In the last post of this building a quality survival kit on a budget series, we continued exploring the 10 C’s plus one concept and added some combustion tools to the survival kit. At this point, the survival kit contains items to help combat all of the most common threats. As such, we have started adding some utility to it. We have also introduced a few options for cutting tools and combustion. Now it’s time to look at the next category of the 10 C’s plus one, which happens to be cordage, to figure out what to add next to the kit.
In terms of utility, I like to refer to a concept coined as the 10 C’s plus one. They are:
- Cutting (tools)
- Combustion
- Cordage
- Container
- Cover
- Compass (maps)
- Candle (lighting)
- Casualty care
- Combat
- Communications
- Calories
There isn’t anything groundbreaking when it comes to cordage and there are many options available. It could be as simple as some twine or rope. More often than not most folks arrive at Paracord – what I usually include in various load outs and my survival kits.
Some parachute cord alternatives exist on the market that claim to have a higher tensile strength and weave in other materials into the cord to expand its applications. While that's pretty cool and seems like it could be useful, I've found that plain old 550 parachute cord is good for common tasks.
Another item that falls into this category that is extremely useful is duct tape. Depending on sale pricing it is entirely possible to get a roll of duct tape and a 100' hank of parachute cord for around the $25 monthly budget for this project.
Both of these cordage category items are extremely useful and offer different complementary capabilities. One can't go wrong with either one and can benefit from having both.