Cheat sheet: Mechanics and improvisation

No step-by-step – details in the entry.

Danger: If someone is trapped, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) immediately. Do not lift heavy loads with improvised means – slipping levers and falling loads cause serious injuries.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-lever-basics

1. 1Tie the line – Tie the line to the middle of the stick or around the neck of the bag with a clove hitch.
2. 2Dig – Dig a trench across the direction of pull, clearly deeper than usual in loose ground.
3. 3Bury – Place the anchor, fill with snow or sand and stamp it down firmly.
4. 4Tension – Only tension after stamping down; let an adjustable hitch take up slack.
5. 5On hard ground – Run the line around a large stone and stack more stones on top, or drive sticks at an angle against the direction of pull.

Danger: These anchors are only for guying tents and tarps. Anchors for securing people in snow belong in mountaineering training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-deadman-anchor

1. 1Ground – Choose a level, mineral surface, clear flammable material around it, have extinguishing water ready.
2. 2Three supports – Set three dry, flat stones of about equal height in a triangle so the pot rests securely on all three and the fire between them gets air.
3. 3Or bars – Lay two or three metal rods or metal pegs across two rows of stones.
4. 4Tip test – Put the empty pot on and tap it sideways.
5. 5Handle safely – Lift the pot with a pot grip or glove, never with a bare hand.

Danger: Do not put wet stones or stones from water into or right next to the fire – trapped water can make them burst when heated.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-pot-support

1. 1Add a cover – Put the bottle into a thick sock, hat, a piece of sleeping pad or foam.
2. 2Carry upside down – Stand the bottle cap down in the backpack – check beforehand that it does not leak.
3. 3Close to the body – Carry a small bottle in an inside pocket or in the backpack close to the back, not in an outside side pocket.
4. 4Start warm – Where possible start with warm (not boiling) water – it takes longer to freeze.
5. 5At night – For the sleeping bag fill a suitable, leak-proof bottle with warm water, wrap it and place it by the torso or thighs.

Danger: Hot water can cause serious scalds. Only use bottles designed for hot liquids, close the cap tightly and check for leaks, wrap the bottle in a sock or cloth and do not place it directly on the skin. For scalds, cool the area and for larger areas call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-bottle-insulation

1. 1Carry tape compactly – Wrap a few metres of duct tape around a water bottle, a trekking pole or a piece of card.
2. 2Pack cord – A few metres of paracord or accessory cord replace shoelaces, secure loose parts and serve as a washing line.
3. 3Pins and cable ties – Safety pins temporarily close tears and broken zips; cable ties replace snapped loops or fix parts in place.
4. 4Sewing kit – A strong needle and sturdy thread are enough to secure seams on straps and clothing.
5. 5Add gear-specific items – Patches for the sleeping pad or bicycle tube, spare tent pegs, a spare shoelace – depending on what you carry.
6. 6Pack waterproof and check – Put everything in a small bag.

Danger: Damaged climbing and safety equipment is not patched but retired. A makeshift repair will not withstand a fall load.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-repair-kit

1. 1Assess the damage – What is broken, and what force acts on it?
2. 2Tear in a tarp or jacket – Dry and clean the area, close the tear, apply tape generously beyond the tear on both sides, round the corners and press firmly.
3. 3Torn strap – Overlap the strap ends and sew with strong stitches.
4. 4Broken zip – Close open sections with safety pins.
5. 5Loose shoe sole – Fix the sole to the shoe with tape or cord wrapped around it, avoiding pressure points on the foot.
6. 6Check – Check temporary fixes at every break and touch up. Repair properly after the trip.

Danger: No makeshift repairs on stoves, gas hoses, batteries, power cables, climbing gear or medical aids. Retire defective parts.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-temporary-fixes

1. 1Shirt: close the hem – Lay the T-shirt flat.
2. 2Shirt: sleeves as handle – Fill the bag through the neck opening and tie the two sleeves together to form a handle.
3. 3Blanket roll: lay out – Spread the blanket or tarp flat, distribute items evenly along one long edge, hard edges facing inwards.
4. 4Blanket roll: roll and tie – Roll tightly, fold in the ends and tie off both ends with cord.
5. 5Check the load – Walk a few steps and retie.

