I haven't tried it yet, but they could be used for lashing poles/branches such as one might do to create a shelter. Slid one onto the the end of a branch a few inches down from the end. Place the branch up against a smal diameter tree (not too big, not too small). Pull the band around the back of the tree trunk and back over the end of the branch.<br><br>It may not hold a lot of weight, but it would be fast. That would be useful if you were in dire need of shelter, ASAP. If it holds well, it would allow you to save your paracord that you would have used for lashing.