Are you one of the millions of people who got yet ANOTHER pair of socks for Christmas? While socks might not be as glamorous as a new big screen TV, don’t be so quick to roll your eyes and toss them into the sock pile black hole.

Add them to your emergency kit!

When TSHTF, you have to be creative, and having items in your kit, like socks, that can serve multiple purposes can be the key to survival. Check out the following for 6 ways this seemingly unimportant gift could save you or loved ones’ lives in a survival situation. And don’t worry if you didn’t get socks for Christmas, any sock will do (great for the socks that lost their mates in the laundry)!

Socks for Water Filtration

Staying hydrated is a top priority in survival situations. While humans can sometimes go for several weeks without food, we can only survive approximately 3 – 5 days without water. Dehydration will cause you to become weak, delirious and can ultimately lead to organ failure and death. However, it is also vital that the water you drink is clean. While the fabric of your socks can not clean water of harmful microorganisms, bacteria, or viruses, they can be used to strain out bulkier materials and particles. If you can make a fire, you can then boil the filtered water to eliminate other dangerous substances. Water purification tablets or iodine will also help disinfect the water, once filtered.

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Socks as Fire Tinder

Being able to start a fire is also crucial and a sock can help with igniting flames. No, don’t just throw the whole sock on to the fire, but rather pick the fuzz and lint from the sock, which will ignite more readily. Keep in mind, this won’t work with flame resistant socks. Wool socks could also be used as “oven mitts” when handling hot items on the fire (use thick socks or layer at least 2).

Socks for Warmth

Yes, the most obvious use of all, wearing them! But seriously, keeping your feet warm and dry can really prove lifesaving. Wet socks can lead to many potential health issues including “Trench Foot” (HappyPreppers.Com has a great description of Trench Foot and how best to avoid it). And don’t limit socks to your feet. They can be used as gloves on your hands or, if long enough, as a scarf around your neck. If it is an elastic sock, you can cut off the foot part and you’re left with a warm headband.

This article is focused more on what you can do with extra socks you already have, but if you’re looking for guidance on which specific socks are best TheSurvivalistBlog.net has a great product review on merino wool socks.

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Socks for First Aid

A sock can prove crucial in times of first aid. A sock can be placed, with pressure, against a heavily bleeding wound to help stop the bleeding. It can also be wrapped around the wound as compression dressing or a bandage. Using a sock as a tourniquet is also a possibility, but should only be used for severe and unstoppable blood loss, as it could cost you your limb.

Socks for self Protection

Fill a sock with heavy or sharp items (that you could hit someone with, likes rocks) and then tie a knot in the opening. You can now use the sock for self defense against a person or animal.

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Signal

A sock hung from a tree or pole can be used to mark a location or even signal for help. You could also cut up a sock to mark a trail that you don’t want to lose track of. A colorful sock would be most helpful in this case.

BONUS – Organization

Included as a bonus tip because using socks for organizational purposes probably won’t save your life, but it will save you space in your survival kit so you can pack it out with other useful equipment.

While socks can be used to inconspicuously hide valuable or fragile items or store small items you might collect, our favorite organizational use for socks is the Skivvy Roll.

Needless to say, what your mom always told you is true, you really can’t ever have too many socks.

What are other survival uses you can think of for socks? What are your favorite every day household items you include in your emergency kit?