You’ll agree that there are simple items that offer numerous opportunities to their users. We’ll also say you’d probably agree that ropes completely fit that description. One could spend several days in a row counting all the ways you could use a single rope. That’s why we chose to narrow down our selection!
What did we mean by the last sentence? The answer is: we’ll show you the best ways you can use rope out in the woods. There’s no need to emphasize that lovers of the outdoor need naively simple, yet useful items in their backpacks. That being said, a quality rope should hold a special place inside your camping gear inventory!
Ropes are great for outdoor survival: you can create an easy-to-make shelter in a matter of minutes, even seconds. Also, you can use the rope to tow heavy objects. It’s not all about survival and proving yourself and whatnot; you can have some fun, too. Stretch the rope between two points to create a DIY volleyball “net”.
Wondering if that’s all? See for yourself by giving the text below a thorough read!
Table of Contents
How do you use the rope in survival?
Before we delve deeper into this article’s subject matter, it’s best we provide an overview of why ropes are great for survival. Let’s say you encounter an emergency situation out in the wild. Needless to say, a single rope has numerous (some would say: endless) potential uses. For instance, one could instantly think that’s because of its importance in securing certain items or transferring heavy objects which would otherwise be impossible to move. Also, ropes are pretty darn useful when it comes to dealing with many other dangerous situations; in case you end up injured while on a trip, a rope can be utilized to create a tourniquet or sling.
Okay, so now that we’ve seen this preview of why ropes are awesome (as if anyone would try to disprove thbat), let’s check out the best ways to use rope in the woods!
The best ways to use rope in the woods
So, we’ve reached the focal point of this article. Shall we begin?
#1 Hanging clothes (or whatnot)
Was this the first thing that came to your mind when we mentioned the whole using-rope-in-the-woods thing? If that’s correct, there’s a chance we think alike, therefore possess great minds and… Okay, let’s say you’re planning a longer camping trip. There’s a fair chance you’ll have to wash your clothes and dry ’em somewhere.
A rope can come quite in handy for hanging clothes after a good ol’ natural wash. Of course, you can hand anything you want on it. Clothes are only an example. All in all: simply tie both ends of the rope to some tree trunks or branches and guarantee yourself a secure clothesline.
#2 Gimme shelter
Now, we didn’t quote the Rolling Stones just for nothin’. If you’re in need of an easy-to-make shelter, a piece of rope combined with an old tarp will do the trick. In other words: you’ll make yourself an A-frame shelter in no time. Here’s how you’ll do it: just tie the rope between two solid objects (just like in the paragraph above) at the level you wish your roof is. Afterward, simply lay the tarp over it and secure the bottom by placing rocks at the tarp-meets-ground point.
A piece of rope and some tarp won’t make your backpack heavier than it already is. However, you’ll have all the ingredients of a makeshift shelter right there. If you’re wondering what’s the best tarp size for the aforementioned “ordeal”, don’t hesitate to follow this link.
#3 We have an emergency
As we’ve already mentioned in the introductory paragraph, a rope can help us out in many situations you’d call emergencies. Let’s further elaborate on that. Using a rope, you can keep the bandages wrapped up or even put together an improvised brace combining the rope with sticks. Also, creating a tourniquet is doable. However, it’s best if you’re equipped with medical knowledge before making your own tourniquet or handling any wound that requires medical attention.
#4 Towing in the woods
Once you’re in the woods, you might feel the need to move some heavy objects. Whether it’s rocks or a large piece of equipment – it doesn’t matter. You can use some rope to tow the cargo. Just tie the knot in a secure manner around the desired object and pull in the desired direction. Simple as that!
#5 Woodland obstacle course
As we’re sure you know, campers have their own way of having fun in the woods. One of those ways is making a simple obstacle course for the young ones to play. Is there a better activity than the one that’s both fun and entertaining at the same time? We guess the answer’s: NOPE.
Okay, so you can use the rope to create a maze, rope jungle, or a cargo net for your young ones to crawl under. Additionally, you can make a team obstacle course. Now, that’s a recipe for fun if there ever was one. (Noticed the clumsy rhyme?)
#6 How about some volleyball?
If you’re looking for something fun to do in the outdoors, and an obstacle course doesn’t seem so exciting to you, we’ve got another suggestion. Why don’t you use some rope to weave a home-made (not actually, but you get what we’re trying to say) volleyball net by tying the two ends to the opposite points? Believe us, there’s nothing like an exciting volleyball game between two groups of campers.
#7 Large-scale tic-tac-toe
Okay, we guess this one’s going to be the last addition to the how-to-have-some-fun-using-rope list. Anyway, you can use four strands of rope to create a tic-tac-toe battleground. Use some cardboard to cut out some X’s and O’s and that’s about it – your large-scale tic-tac-toe is ready to greet potential players!
#8 Travelling aid
Imagine you’ve got a bit of a rough terrain to cross before you reach the campgrounds. Your camping party can utilize the rope for a lot of useful things. For instance, the best athlete in your team can lead the way and secure the rope once they’ve reached the goal destination. All other members of the party can grab the rope and pull themselves in whatever direction is needed.
#9 Other uses
Of course, there are many uses for a rope other than the ones we’ve shared with you above. Here we’ll give you a glimpse of what else can be done using some rope. For instance, you can strap tools or other important items to your backpack just so you can enjoy a hands-free mode. Also, you can use the rope to make it into a grip for a walking stick or a knife, or another piece of your camping equipment.
There’s more! When you’re having trouble lighting a fire, a rope can be utilized to create sparks. You’ll want to carve a wedge in a log and pull the rope back and forth aggressively to create friction. Here’s a fun fact: you can also use a piece of rope to cut other rope! We’re not joking!
PS. If you’re wondering if braiding will make the rope stronger, click right here.
Bonus tips: Rope usage when boating
There’s a good chance your outdoor adventures sometimes involve riding inside a boat. That’s why we’ve prepared a little bonus section on using the rope when boating. Anyway, as every crew member ever would tell you rope is mostly used for docking, anchoring, towing, and rigging the boat.
Depending on the size of the board, most boaters will utilize either Nylon or Polypropylene rope. Additional factors to consider include weather conditions and the planned activity.
The best type of rope for anchoring
Most boaters will tell you Nylon rope’s the way to go. Now, the elastic attributes this type of rope has, allow it to have greater shock absorption. This is crucial when you take the force of the wind and the waves into consideration. Additionally, this type of rope is very strong and resistant to unwelcome guests such as rot or mildew. Not to mention the fact that’s it pretty affordable.
The best type of rope for a dock line
Once again, Nylon rope wins the battle! Boaters say it’s your best option for dock lines. Why? Well, because Nylon rope’s very strong and stretchy. Also, it’s easy to splice and, as we’ve already said, downright inexpensive.
The best type of rope for towing
Don’t worry, it ain’t Nylon rope yet again. The winner here is the Polypropylene rope (also called “Yellow Rope”). It’s mostly used for water activities such as wakeboarding or water skiing. Additionally, it’s commonly used to tow dinghies and tenders, even though Nylon rope’s good enough for that, too. The thing is: you can’t have it all, dear Nylon rope…
Parting thoughts
That’s about it, dear outdoor-loving folks! Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed our take on the best ways to use rope in the woods! It’s good for survival, it’s good for fun! What more could an average camper ask for?
Anyway, for more tips on everything that’s even mildly related to enjoying yourself in the great outdoors, feel free to visit our blog page.
