Backwoods Basics: How to Make Cordage from the Land

What Is Natural Cordage? Cordage is any strong rope or twine used for lashing, binding, or hanging gear. In a survival situation, natural cordage can be made from bark, vines, roots, or even inner plant fibers. It’s not just about convenience — it’s about knowing you can adapt, survive, and keep moving.

Top Wild Materials for Cordage in Western North Carolina:

Tulip Poplar Bark (inner bark strips)

Young Pine Bark (split when soft)

Cattail Leaves (braided)

Milkweed or Dogbane Stalks (fiber)

Honeysuckle Vines (green or dried)

Step-by-Step: How to Make It

1. Harvest your material — Look for pliable but strong fibers. Young bark works best in spring and early summer.

2. Process the fiber — Soak, scrape, or split material until you have thin strips or threads.

3. Twist technique — Use the reverse-wrap method: twist one end tightly, hold, then wrap the next piece over it.

4. Splice as needed — As the fiber shortens, splice in new material for longer cordage.

5. Dry it out — Let the cordage fully dry before use to avoid stretching.

Why It Matters Natural cordage is more than a survival trick — it’s a lost skill worth reviving. It teaches patience, observation, and respect for the land. And when you’re in the field, knowing you can make what you need is empowering.

Gear That Helps

While we love primitive skills, some modern tools make life easier:

🔪 Field knives for clean fiber stripping

🪓 Compact hatchets for bark work

🎒 Bug-out packs with space to store DIY cordage

 Check out our Tools and Knives Collection @ https://ruggedriversupplyllc.com/collections/tools-and-knives to gear up.

 

Final Word

At Rugged River Supply LLC, we believe in staying sharp, staying ready, and staying connected to the land. Making your own cordage is just one of many backwoods skills that turn ordinary hikes into something greater.

Tag us in your cordage builds:

📸 @RuggedRiverSupplyllc Hashtag #CordageCraft #RuggedRiverReady