Easy Natural Cordage Using Fireweed

A tutorial / how-to for easily making your own natural cordage while in the wilderness by using Fireweed. (Epilobium Angustifolium)

[@sandywieringa4434]

Looking back at this video from so many years ago, I have to say your videos and editing have improved SO much! That being said, no matter how new or old the video, the content has remained consistent. Consistently fabulous that is! I have been following your channel for many years and am very grateful for everything you and Connie have shared with us all!

[@tallcedars2310]

It's winter with about 6"of snow in the trees and more in the open areas. Wasn't hoping to harvest anything to make cordage this weekend, as I will be going out to forage for bow drill wood for the first time. In the meantime I am watching video's to prepare for making cordage in the spring, and this video shows I don't have to, perfect! Am enjoying taking bow drilling to as natural a process as possible and look forward to seeing how it goes this winter. Thanks Lonnie!

[@joe2trees]

Another great vid from the far north ! I gave up on fireweed (we have alot of it here) because I tried it late summer or fall. I think it needs to dry a bit. I will try again. I have nettle here as well but it is harder to find. Thanks for sharing and love that stove at the end !

[@Nickia94]

nice new intro. and great video

[@Wintertrekker]

Thanks Phreshayr! I did not know fireweed was a cordage plant. Good instructional demo!

[@Hapharzardly]

Excellent, Thanks for posting.

[@standaffern6595]

I've tried using fixing wax on my cordage, seems to work good, makes the fibers softer and more pliable and reduced friction while increasing grip on my firebow. Just don't leave it where your dogs can get to it. They ate my cordage right off my firebow.

[@Snagglefratz]

Very well done. Thank you.

[@sasquatchlifenotrace8024]

I also just watched your willow cordage, both great info. Thank you

[@cslr11]

great job on the vid . i have never tried this before we have lots of fire weed around where we live so i think i will need to try this . always learn something good from your vids thanks

[@NorwegianBushcraft]

A younger looking Lonnie! :) Interesting to see it is like the nettles fiber-vise. I thought you would do this with green plants, and maybe dry the fibers first. Good to know it is as easy in the winter! I will collect some tomorrow and clean off the fibers, dry them and try to make some. Thank you for the link Lonnie. Atb, Odd

[@steintanz]

Great demo - thanks a lot! I knew you could use nettle, but fireweed is new to me - cool! Tim

[@patje0109]

Hi Lonnie, great tip about the fireweed (wilgeroosje) I didn't know it was usable for cordage! We have loads of it (mostly on fresh cut woodland) Sure will give it a try! I think fireweed has also medicinal uses (prostate) Thank you for your great informative videos Lonnie! Groetjes

[@joe2trees]

@phreshayr Thanks for the inspiration ! I remember using a small woodstove no bigger than a 5 gal drum in a wall tent on the fortymile at 20 below and it did great. You still a bit of winter to go but spring is coming ! The most amazing sight to behold is when break up on the rivers begin. Within minutes the ice just starts to move. Take good care and looking forward to more knowledgable vids !!

[@sulevia76]

great info mate i enjoyed this allways nice when you learn a new trick

[@SemperThisGuy]

This looks like the identical method Ray Mears uses with nettles. Another good video. Do you think this kind of cordage would work for a bow drill? Would it hold up, that is.

[@akwolfsong]

You are my hero :D

[@open2energy]

Great.stuff.phreshayr! I.am.watching.all.your.videos! Could.you.do.a.video.on.clothing?..It's.our.24hr.portable.shelter(-: How.do.i.use.it.best?Is.natural.better.than.synthetic?many.layers.or.not? Winter.fabric.vs.summer.fabric?does.fur.work.better.than.wool? Thanks.from.Quebec!

[@steintanz]

@phreshayr Actually we do, but not as much as you get it. CU, Tim

[@Trailtraveller]

You know more international plants where you can make cordage from ?

[@Lawiah0]

Looks like Dogbane (aka Indian Hemp).

[@terri4336]

how about using oil or lard to moisten it with?

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

That may work though I have never tried that.

[@Landroverguru4]

have tried it with the green fire weed and it is difficult would you be able to harvest this and dry it out after collecting while its green atb matt

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Landrover guru4 I have never tried harvesting green and drying it to see if this will work but my guess is that it will not work. My reasoning is this, I believe that it requires the weathering to loosen the old "bark" to make removing easier.

[@Landroverguru4]

Thanks i may try it and see as we dont get as hard frost it ends up cold then wet then warm