10 Reasons Why Zip Ties Belong in Every Survival Kit

When assembling a survival kit, most people consider the essentials: food, water, a first-aid kit, and a flashlight. However, one item that is often overlooked yet is incredibly versatile and invaluable in emergencies is the simple zip tie. Lightweight, compact, and strong zip ties have countless applications in survival situations that can make a crucial difference when facing challenges.

Here, we’ll explore why zip ties belong in every survival kit and delve into their many uses, from emergency repairs to securing gear, while highlighting their durability and efficiency in survival scenarios.

1.   Emergency Solutions

Zip ties are invaluable when something breaks unexpectedly. Whether it's a torn strap on your backpack, a broken tent pole, or a loose piece of gear, a heavy duty zip tie can offer a temporary yet reliable fix until a more permanent solution can be found.

For Example: If your tent pole snaps in high winds, you can align the broken sections and fasten them tightly with a zip tie to keep the structure standing.

2.   Building Shelters

In survival situations, building a durable shelter is essential for protection against the elements. Zip ties can be utilized to fasten branches, tarps, or other materials together, enabling you to quickly and efficiently construct a makeshift shelter.

Special Tip: Use black UV-resistant zip ties for outdoor use. They are robust enough to endure extended exposure to weather and sunlight.

3.   Bundle and secure the equipment

Keeping your gear organized and secure is crucial in survival scenarios. Zip ties can bundle items like sleeping bags, ropes, or tools, ensuring they don’t scatter or get lost during travel. They’re also great for attaching gear to your backpack or securing loose items.

For Example: Use zip ties to attach water bottles or flashlights to your backpack straps for easy access during a hike.

4.   Medical Emergencies

Zip ties can be useful in medical emergencies when standard supplies are unavailable. For instance, they can serve as a tourniquet in critical situations or splint a broken limb by securing sticks or other rigid materials around the injured area. 

Special Tip: Be cautious when applying a zip tie as a tourniquet; do so only as a last resort until medical assistance arrives. 

5.   Trapping and Hunting

In survival situations where food becomes essential, zip ties can be used creatively to create traps or snares for small game. Their strength and durability make them effective for securing prey once caught.

For Example: Combine zip ties with other materials like cord or wire to fashion simple traps for survival hunting. It can also be a lifesaver in hiking areas if an emergency arises.

6.    Firewood Bundling

Gathering and carrying firewood can be challenging without proper tools. Use heavy-duty zip ties to bundle sticks and logs, making them easier to transport back to your camp. This not only saves time but also reduces physical strain.

7.    Improvised Restraints

Zip ties can serve as makeshift restraints where individual safety is an issue. This is especially useful for security; you may need to detain an intruder or secure access to an area.

8.   Fixing Clothing and Footwear

During a survival situation, a ripped jacket or broken shoelace can become a bigger issue than expected  Zip ties can temporarily hold torn clothing together or act as a quick replacement for a missing shoelace, allowing you to continue your journey without delay.

9.   Marking Trails

Brightly colored zip ties, such as orange or yellow, can be used to mark trails or important locations in the wilderness. This can help you retrace your steps, signal for help, or leave a path for rescuers to find you.

Pro Tip: Cut zip ties into smaller pieces to maximize their use for trail marking.

10. Fishing or Securing Food Supplies

Zip ties can also help secure food supplies to protect them from wildlife or build basic fishing rigs. For instance, you can use them to seal food bags tightly or hang them from a tree branch to deter animals.

Zip ties may appear to be a basic tool, but any survival kit would be incomplete without them due to their adaptability, robustness, and usefulness. Their applications in survival scenarios are essentially limitless, ranging from securing objects and marking trails to mending equipment and constructing shelters. Lightweight, compact, and affordable, zip ties are a small investment that could make a huge difference in an emergency. Check the FWS website for additional useful information on survival kits and their creative applications.

So, as you prepare your survival kit, don’t overlook these unsung heroes of disaster preparedness. Pack a variety of zip ties and be ready to face whatever challenges come your way. In addition to zip ties, you should also have a few other pieces of equipment in your survival kit, according to the Red Cross list.