Drinking straw: An overlooked survival tool with many uses

By dominguez // 2025-08-29

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Drinking straws (paper or plastic) are lightweight, inexpensive and versatile for emergency use.
Paper straws can hold flammable materials (lint, Vaseline-coated cotton) for slow-burning tinder or act as waterproof sleeves for matches.
Straws can pre-load single doses of ointments, pills or powdered medicines, sealed and labeled for quick access.
Foil-wrapped straws can serve as emergency reflectors; others can organize fishing hooks, line or even pre-pack mini fishing kits.
Straws can also hold spices or small snacks to boost morale; while not purifiers, they can carry water purifying tablets or DIY water filtering materials.

When disaster strikes, survival often hinges on ingenuity, not just high-tech gear or expensive supplies. A growing number of preparedness experts argue that one of the most overlooked yet versatile tools in an emergency kit may already be sitting in your kitchen drawer: the humble drinking straw. Long dismissed as a single-use convenience, straws—both paper and plastic—are gaining attention among survivalists, hikers and preppers for their adaptability in crisis scenarios. From firestarters to first-aid containers, these lightweight, inexpensive tubes can serve multiple life-saving functions when traditional resources are scarce. The key, experts say, lies in repurposing straws before a disaster forces the issue.

A multipurpose tool in a pinch

The concept of using straws for survival isn't new, but its practical applications have expanded as preppers seek cost-effective, space-saving solutions. Unlike bulkier emergency gear, straws take up minimal room in a bug-out bag, glove compartment or pocket, yet their potential uses are vast.

Firestarter and match protector

In wet or windy conditions, starting a fire can mean the difference between hypothermia and survival. Straws—particularly paper ones—can be packed with flammable materials like dryer lint or Vaseline-coated cotton balls, then sealed at both ends. When lit, the entire straw acts as a slow-burning tinder, giving flames time to catch on larger kindling. For those carrying matches, a straw can also serve as a waterproof sleeve for keeping them dry until needed.

Portable first-aid and medicine dispenser

Medical supplies are often bulky, but straws can transform liquid ointments, pills and even powdered medications into compact, single-serving doses. By sealing one end of a straw (with heat, wax or a tight fold), you can pre-load items like:

Topical treatments like antibacterial cream, hydrocortisone or sunblock
Oral medications like pain relievers, allergy pills and antidiarrheals
Liquid medicines (use the straw as an improvised dropper)

Labeling each straw with a permanent marker ensures quick identification in an emergency. Larger-diameter straws like those used for bubble tea can even hold small bandages or sterile gauze.

Emergency signaling and fishing gear

Visibility is critical when stranded. A paper straw wrapped in aluminum foil can become a makeshift signal reflector, flashing sunlight to rescuers. For anglers, a straw can organize hooks, sinkers and fishing line, preventing tangles and accidental pokes. Some survivalists pre-load straws with monofilament line and tiny hooks, creating an ultra-light fishing kit that fits in a pocket.

Small snacks and spice container

Long-term food storage often overlooks spices, yet morale — and digestion — suffer without them. Straws can hold dry spices (garlic powder, cumin, salt, etc.) or even small snacks like nuts and seeds, sealed against moisture. For campers or people in extended emergencies, a "spice straw" ensures meals remain palatable, a psychological boost when resources are limited.

Water purification and disease prevention

While straws alone won't purify water, they can carry purification tablets or serve as a vessel for improvised filters. Commercial products like the LifeStraw — a portable filter that removes bacteria, parasites and microplastics — demonstrate the concept on a higher level, but even a DIY approach (e.g., layering sand, charcoal and cloth inside a straw) can reduce sediment in a pinch. (Related: Essential survival skills: The importance of water treatment methods for survival.) Public health concerns add another layer of urgency. Shared drinking containers can spread waterborne pathogens like Giardia (parasite) or norovirus. In communal settings, individual straws minimize direct contact with contaminated surfaces — a low-cost barrier against disease transmission.

The case for low-tech solutions

The appeal of straws as a survival tool lies in their simplicity. Unlike electronic devices or specialized equipment, they require no batteries, maintenance or technical skill. For families on tight budgets or urban dwellers with limited storage, straws offer a way to prepare without investing in expensive kits. Yet critics argue that relying on improvised tools carries risks. A straw firestarter, for example, burns quickly and may not sustain a fire in damp conditions. Similarly, while straws can organize medications, they lack the childproofing of standard pill bottles. Experts recommend practicing with these methods before an emergency — testing seal integrity, burn times and medication stability — to avoid critical failures when it matters most. Survival often depends on adaptability, not just advanced tools. Brighteon.AI's Enoch suggests that while straws won't replace a comprehensive emergency plan, their versatility makes them a smart addition to your emergency or long-term survival kit — proving that sometimes, the smallest solutions pack the biggest punch. Learn more about everyday items with surprising survival uses at SurvivalGear.news. Watch the following video to learn about drinking straw uses for bug out. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

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