A simple square piece of fabric can become a lifesaver…if you know how to use it! Bandanas can be found just about everywhere. You can buy them at the local department store, outdoor supply store and, of course, online, and they are relatively inexpensive. But did you know that they do much more than just hold your hair in place or protect your neck from the sun? In fact, when a survival situation comes your way, the bandana can become a true Jack-of-all-trades. Here are nine bandana survival skills you need for wild country.

9 Bandana Survival Skills You Need to Know!

Medical Aid

While most people stock a first aid kit within their overall survival pack, it may not be accessible if or when an emergency comes their way. But a bandana can always travel on the person, and it can offer some on-the-spot first aid. For large cuts or gashes, it can help to stop blood flow by pressing it into the wound or tightening it around an extremity, acting as a tourniquet. For broken bones it can become the ties for a makeshift splint or wrapped around the hand or arm in the case of a sprain. 

Water Filter

A bandana can aid in removing large particles of dirt and debris from water prior to purifying it. Just spread the bandana across a bowl or large cup and pour the water through the cotton fabric. You can repeat this process until your water is clear. For  smaller particles, just fold the bandana a few times over to create a finer mesh and pour your water through once again. 

Limitless Tinder

Finding dry tinder is not always as easy as one may think, so carrying a great alternative, in the form of a bandana, is a very wise option. Just tear or cut a small portion of the cotton fabric and pull the strands apart to form a small bundle. Direct your spark at the pile and fire is sure to come. You don’t need a lot of material to accomplish this, so a regular sized bandana provides near endless tinder.  

Signaling

Carrying a bandana with a color (think orange, red, or blue) that contrasts nature’s nature hues can aid in signaling for help when out in the wild. Just tie one corner of the bandana to a long stick and you’ll have an instant signaling flag. Additionally, multiple colored bandanas draped over your shelter make a great passive signaler when you’re away from your camp.  

Lost Prevention

You can get turned around in the woods very easily and literally walk in circles for hours, which wastes both time and precious calories. Cutting or tearing strips of (remember, contrasting color) fabric and tying them to trees at regular intervals can mark your trail and prevent you from losing your way back to camp or repeating your movements when searching for help. 

Campsite Aid

The bandana can offers some basic, yet necessary functions when you’re settled down at your campsite. It can act as a potholder to prevent burns when cooking, assist as a pouch when collecting edible plants, is useful as a washcloth, and can cover foods temporarily to prevent insect intrusion. In a pinch, it can also be used as toilet paper! 

Face Protection

Nature can throw the intense sun, blistering winds, and irritating insects your way. A large bandana can cover the majority of your face, neck and head and can help to shield you from these occurrences. Additionally, a second bandana saturated with cold water on the back of your neck can help keep your body cool under hot conditions. 

Carry Aid

As mentioned, a bandana makes a handy makeshift pouch. But it also works as a shoulder strap for a weapon or damaged backpack. Tie it to just about anything to improvise a handle, making carrying objects easier while traveling. You can also use it to attach odd-shaped objects, like a fishing pole, hatchet, or flashlight to your pack for hands-free mobility. 

Bandana Survival Weapon for Hunting or Defense

Certainly primitive, a bandana transforms into a functioning sling weapon with practice. It serves for both hunting and personal defense. First, you need to roll the bandana into a two-inch strip. Then, tie off the ends with a tight knot, large enough to be able to be held firmly by your fingers. Next, find a round stone for your ammo and load it into the middle of your sling and pull tightly on both ends to cradle the small rock.

Now, you’re ready to go. Just twirl your wrist and forearm and let one end go to hurl the projectile towards man or beast. With a bit of practice, you’ll be a pro in no time flat. Additionally, you can also make a bolas by tying two squares of fabric from your bandana over two small rocks. Then, using paracord to connect the two pieces, you’ll have a weapon to entangle you