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Paracord, short for parachute cord, is a versatile, lightweight nylon rope originally used in the suspension lines of military parachutes. Known for its durability and strength, it has become a popular tool far beyond its military roots. Paracord’s multi-strand construction allows it to withstand heavy loads, making it ideal for a range of survival, outdoor, and crafting applications. Today, it’s used in everything from emergency kits to everyday carry (EDC) gear, valued for its combination of strength, flexibility, and light weight.
Paracord was first developed for the U.S. military during World War II, primarily used as suspension lines in parachutes. Soldiers quickly recognized its utility beyond parachuting, finding it valuable for tasks like securing equipment, making improvised shelters, or even as an emergency tourniquet. The military’s standard, often referred to as “550 cord,” is named for its ability to support 550 pounds of weight. This strength and adaptability earned paracord a lasting reputation as a go-to tool for both soldiers and civilians, transitioning from battlefield essential to a widely-used resource in outdoor and survival communities.
Paracord is available in various types, each classified by its strength, composition, and intended use. The most well-known is Type III paracord, commonly called “550 cord,” which can support up to 550 pounds and consists of seven inner strands. For those wondering, how much weight can paracord hold, the answer depends on the type: Type I paracord holds around 95 pounds, while Type II holds about 400 pounds, and Type IV can support up to 750 pounds.
Paracord is also divided into military-spec and commercial-grade categories. Military-spec paracord adheres to rigorous standards set by the U.S. Department of Defense, ensuring reliability under extreme conditions, while commercial-grade paracord is more commonly used for crafting, outdoor activities, and general purposes. Understanding these distinctions helps users select the right paracord for their specific needs, whether for heavy-duty tasks or everyday use.
When choosing paracord, it’s essential to understand the difference between military-grade (mil-spec) and commercial paracord. Military-grade paracord is manufactured according to strict government standards, ensuring it meets specific requirements for strength, flexibility, and durability. For example, mil-spec 550 cord must have seven to nine inner strands, each made up of three smaller fibers, and it should be able to withstand 550 pounds of weight. Additionally, it must pass rigorous testing for qualities like UV resistance and abrasion tolerance, making it ideal for survival and emergency situations.
In contrast, commercial paracord, while similar in appearance, often lacks the rigorous standards and may vary in quality. While still strong and versatile, commercial paracord is generally used for crafting, hobby projects, and other less demanding applications. It might not meet the weight-bearing standards of military-grade paracord, but it offers a wide range of colors and patterns, making it a favorite among DIY enthusiasts and crafters. Understanding these differences helps users pick the right type for their intended application, whether for critical survival use or creative projects.
Paracord is primarily made from nylon, a synthetic material prized for its strength, elasticity, and resistance to wear. Nylon’s durability makes it well-suited for outdoor applications, as it can withstand various environmental conditions, such as moisture and UV exposure, without degrading quickly. The construction of paracord typically involves a woven outer sheath that encases several inner strands, known as “kern,” which give the cord its tensile strength.
In military-grade paracord, each inner strand is further composed of smaller fibers, enhancing both its strength and flexibility. This layered design allows paracord to be unraveled when needed, providing individual strands that can be used for tasks like fishing lines, sewing threads, or emergency repairs. In contrast, some commercial paracord may incorporate polyester or mixed fibers instead of pure nylon, which can impact its strength and durability. Understanding the material composition is key for those who need paracord and can stand up to challenging conditions, especially in survival or heavy-duty uses.
Beyond survival uses, paracord has also become popular in the world of crafting. Enthusiasts use it to create bracelets, keychains, lanyards, and dog collars, with the added benefit that these items can be unraveled in emergencies to provide a ready supply of strong cord. Paracord is also widely used in the everyday carry (EDC) community, as its lightweight and compact nature make it easy to carry on belts, backpacks, and even as part of multitools. With so many practical applications, paracord remains a go-to choice for those who need a multi-functional, durable cord in their daily lives.
In military and survival contexts, paracord is an invaluable tool due to its strength, flexibility, and versatility. Soldiers have long used it for various tasks, such as securing equipment, creating improvised shelters, and repairing gear in the field. In survival situations, paracord can be unraveled to provide multiple smaller strands, which can then be used for fishing lines, snares, or sewing thread for mending fabric. Its ability to support substantial weight makes it ideal for tasks like constructing emergency stretchers or securing a load. Additionally, paracord can be crafted into survival bracelets or lanyards, ensuring it’s always close at hand and ready for use in critical situations where reliable gear can make a life-saving difference.
