Tape and Zip Ties

Include tape in your hiking, vehicle, and home emergency kits. There are several varieties of tape that can be used for a variety of purposes including:

  • Use Medical Tape for wounds, splints, etc. As a backup you can use electrical tape or duct tape.
  • Electrical Tape is flexible, light, versatile, contains 50′ to 100′ of tape per roll, and can be used for first aid (splints, etc.), binding branches to create a shelter, minor repairs (hoses, etc.), sealing, etc.
  • Duct Tape is versatile and strong. It can be used as backup for medical tape or for minor repairs such as hoses, taping plastic over a broken window, etc.

I made tape cards that include duct tape and electrical tape. These cards are small, flat, easy to pack, and include probably 50′ or more of tape. Add a tape card to your kits. This tape can serve as backup medical tape when wrapping wounds and making splints. Store tape in a zip bag or other plastic wrapper because the glue can seep out over time and create a sticky mess.

Tape/Zip Kit
Zip ties are very strong, light, and versatile. They can be used for repairs, creating makeshift shelters, etc. I made some tape/zip kits that include medium-sized zip ties and a tape cards.

Bright tape can also be used for signaling. If your vehicle stops on the road you can make a large “X” on the back to help make the vehicle more visible. Bright tape could also be used to create markers, arrows, or other signals. Be sure to purchase good quality tape and check it occasionally by tearing off a small piece to be sure that the adhesive still functions.

Recommendations

  • Hiking/Vehicle Kits: Use bright tape that can also be used for signaling
  • Bugout Bag: Choose a tape color that blends in the surroundings.
  • Keep tape in poly zip bags so the glue will not affect other items
  • Include electrical tape in your vehicle and hiking kits
  • Include duct tape in your vehicle kit
  • Include medical tape in all first aid kits