night, and in an inside pocket during the day.
6. 6Prepare for storage – After the trip clean it, sanitise if the manufacturer specifies, and let it dry completely before packing.
7. 7Replace in time – Replace the filter when its lifespan is reached, an integrity test fails, the housing is damaged or barely any water passes despite…

Danger: In hollow-fibre and membrane filters, freezing residual water can damage the fibres invisibly. Many manufacturers advise no longer treating a possibly frozen filter as reliable. When in doubt, also disinfect or boil the water.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/gear/gear-water-filter-care

1. 1Check seals – Check O-rings at the canister connection or pump for cracks, drying out and dirt; replace or lubricate as the manufacturer specifies.
2. 2Clean the jet – Liquid-fuel stoves: clean the jet with the cleaning needle or shaker needle and flush the fuel line as instructed.
3. 3Test run outdoors – Light it outdoors before the trip: even blue flame, no leaks, no smell of fuel.
4. 4Set up safely – On level, non-flammable ground, sheltered from wind, pot centred.
5. 5Store – Unscrew the canister, store fuel in original containers cool and ventilated, put the stove away clean and dry.

Danger: Stoves consume oxygen and produce carbon monoxide. Never run them inside a tent, a closed vestibule, a vehicle or living space. With headache, dizziness or nausea get to fresh air at once and call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

survivebetter.com/en/explore/gear/gear-stove-care

1. 1Size – For one person a small pot is often enough; for groups several medium pots or one large pot that suits the stove.
2. 2Material – Titanium: very light, expensive, ideal for boiling water.
3. 3Details – Lid with a strainer, scale inside, a firm handle, and whether the stove or canister nests inside.
4. 4Clean – Clean with hot water after eating, scatter grey water away from water sources and store dry.

Caution: Thin-walled pots and metal handles get very hot; use a pot grip or glove. Keep the pot centred and stable on the stove.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/gear/gear-cookware

1. 1Choose by properties – Look at run time in low and medium modes, not just peak brightness.
2. 2Choose the power source – Lamps using standard batteries can be supplied anywhere; built-in batteries need power to recharge.
3. 3Keep warm in the cold – Carry the lamp, spare batteries and rechargeables close to the body or keep them in the sleeping bag at night.
4. 4Secure against switching on – Use the lock function or carry one battery reversed or separately so the lamp does not drain unnoticed in the pack.
5. 5Store correctly – Store batteries cool and dry, observe the expiry date, keep rechargeables partly charged for long-term storage if the manufacturer…
6. 6Check regularly – Test lamps and batteries twice a year, check contacts for corrosion, recharge rechargeables.

Caution: Do not use lithium batteries and power banks that are damaged, swollen or overheated, and charge them only with suitable chargers. Special rules apply to spare batteries on flights – check with the airline.

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1. 1Baseplate compass – Transparent plate with direction-of-travel arrow, rotating housing with degree scale, orienting lines and rulers.
2. 2Mirror compass – With a folding mirror and sighting notch: see target and needle at the same time for more precise bearings.
3. 3Lensatic or sighting compass – With sight and magnifying lens, robust and common in military use.
4. 4Check features – Degree scale (or the division used in your region), rulers matching your maps, declination adjustment if needed, a needle for your zone or…
5. 5Test – Bubbles in the housing, a sluggish or sticking needle and readings that differ from a second compass are reasons to replace it.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/gear/gear-compass-types

1. 1Read the forecast – Read the national weather service forecast the evening before and in the morning, e.g. DWD or GeoSphere Austria.
2. 2In winter: avalanche bulletin – For trips in the winter mountains read the regional avalanche bulletin: danger level 1 to 5 and the described danger spots.
3. 3Route and turnaround time – Plan the route on the map, estimate walking time generously and set a turnaround time.
4. 4Tell someone – Write down for a contact: route, alternative route, who is coming, car and number plate, planned return and a fixed alarm time.
5. 5Check your gear – Tick off the ten essentials and adapt them to weather and season.
6. 6Phone and offline map – Fully charge phone and power bank.
7. 7On the way: report changes – If you change the route or will be later, tell your contact immediately while you have reception.
8. 8If you are overdue – If you are lost or injured: stop, calm down, call 112, stay at a safe, visible place, save battery and signal.

