38 Handy Ways You can Use a Triangular Bandage

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: triangle bandages are one of the most practical items you can add to a first aid kit. But their use goes far beyond first aid. When added to a hiking, camping, emergency, or bug-out bag kit, there are so many ways that a triangle bandage can be improvised into something else. Here is a whole list of ways you can make use of a triangular bandage.

First Aid Related

1. Create a sling
2. Create a splint
3. Use as a bandage
4. Use as a dressing to absorb blood
5. Use it to hold an eye patch in place
6. Use it to hold and ice or heat pack in place
7. Can be made into a makeshift tourniquet
8. Can be made into a makeshift ice pack by filling it with ice or snow
9. Wrap an ankle for an ankle brace
10. Use as a dog muzzle when providing first aid to your dog
11. Use as a sanitary napkin in an emergency
12. Padding around an impaled object or to be used for a ring bandage

Clothing Related

13. Use as a bandana to protect your head from the sun or you can narrow fold it to be worn around the head to absorb sweat
14. Use as a scarf or head/eye wrap for added warmth
15. Create a makeshift belt
16. Make an emergency baby’s diaper
17. Use as a hair tie to keep your hair out of your face or off your shoulders
18. Create a makeshift halter-top
19. Use as a baby swaddle
20. Cover exposed skin for insect protection

Survival Related

21. Create a makeshift mask for smoke, Covid, tear gas, or dust
22. Use as a coffee or tea filter
23. You can pre-filter water or use it as a strainer
24. Use it as tinder for creating a fire, especially if made into char cloth
25. Use as a makeshift rope or for lashings
26. You can wear it as a loincloth while waiting for clothes to dry
27. Make it into a “hobo” bag
28. It can be made into a makeshift backpack or tumpline
29. It can be used as a flag or distress signal
30. Use it as a washcloth or towel
31. Use it as a napkin
32. It can be used as a potholder
33. Tie it on a tree as a trail marker
34. Can be made into a sling
35. Use it as a cleaning cloth
36. Plug a leak in a canoe or boat
37. Use it as a basket or bag to gather or forage for food
38. Use it to cover exposed food and protect from insects

Many of the uses listed here are also useful ways you can utilize a bandana. A triangular bandage is typically larger, but keep in mind that it doesn’t hold up well to washing as a bandana can.

How have you used a triangle bandage in the past? Do you have any other ideas we should add to the list? Comment below!