Designed to suspend soldiers under their parachute canopy in World War 2, paracord is now the general-purpose, lightweight nylon rope that belongs in every camping and survival kit. Nothing else can match it for strength, flexibility and durability. Its composite construction holds the key to its usefulness. Inside a woven nylon outer sheath are seven or more inner stands. As well as making it supremely strong and easy to handle, these separate strands can be used individually when you need a thinner cord or unraveled further for thread. Some survival paracord takes it a step further by having stands inside designed to be used as tinder, or for fishing line or as snare wire. This style of cord is great for crafting into bracelets, lanyards or knife grips but probably won’t be as strong as Type 3 paracord which will take at least 550lbs.
Look out too for mil-spec paracord. Short for military specification it means the cord meets the criteria set out by the US armed forces. Generally, the more internal strands there are the higher your cord’s tensile strength. Some nylon cord can be weakened by direct sun and getting it wet could affect strength although as most paracord is made from nylon and polyester it should resist mold and dry out quickly. How much paracord you need will depend on what you plan to use it for but many outdoor enthusiasts like to keep between 50 and 100 feet to hand. Ultimately, paracord’s strength is its versatility. It’s a survival aid which can do everything from helping you build shelters, to replacing broken boot laces to hanging food out of the reach of bears. NASA astronauts even used paracord to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. Here’s the paracord we would recommend.
PARACORD PLANET Paracord
Classic paracord in multiple colors
Made in the USA, this cord has seven Type 3 twisted inner strands inside a 100% nylon sheath. It has a tensile strength of 550 lbs and is mildew and UV resistant. Available in 37 different colors from black to neon green and in 100, 250 and 1000 feet lengths, it’s suitable for all camping, hiking and survival situations as well as crafting projects if you want to make bracelets or necklaces.
TOUGH-GRID 750lb Paracord/Parachute Cord
Extra-strong paracord with 11 strands
Tough by name, tough by nature, this 100% nylon paracord can take up to 750lbs spread across 11 triple strands. The outer sheath is made from abrasion-resistant twisted yarns. It comes in six convenient lengths – 50, 100 and 150 feet coiled in a bag, 200 feet wound on a tube and 500 and 1000 feet wound on a spool. So however much of this military-spec, American-made cord you need, you’re covered.
Titan 620 LB SurvivorCord
With strands for tinder, fishing and snares
This patented paracord includes three potentially life-saving survival strands in its seven 100% nylon, 5mm diameter lengths. There’s waterproof waxed jute to use as tinder for starting fires, a 30 AWG wire for snares, antennae or conduction and a 25lb monofilament fishing line. It can hold 620 lbs, comes in 100-foot lengths, with nine choices of color, all secured with a bespoke fastener.
WEREWOLVES 550lb Paracord/Parachute Cord
Nylon paracord suitable for all uses
This parachute cord is 100% nylon and comprises seven inner strands inside a cover that can hold up to 550lbs. Each strand is made of three-layer twisted nylon yarns and the outer sheath is woven from 32 strands of nylon. It all makes for a strong, durable cord that’s ideal for camping, fishing, hunting and crafting.
Bottom line
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Paracord is essential. You don’t know necessarily know when you’re going to need it but you’ll be glad you have it when you do. It’s simply one of the most versatile and downright useful pieces of outdoor survival kit with so many uses you can put it to that you can’t even imagine them all. Our recommended paracord for general outdoor use is PARACORD PLANET Paracord. It’s got that classic strength and flexibility you expect in a good Type 3-spec paracord and comes in a dizzying array of colors.
If you want paracord for crafting bracelets, ax grips or lanyards, the Titan 620 LB SurvivorCord is a good choice. With strands inside to use as tinder, snare wire and fishing line, you will be prepared for anything the outdoors can throw at you.