Danger: In the winter mountains the avalanche bulletin decides. Without avalanche training, equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe) and experience, stay on cleared, secured paths and pistes.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/gear/gear-checking-before-trip

1. 1Choose the base layer – Close-fitting underwear made of synthetic fibre or wool (e.g. merino) moves moisture on and stays warmer when damp than cotton.
2. 2Choose the mid layer – Fleece, wool jumpers or insulated jackets with synthetic or down fill.
3. 3Choose the outer layer – A wind- and waterproof jacket with hood, large enough for the layers underneath.
4. 4Head, hands, feet – Hat, gloves (a spare pair in the cold) and socks are part of the system.
5. 5Regulate on the way – Remove a layer before climbs, before you sweat; put on a warm layer immediately when stopping, before you cool down.
6. 6Care for it – Wash according to the manufacturer's instructions; for water-repellent outer layers, re-treatment (reproofing) per manufacturer…

Danger: Wet clothing and wind can cause hypothermia even above freezing. At intense shivering or confusion, seek shelter, put on dry layers and call for help.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/gear/gear-layering-clothing

1. 1Clean – After the trip shake out or brush off dirt and sand, clean with water and a mild agent as specified by the manufacturer.
2. 2Dry completely – Dry tents, tarps, sleeping bags and clothing completely before packing them away – in the shade or indoors to limit UV exposure.
3. 3Inspect – Look at seams, tie-outs, zips, buckles, lines and coatings; check air pads for leaks.
4. 4Repair at home – Close small tears with suitable patches or repair tape, re-stitch loose seams, replace frayed lines.
5. 5Carry a repair kit – On the way the following usually suffice: repair tape, patches for the sleeping pad and fabric, a needle and strong thread, spare cord, a…
6. 6Make temporary repairs on the way – Tape tears clean and dry, on both sides if possible, with rounded corners.
7. 7Store correctly – Store dry, dark and loose; insulation not compressed, lines and coatings out of the sun.

Danger: Do not repair equipment that protects people (climbing ropes, harnesses, carabiners, helmets) yourself. Retire it after a fall load, visible damage or the end of the service life specified by the manufacturer.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/gear/gear-maintenance-repair

1. 1Choose a type – Light hiking shoes for trails, ankle-high boots with stiffer soles for rough terrain and loads, crampon-compatible boots only for alpine…
2. 2Try on – In the afternoon, with hiking socks, both feet.
3. 3Lace – Firm enough over the instep that the foot does not slide forward; relieve pressure points by skipping hooks.
4. 4Break in – Wear them in daily life and on short walks, gradually increasing duration and load.
5. 5Watch for hot spots – At the first hot spot stop at once, straighten socks and protect the spot with tape or a blister plaster.

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1. 1Clarify the need – Short showers in daily life, long rainy days in the mountains or wind at the coast make different demands.
2. 2Check features – Hood with a peak, adjustable and helmet-compatible if needed; pit or side zips for venting; taped seams; length below the hips.
3. 3Pace and venting – Adjust pace, open zips and wear little under the jacket so you do not soak with sweat.
4. 4Wash and reproof – Wash as the manufacturer instructs with a suitable detergent; dirt and skin oils weaken the water repellency.

Caution: Wetness from outside or sweat from inside makes clothing insulate less well. In wind and cold the risk of hypothermia rises – put on dry layers and find shelter in time.

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1. 1Define the purpose – Carving, cooking, repairs or a bit of everything?
2. 2Blade – For all-round camp work a medium-length blade with a point and a straight edge; overly long blades are hard to control.
3. 3Steel – Carbon steel: easy to sharpen, rusts.
4. 4Handle and sheath – The handle should grip safely wet and with gloves, with a guard or finger choil.
5. 5Multitool – A multitool with pliers, screwdrivers and a small blade is more useful for repairs than a big knife.

Caution: Rules on blade length, one-handed opening, locking mechanisms and carrying in public, on transport and on flights differ by country and place – check before buying and travelling.

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1. 1After every trip – Dry and air the tent, sleeping bag and clothing, remove dirt, note and repair damage, clean the water filter as instructed.
2. 2Every six months – Test and replace batteries, charge power banks, rotate water and food in the car and go bag, adjust clothing to the season.
3. 3Yearly – Check reproofing, seams, zips and seals; check first-aid supplies for expiry; service the stove; update document copies.
4. 4Keep a list – Keep a simple list with date, contents and next check date in each kit; write expiry dates on the outside.
5. 5Store correctly – Sleeping bags loose, tents dry, canisters cool, everything protected from sun and rodents.

Caution: Remove leaked batteries with gloves; store devices without batteries inserted for long periods if the manufacturer recommends it.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/gear/gear-maintenance-schedule

1. 1Choose socks – Wool, wool blend or synthetic in a thickness that suits the footwear.
2. 2Put on properly – Pull on smoothly with the heel in the heel.
3. 3Pack a small foot kit – A dry spare pair in a stuff sack, tape or blister plasters, small scissors.
4. 4Tape hot spots early – At burning or redness stop at once, take off the sock, dry the spot and protect it with tape.
5. 5Dry and air – On longer breaks open the footwear and air feet and socks.

Caution: Take numb, very pale or painful feet in the cold seriously: warm up, dry socks, end the trip and get medical help if the problem persists.

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1. 1Liner – Thin, wool or synthetic, for tasks that need dexterity.
2. 2Insulation layer – A warmer glove or mitten suited to the expected cold.
3. 3Weather shell – A windproof, waterproof overmitt for snow, rain and wind.
4. 4Spares and drying – A dry spare pair in a stuff sack.