For outdoor enthusiasts and campers, paracord is a must-have item due to its wide range of practical applications. In camping, it can be used to set up tents, secure tarps, or create makeshift clotheslines for drying gear. Paracord is also handy for tying down equipment, constructing shelters, or making repairs on the go, such as fixing a broken strap or securing a backpack. Hikers often carry paracord as part of their gear, knowing it can be used to make emergency repairs to tents, shoes, or other essentials. Its durability in various weather conditions makes it a reliable choice for outdoor use, whether you’re setting up camp in the woods or preparing for an extended adventure in the backcountry.
Paracord has become a staple in the everyday carry (EDC) community, valued for its practicality and versatility in daily situations. Many EDC enthusiasts incorporate paracord into their gear as a way to be prepared for unexpected tasks or emergencies. It can be fashioned into bracelets, keychains, and lanyards, providing an easy-to-carry source of durable cordage that can be quickly unraveled when needed. Paracord’s strength makes it ideal for small repairs, such as replacing a broken shoelace or securing items to a backpack. Additionally, EDC items like knives and flashlights often include paracord wraps or handles, adding extra grip and a built-in emergency cord. With its adaptability and utility, paracord remains a favored choice for those looking to be ready for whatever the day might bring.
Paracord is a favorite material among crafters and DIY enthusiasts, thanks to its wide range of colors, patterns, and ease of use. It’s commonly used to make accessories like bracelets, knife lanyards, belts, paracord keychains, and dog collars, allowing for creative expression while providing a functional product. Paracord beads and lanyard beads add decorative and practical elements to these creations, enhancing style and grip. Paracord crafts are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical—many items, like paracord bracelets, can be unraveled in emergencies to supply a reliable length of cord. Beyond accessories, paracord is also used in more elaborate DIY projects, such as weaving custom handles for knives, making decorative wraps for hiking poles, or even constructing durable bags and pouches. Its flexibility and strength make it an ideal material for hands-on projects, appealing to those who enjoy creating both useful and unique items.
How to Choose the Best Type for Your Needs.
Selecting the right type of paracord depends on the intended use, as different types offer varying strengths and features. For tasks that require significant weight-bearing capacity or for use in emergencies, Type III (550 cord) or even Type IV paracord, which supports up to 750 pounds, are ideal choices. These types provide the durability needed for outdoor and survival activities, where reliability is crucial.
When choosing paracord for crafting or general everyday use, aesthetics and flexibility may play a larger role. In these cases, commercial-grade paracord offers a wider variety of colors and patterns, allowing for personalization while still maintaining adequate strength for lighter applications. It’s also essential to check for certifications, such as mil-spec ratings, if the paracord will be used in demanding conditions. By assessing both the strength requirements and the specific characteristics of different types, users can find the best paracord to suit their needs, whether for serious outdoor tasks or creative projects.
| Paracord Type | Diameter | Strength (lbs) | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type I | ~1.6 mm | ~95 | Light-duty tasks, crafting, lanyards, and securing small items |
| Type II | ~3 mm | ~400 | Medium-duty applications, general use, some outdoor tasks |
| Type III (550 Paracord) | ~4 mm | ~550 | Survival, camping, EDC, general-purpose tasks |
| Type IV | ~4.8 mm | ~750 | Heavy-duty tasks, survival situations, demanding outdoor uses |
| Micro Cord | ~1.18 mm | ~100 | Crafts, jewelry, small repairs |
| Nano Cord | ~0.75 mm | ~36 | Precision tasks, tying fishing lures, small crafts, minor repairs |
When comparing paracord brands like Atwood Rope MFG, Bored Paracord, Titan, and TOUGH-GRID, there are notable differences in quality, strength, and intended use. For those wondering where to buy paracord, especially for survival situations, these brands are among the best paracord brands for survival due to their unique advantages and focus on quality.
Each brand brings unique strengths to the table: Atwood and TOUGH-GRID excel in durability for survival and outdoor tasks, Bored Paracord appeals to DIY crafts enthusiasts with its broad color selection, and Titan provides innovative solutions with its multifunctional survival gear.
A burn test is a quick and effective way to determine whether your paracord is made from genuine nylon or a lower-quality material like polyester. Nylon paracord is preferred for survival and outdoor applications due to its strength and durability. Here’s how to conduct a burn test:
Conducting this burn test can help ensure you’re using high-quality nylon paracord, especially for tasks where strength and durability are critical. Be sure to perform the test in a well-ventilated area and take necessary safety precautions.
Proper care can extend the lifespan and effectiveness of paracord, especially when it’s used in challenging environments. Regularly inspecting paracord for frays or signs of wear is important, as damaged sections can compromise its strength. If fraying is observed, the damaged part can be trimmed, and the ends can be lightly melted to prevent further unraveling, a technique commonly used with nylon-based cords.