Danger: Only move injured people if they are in immediate danger where they are; otherwise call the emergency number (112 in the EU) and wait for help. This entry does not describe casualty transport.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-improvised-carrying

1. 1Underneath first – Put several layers of cardboard, an empty bag, cushions or a thick layer of dry leaves under you.
2. 2Keep moisture out – On damp ground put a plastic sheet under the insulation, not on top – otherwise condensation collects against the body.
3. 3Fill out clothing – Stuff crumpled newspaper or dry leaves between two layers of clothing, especially around the torso and thighs.
4. 4Protect head and neck – A hat, scarf or cloth noticeably reduce heat loss at the head and neck.
5. 5Block the wind – Get behind a wall, a vehicle or into a doorway; wrap an emergency blanket or tarp as a wind barrier around the outside of the insulating…

Danger: If there are signs of hypothermia (intense shivering, confusion, clumsiness, drowsiness), call the local emergency number (112 in the EU), protect the person from further cold and insulate them from the ground.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-everyday-insulation

1. 1Cut a face hole – Hold the bag with the closed bottom up. A little below the bottom, cut an oval hole the size of a face on one side.
2. 2Put on as a hood – Slip the bag on so that the bottom sits like a hood over the head and the face is fully out through the hole.
3. 3Arm slits – Cut slits at the sides for the arms, or keep the arms inside if you are only waiting.
4. 4Belt it – Belt it loosely with a cord so the wind does not balloon the bag.

Danger: Suffocation risk: never pull the bag over the head. Do not give plastic bags to small children; with older children only under supervision, with a large face opening and the head free.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-bin-bag-poncho

1. 1Choose containers – Drinks bottles, zip-top freezer bags, cooking pots with lids or food-grade collapsible containers.
2. 2Clean – Wash with clean water and a little washing-up liquid and rinse well.
3. 3Double bags – Use freezer bags doubled, do not fill them completely, squeeze out air, seal and stand upright in a pot or backpack.
4. 4Carry – Heavy items close to the back and central.
5. 5Label and store – Label containers "drinking water" with the date, store cool and dark and use soon.

Danger: Never use containers that held chemicals, cleaners, pesticides or fuel for drinking water – residues cannot be reliably washed out.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-water-carrier

1. 1Assess the damage – How large is the damage, how far is it to the destination?
2. 2Loose sole – Clean and dry the surfaces, glue if available and press firmly.
3. 3Cable ties or cord – For larger detachments run cable ties or cord through the lace eyelets and around the sole, keeping ends inside or to the side.
4. 4Replace laces – Join broken laces with a knot or replace them with paracord or its inner strands.
5. 5Patch a seam – Sew split seams with strong thread using a backstitch and protect them on the outside with tape.
6. 6Check daily – Check and renew the repair every morning and during breaks.

Caution: Tape and cable ties under the sole reduce grip and can be slippery on wet rock or ice. Adjust pace and route; turn back if in doubt.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-footwear-repair

1. 1Thread and knot – Cut thread about an arm's length, thread the needle and knot the long end.
2. 2Running stitch – Take the needle up and down at even intervals.
3. 3Backstitch – One stitch forward, then half a stitch back into the end of the previous one.
4. 4Whip stitch – Take the thread diagonally over the edge, always inserting from the same side.
5. 5Darning – Stretch parallel threads across the hole first, then weave across them, alternating over and under.
6. 6Finish off – Secure with two or three small stitches in the same spot or a knot.

Danger: Never sew or repair straps, slings or ropes from climbing or fall-protection gear yourself – retire them.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-hand-sewing-stitches

1. 1Find or build shade – Use natural shade or rig a tarp high and angled with open sides for airflow.
2. 2Cover skin – Wear long, loose, densely woven clothing.
3. 3Neck cover – Put a T-shirt on the head so the neck opening frames the face and the fabric falls over the neck and shoulders; fix it with a cap or cord…
4. 4Use the time of day – Put exertion into the cooler morning and evening hours and rest at midday.
5. 5Drink – Drink regularly, not only when thirsty.

Danger: Confusion, altered consciousness or collapse in heat may be heatstroke – an emergency. Call the local emergency number (112 in the EU), move to shade and cool.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-sun-protection

1. 1Cut strips – T-shirt: cut across below the sleeves and cut a continuous strip about 2–3 cm wide in a spiral.
2. 2Stretch – Pull knit-fabric strips firmly – the edges curl in and the strip becomes round.
3. 3Twist or braid – Twist two strips using the reverse-wrap method or braid three strips into a plait.
4. 4Lengthen – Twist new strips in with an overlap or join them with loops.
5. 5Secure ends – Secure the ends with an overhand knot.