Caution: Numb, white or waxy fingers are a warning sign of cold injury. Get to shelter at once, warm up and get medical help.

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1. 1Warm hat – Wool or synthetic, covering the ears.
2. 2Sun hat – Wide brim all round or a cap with neck flap.
3. 3Neck gaiter – As neck warmer, headband, hat or face cover against wind and dust.
4. 4Regulate – Take the hat off when climbing to avoid sweating; put it back on immediately at breaks.

Caution: A hat only partly protects face and neck. At a high UV index also use sunscreen, sunglasses and shade around midday.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/gear/gear-headwear-sun-cold

1. 1Assess conditions – Icy paths, deep fresh snow or steep ice?
2. 2Microspikes – For icy, flat to moderately steep paths.
3. 3Snowshoes – For deep snow.
4. 4Crampons – Only with compatible footwear, an ice axe and training.
5. 5Care – Dry after use and check for bent points, cracks in the rubber and chain links.

Danger: Only use crampons and an ice axe after training. A fall on steep ice or hard snow often cannot be stopped without practised technique.

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1. 1Choose a height – High (to below the knee) for snow and wet vegetation, short for trail running, sand and scree.
2. 2Put on – Hook into the laces at the front, strap under the sole in front of the heel, closure on the outside, snug at the top but not constricting.
3. 3Combine with trousers – In rain, pull the rain trousers over the gaiter so water runs off on the outside.
4. 4Care – Check the under-foot strap for wear, rinse off mud, dry.

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1. 1Read the label – Check temperature, spin speed, dryer suitability and recommended detergent.
2. 2Wash gently – Use a detergent intended for down or technical textiles on a gentle cycle.
3. 3Lift out carefully – Wet insulation is heavy.
4. 4Dry – If allowed, in a dryer at low heat, often with clean tennis balls to break up clumps; otherwise flat in an airy place, shaking out…
5. 5Store – Only store once completely dry, loosely and airily, not in the compression sack.

Caution: Manufacturer instructions and the care label take precedence. The wrong detergent, too high a temperature or harsh spinning can damage insulation and coatings.

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1. 1Define the need – Only buy what suits the planned use.
2. 2Check textiles – Seams, zips, buckles, abrasion, coating (sticky or flaking), smell of mould.
3. 3Pitch tents – Check that poles, pegs and guylines are complete, poles for cracks, floor and fly against the light for holes.
4. 4Check hardware – Stoves: seals, valves, rust.
5. 5Clean and test – Clean before first use, reproof if needed and test on a short trip.

Danger: Ropes, harnesses, helmets and carabiners can be invisibly damaged (fall loads, chemicals, age). Without a known history do not use them for safety-critical purposes; follow manufacturer guidance on service life.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/gear/gear-buying-used

1. 1Choose the container – A flat metal tin about the size of your palm, or a small waterproof pouch.
2. 2Fire, twice over – A small lighter, a few matches in a sealed tube and a mini ferro rod.
3. 3Signal: whistle and mirror – A loud whistle without a pea and a small signal mirror.
4. 4Water and weather protection – A few water disinfection tablets in their original packaging (note the expiry date) and a thin, strong plastic bag for collecting water.
5. 5Light, first aid, repair – A mini LED light, a few plasters and blister plasters, your personal emergency medication, safety pins, one metre of tape wound flat and…
6. 6Paper, pencil and emergency card – A short pencil, a piece of paper, a card with emergency contacts and important health details, and some cash.
7. 7Pack tightly and seal – Flat items at the bottom, fill gaps with the tinder bag so nothing rattles.
8. 8Check and practise – Open it twice a year: does the lighter give a flame?

Caution: A pocket kit keeps nobody warm and fed for long. It is meant to help you get through the first hours, attract attention and be found – nothing more. In danger, call 112 straight away.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/gear/gear-personal-survival-kit

1. 1Choose the right cord – Type III paracord (“550 cord”) is designed to a US military spec for a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds, about 250 kg, with seven to…
2. 2Cut and secure the ends – Cut with the knife on a firm surface.
3. 3Rig a ridgeline – String it between two trees at chest height, with tree straps or padding so the bark is not damaged.
4. 4Lashings and bundles – Join two poles with a square lashing, strap firewood or a sleeping pad to the pack.
5. 5Repair – A broken bootlace, a snapped zip pull, a lost tent guyline: replace with cord and melt the ends.
6. 6Secure a splint – In first aid, cord only holds padding and splint in place.
7. 7Use the inner strands – Push back a piece of sheath and pull out the inner strands.
8. 8Store and check – Lay the cord in loops into a hank and tie it off so nothing tangles.

Danger: Paracord and utility cord from outdoor shops are not climbing, belay or rescue ropes. Never hang people on them, abseil or belay with them.

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