Paracord bracelets are super popular because they’re both stylish and useful. They’re made from paracord, which is a type of strong rope that people often use for outdoor activities like camping or hiking. But what if you’re going swimming—can you wear your paracord bracelet in the water?
The short answer is yes, you can swim with a paracord bracelet! However, there are some things you should know about how water affects the bracelet and how to take care of it afterward. In this essay, we’ll explore whether it’s okay to swim with a paracord bracelet, what happens when it gets wet, and how to keep it in good condition.
What is Paracord Made Of?
Paracord is a special type of rope that was originally used in parachutes by the military. The word “paracord” actually comes from the word “parachute cord.” It’s a very strong and flexible cord that can be used for many different things, like building shelters, tying things together, or even in emergencies.
1. Made from Nylon
Paracord is made out of nylon, which is a type of synthetic material. Synthetic means it’s not natural like cotton or wool—it’s man-made. Nylon is used in many different products because it’s very strong, durable, and stretchy.
- Strength:Nylon is known for being tough. This makes paracord strong enough to hold a lot of weight, which is why it was first used to support parachutes. This same strength is what makes it a favorite among hikers, campers, and survivalists.
- Stretchy but Flexible:Paracord is also slightly stretchy, which makes it flexible and easy to work with. It can bend and twist without breaking, which is great when you need to use it for tying things up.
2. Inside the Paracord: Inner Strands
What makes paracord extra special is that it’s not just one solid piece of rope. Inside the outer nylon cover, there are several smaller strands of rope, usually around 7 inner strands. These inner strands can be pulled apart and used for smaller tasks, like sewing or fishing, making the cord even more versatile.
- Outer Sheath:The outer part of the paracord is a woven layer of nylon that holds everything together. It protects the inner strands and makes the cord strong.
- Inner Strands:These inner strands add extra strength to the paracord, and they can be used for finer tasks. In an emergency, people can take the paracord apart and use the inner strands for things like stitching wounds, making fishing lines, or creating traps.
3. Water-Resistant but Not Waterproof
Because paracord is made from nylon, it’s water-resistant. This means that it doesn’t soak up water easily and stays strong even when it gets wet. However, paracord is not completely waterproof. Nylon can still absorb a little water, especially if it’s submerged for a long time, but it will dry quickly once it’s out of the water.
- Water-Resistant:When something is water-resistant, it means it can handle some water without being damaged. Paracord can get wet without losing its strength or flexibility, which is why it’s used by people who like to spend time outdoors, even in the rain or near water.
Can You Swim with a Paracord Bracelet?
If you’re someone who enjoys wearing a paracord bracelet, you might wonder if it’s okay to wear it while swimming. The good news is that you can definitely swim with a paracord bracelet, but there are a few things you should know about what happens when it gets wet and how to take care of it afterward.
1. Paracord and Water: It’s Water-Resistant
Paracord is made from nylon, which is a material that’s water-resistant. This means it doesn’t get damaged when it’s exposed to water, but it’s not fully waterproof. Paracord won’t soak up too much water, and it stays strong and flexible even when wet. This makes it great for swimming or any other activities near water.
- No Immediate Damage:When you swim with your paracord bracelet, it won’t fall apart or break just because it gets wet. You can swim in a pool, a lake, or even the ocean while wearing it.
2. Stretching and Shrinking
One thing to keep in mind is that when paracord gets wet, it might stretch a little bit. This is normal and usually happens because the nylon absorbs a bit of water and expands slightly. Don’t worry though, once the paracord dries, it often shrinks back to its original size.
- Temporary Stretching:You might notice your bracelet feels a bit looser when it’s wet, but as it dries, the cord tightens up again. This won’t damage the bracelet, and it should return to its normal shape once fully dry.
3. Long-Term Exposure to Water
While swimming occasionally with your paracord bracelet is fine, constantly exposing it to water (like wearing it all the time in pools or the ocean) can cause wear and tear over time. If your bracelet is exposed to saltwater or chlorine often, these chemicals can weaken the nylon material a bit.
- Saltwater Exposure:Saltwater can make materials wear out faster because of the salt crystals that build up in the fibers. If you swim in the ocean a lot, you might notice your paracord bracelet weakening after a while.
- Chlorine in Pools:Chlorine, which is used in swimming pools to keep the water clean, can also slowly affect the nylon. If you swim in a pool regularly, it’s a good idea to rinse your bracelet with fresh water afterward to wash away the chlorine.
4. It’s Okay for Short Swims
For regular swimming, like a quick dip in the pool or ocean, wearing your paracord bracelet won’t cause any major issues. The nylon material will hold up just fine as long as you take care of it afterward.