Danger: Never use improvised cord for people or loads above people. Its strength is unknown, and knots and cut edges weaken it further.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-cordage-from-textiles

1. 1Assess the damage – Pull the pole out of the sleeve or unclip it. If only bent, carefully straighten it as far as possible – it stays weakened.
2. 2Slide on the sleeve – Take the pole apart at the nearest joint, slide the sleeve over the section and centre it over the break.
3. 3Fix in place – Wrap both ends of the sleeve tightly with tape.
4. 4Without a sleeve – Lay a straight peg, a section of trekking pole or a straight, firm piece of wood lengthwise along the break, well beyond it on both sides…
5. 5Pitch carefully – Insert the pole slowly, do not force it. Add guylines and check the repair the next morning.

Caution: Fibreglass and carbon poles splinter. Wear gloves, do not strip splinters with bare hands, cover the break completely.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-tent-pole-repair

1. 1Clean – Remove sand, dirt and threads from the teeth, e.g. with water and a brush.
2. 2Squeeze the slider – Run the slider right down to the start.
3. 3Replace the pull – Thread a piece of cord, a key ring or a paper clip through the slider's eye.
4. 4If nothing helps – Close the zip with safety pins from the inside or sew it shut with large stitches; with clothing this at least keeps you warm until it can…
5. 5Replace a buckle – Join the webbing straps with a water knot (tape knot) or fix a cord loop to one end, thread the other end through and tie it. Remove broken…

Danger: Never improvise repairs to buckles or fastenings on a climbing harness, helmet, child seat, life jacket or protection equipment – retire and replace the equipment.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-zip-buckle-repair

1. 1Water-bottle lantern – Strap a headlamp around a filled bottle with the lamp facing inwards towards the bottle.
2. 2Reflect – Point the light at a light wall or ceiling or place a mirror behind it.
3. 3Use low settings – Use a low brightness setting, keep spare batteries at hand, one lamp per person for moving around.
4. 4Mark routes – Make stairs and exits visible with small lights or glow strips.
5. 5If candles are used – Only in stable, non-flammable holders, away from curtains, never unattended and never left alone with children or animals.

Danger: Do not run barbecues, gas stoves, heaters or improvised burners indoors, in tents or garages: carbon monoxide is invisible, odourless and can be fatal. With headache, dizziness or nausea get outside at once and call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-safe-improvised-lighting

1. 1Use natural shelter – Cook behind a rock, wall or terrain edge; your body or a backpack (at a distance) blocks additional wind.
2. 2Shape a foil wall – Fold several layers of foil into a strip a little higher than the flame.
3. 3Leave a gap – Leave a gap of about a finger's width around the pot.
4. 4Supervise – Never leave the stove unattended.

Danger: With stoves that sit directly on the canister, never enclose the canister with a windscreen and do not use an oversized pot that reflects heat down onto it. Overheated canisters can burst. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on windscreens.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-stove-windscreen

1. 1Get the water out – Wring out, then roll in a dry towel or cloth and press firmly.
2. 2Rig a line – Stretch a cord between two points in the wind and, if possible, the sun.
3. 3Dry on the body – A thin, slightly damp layer under a windproof jacket dries from body heat while walking.
4. 4Overnight – Take small items like socks or gloves into the sleeping bag in a bag so they do not freeze; they rarely become fully dry there.
5. 5At home – Dry on a rack with spacing in the warmest room, air out several times a day.

Danger: Never hang clothing over stoves, candles, radiant heaters or embers and do not dry it unattended by a fire. Synthetics melt, fabric catches fire. Do not use heat sources inside the tent for drying.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-drying-clothes

1. 1Choose a bottle – A clean drinks bottle whose contents were known.
2. 2Cut – Cut the bottle across at about the upper third.
3. 3Secure the edges – Tape over the cut edges or smooth them carefully.
4. 4Vent – Lift the funnel slightly while pouring or put a thin stick between funnel and opening so air can escape.
5. 5Label – Store funnels for water and for fuel separately and label them permanently.

Danger: Clearly label funnels and containers for fuel or chemicals and never use them for water or food. Never decant fuel into drinks bottles – risk of mix-ups and poisoning, especially for children.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-funnel-scoop

1. 1Prepare the container – With a bottle cut off the curved top; the bottom should be flat or levelled with some sand or plaster up to the first straight section.
2. 2Add a scale – Attach a ruler from the zero point on the outside or mark millimetre lines with a waterproof pen.
3. 3Set it up – Set it up outdoors, well away from buildings, trees and fences that shield rain or drip onto it. Fix it upright and stable, e.g. partly…
4. 4Read – Read at the same time each day at eye level, note the value and empty it. Water evaporates in warm weather – do not leave it too long.
5. 5Use the data – Rainfall in mm × roof area in m² gives a rough number of litres that can run off the roof; in practice less reaches the barrel.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/improvisation/imp-rain-gauge