7 Unexpected Items You Can Use As Urban Survival Tools

No one ever plans on ending up stranded in a survival situation.

Even if you're the world's savviest survivalist, you can still be caught of guard and have to make do without your gear.

Luckily, there are some unexpected items that can aid in your efforts to stay alive.

Seemingly useless and random objects that can make the difference between life and death- now all you need is some luck.

Read on to lear how to use improvised items(dental floss, condoms, bandanas, wristwatches, soda cans, shoe laces, and cell phones) as survival gear.

1. Dental Floss

This sturdy string that sometimes makes your gums bleed can be used as a fishing line or a snare to catch small animals. Floss can also be used to bind items that can be used for shelter and protection, such as sticks. Want to learn how to turn floss into a bird trap? Check this out:

2. Condoms

Imagine this: you're stranded without water for an extended period of time and then finally find some water… but are still stranded. Well, you're going to want to keep moving and you'll surely want to bring that water you found with you. Here's how to make your own condom water carrier:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQKaOuxYbXg

3. Bandana

The uses of a bandana may seem obvious, but this item can do a lot more than you think. Bandanas can aid breathing, serving as a filter when conditions are dusty or cold. In both hot and cold conditions, they can hold in heat or reduce heat gain. Bandanas can also be used to strain water, and as a tourniquet for wounds… as you probably already figured. For a demonstration of twenty uses, take a look at this:

4. Wristwatch

No, you probably won't care much about the time of the day when you're trying to survive, but a wristwatch can help you in a way you probably never imagined. If you don't have a compass, a wristwatch can serve the same purpose! Learn how here:

5. Soda Can

If you happen to have one of these, or come across one that has been littered on the ground, you're in luck. An empty soda can can be used to collect water, start a fire, or you can convert the tab into a fish hook. Assuming you have a knife or something sharp, you can even make a “stove” out of a soda can! Watch this:

6. Shoe Laces

Other than tying objects together for various purposes such as shelter, when paired with sticks and wood, shoe laces can be used to start a fire or make a raft. Laces can also make a pretty good fishing line. But best of all, laces can be used in climbing trees. Watch this clip from Man vs. Wild to see how it's done:

7. Cell Phone

You likely won't be able to call someone… but your phone is made up of many parts that can be useful in survival. Here's how to use them.