Cleaning paracord is relatively simple and can help maintain its durability. For surface dirt, a mild soap and warm water solution works well, allowing the cord to be gently scrubbed and then rinsed thoroughly. It’s essential to let paracord air dry completely, as excessive heat from dryers can weaken the nylon fibers. Additionally, storing paracord in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight will help prevent UV damage, which can degrade the material over time. By taking these steps, users can ensure their paracord remains strong and reliable for its next use, whether it’s for survival situations or everyday tasks.
Prevent Fraying with a Quick Melt: After cutting paracord, burning the ends ensures the jacket and inner strands stay together, keeping your cordage durable and ready for future use.
More Strands, More Strength: Paracord with more internal strands, such as Type IV, supports heavier loads, though it does add bulk. If weight isn’t a concern, opt for this higher-strength type for load-bearing applications.
Recommended Lengths for Emergency Kits: There’s no hard rule for the length of paracord you’ll need in an emergency, but experienced preppers often carry 50 to 100 feet in a Go-Bag or everyday carry (EDC) kit, and keep a few hundred feet at home.
Nylon’s Weakness to Sunlight: Sun exposure degrades nylon paracord over time, so it’s best to store it away from direct sunlight to maximize its lifespan.
Performance in Wet Conditions: Wet paracord slightly loses strength, so allowing it to dry before use is ideal. Fortunately, both nylon and polyester resist moisture, mildew, and mold and dry quickly.
High-Tech Alternatives Exist: While there are high-strength cords with advanced materials designed for extreme tasks like winching, paracord remains the popular choice for its balance of strength, affordability, and versatility.
Friction Management for Longevity: Paracord’s durability under friction depends on the load at its anchor, the texture of the contact surface, and the speed of rubbing. Adjusting these factors can prevent premature wear and extend its life in rugged applications.
1. What is the difference between 550 cord and other types of paracord?
The term “550 cord” refers specifically to Type III paracord, which is designed to support up to 550 pounds of weight. Other types, such as Type I, II, or IV, vary in their weight-bearing capacities and number of internal strands. For example, Type IV paracord can hold up to 750 pounds and has more inner strands, making it even stronger than 550 cord. The choice between these types depends on the intended use and required strength.
2. Can paracord be used for climbing or rescue purposes?
While paracord is strong and versatile, it is not recommended for climbing or rescue operations. It lacks the dynamic stretching properties and strength needed for these high-stress applications. Climbing ropes are specifically designed and tested for these purposes, ensuring the safety of the user. Paracord is better suited for lightweight tasks, such as securing gear or building shelters.
3. How strong is paracord, and what are its limitations?
The strength of paracord depends on its type, with 550 cord supporting up to 550 pounds under static load. However, paracord’s strength is compromised when it’s knotted, as knots can reduce its tensile strength by up to 30%. Additionally, paracord may not perform well under prolonged exposure to sharp edges or when subjected to extreme friction. Understanding these limitations is key to using paracord safely and effectively.
4. Is there a difference between mil-spec and commercial paracord?
Yes, military-spec (mil-spec) paracord meets stringent U.S. Department of Defense standards for strength, durability, and quality. It typically features more inner strands and has a tighter, more robust weave compared to commercial-grade paracord. Commercial paracord is often less expensive and comes in a variety of colors but may not adhere to the same quality standards as mil-spec paracord.
5. Does paracord stretch?
Yes, paracord does stretch, but the extent depends on its type and material. Nylon, the primary material in most paracord, has natural elasticity, allowing it to stretch slightly under load. This makes paracord useful for tasks where a bit of give is beneficial, like securing items in place or absorbing shock in dynamic conditions.
Type III (550 cord) typically stretches about 30% under maximum load, which is moderate compared to materials like polyester, which stretches less. While this elasticity is advantageous for many applications, it’s important to note that paracord isn’t designed for activities requiring substantial stretch, such as climbing, where dynamic ropes specifically designed for stretching are more suitable.
Paracord is more than just a durable cord; it’s a versatile tool with countless practical applications, making it an essential item for both everyday carry (EDC) and outdoor enthusiasts. Its unique combination of strength, flexibility, and light weight makes it invaluable in survival situations, where it can serve as anything from a makeshift shelter to an emergency splint. For DIY enthusiasts, paracord offers creative possibilities, with various colors and patterns suited to crafting personalized gear like bracelets, keychains, and lanyards for different knife types.
For EDC and outdoor aficionados, paracord’s utility extends beyond basic functionality. Its compact nature allows it to be carried effortlessly on belts, backpacks, or even as part of a multi-tool. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just preparing for everyday emergencies, paracord offers a sense of preparedness that other tools simply can’t match. With numerous types and quality levels available, choosing the right paracord ensures you’re equipped for whatever challenges come your way. In short, paracord remains a must-have for anyone who values versatility, durability, and readiness in their gear.
Author: Aleks Nemtcev | Connect with me on LinkedIn
References:
Paracord sizes: paracordforum.com
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