- No Big Issues with Short Swims:If you’re swimming for a short time, there’s no need to worry about your paracord bracelet. Just keep in mind that longer exposure, especially to chemicals like salt or chlorine, might make the bracelet wear out faster over time.
Effects of Different Water Types
While you can swim with a paracord bracelet, the type of water you’re swimming in can have different effects on the bracelet. Paracord is tough and can handle water, but things like salt, chlorine, or even dirt in the water can affect how well the bracelet lasts over time. Let’s look at what happens when you swim with a paracord bracelet in different types of water.
1. Freshwater (Lakes, Rivers, and Pools)
Swimming in freshwater is probably the safest for your paracord bracelet. Freshwater includes things like lakes, rivers, and swimming pools (though pools usually have chlorine, which we’ll cover next).
- Minimal Impact:Freshwater doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or salt, so it won’t do much harm to your paracord bracelet. The bracelet might get wet and stretch a little, but it will dry and go back to normal without much wear and tear.
- Dirt and Debris:If you swim in natural freshwater bodies like lakes or rivers, your bracelet might pick up some dirt or debris, like sand or mud. It’s a good idea to rinse your bracelet with clean water afterward to wash off any dirt.
2. Saltwater (Oceans and Seas)
Swimming in saltwater, like in the ocean, can have a bigger effect on your paracord bracelet. This is because saltwater is much more corrosive, which means it can slowly wear down materials over time.
- Salt Crystals:When saltwater dries, it leaves behind tiny salt crystals that can get stuck in the fibers of the paracord. These crystals can cause the bracelet to become stiffer and weaken over time, especially if you swim in the ocean frequently without rinsing the bracelet afterward.
- Rinse After Use:If you swim in the ocean with your paracord bracelet, it’s important to rinse it off with fresh water after you’re done. This helps remove the salt and keeps the bracelet in good condition for longer.
3. Chlorinated Water (Swimming Pools)
Swimming pools are filled with chlorinated water, which means the water has chlorine added to keep it clean. While chlorine helps kill germs, it can also be harsh on materials like paracord.
- Chlorine Weakens Nylon:Chlorine can slowly weaken nylon over time. If you swim in a pool with your paracord bracelet often, the nylon might start to wear out or become less flexible.
- Rinsing Helps:Just like with saltwater, it’s a good idea to rinse your paracord bracelet with clean water after swimming in a pool. This will wash off the chlorine and help the bracelet stay strong and flexible.
4. Dirty or Polluted Water
If you swim in water that’s dirty or has pollutants in it, like some rivers or lakes, your bracelet might pick up some of that dirt or chemicals. While this doesn’t immediately damage the bracelet, it can cause it to become dirty or smelly.
- Rinse and Clean:After swimming in dirty water, it’s important to give your bracelet a good rinse and let it air dry to prevent any bad smells or buildup of dirt.
How to Care for Your Paracord Bracelet After Swimming
If you wear your paracord bracelet while swimming, it’s important to take care of it afterward. Water, especially saltwater and chlorinated pool water, can affect your bracelet over time, so giving it some simple care can keep it looking good and make it last longer. Here are a few easy steps to care for your paracord bracelet after swimming.
1. Rinse with Clean Water
After swimming, the first step is to rinse your bracelet with clean, fresh water. This is important because it helps remove any salt, chlorine, or dirt that might have gotten on it while you were swimming.
- Salt and Chlorine:Salt from the ocean or chlorine from pools can slowly damage the nylon in your bracelet. By rinsing it, you help wash away these chemicals and keep the bracelet in better shape.
- Running Water:Hold your bracelet under a stream of water, like from a sink or hose, and gently rub it to make sure all sides are rinsed clean. This step only takes a minute but makes a big difference in keeping your bracelet strong.
2. Let It Air Dry
Once you’ve rinsed your bracelet, the next step is to let it dry. It’s best to let it air dry rather than putting it away while it’s still wet, because drying helps prevent mold or smells from developing.
- Lay It Out Flat:Find a spot where you can lay your bracelet flat, like on a towel or a dry surface. Make sure it’s in a place where it can dry quickly and get some airflow.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight:While it’s fine to dry your bracelet outside, avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for too long. The sun can make colors fade over time, so it’s better to dry it in the shade or indoors.
- Dry Completely:Make sure the bracelet is completely dry before wearing it again or putting it away. If it’s still damp, it could start to smell or grow mold, which can damage the bracelet over time.
3. Check for Dirt or Debris
After swimming, especially in lakes or rivers, your bracelet might pick up some dirt or small particles like sand or mud. Once the bracelet is dry, check to see if there’s any dirt stuck in the cord.
- Use a Soft Brush:If there’s any dirt or small particles, use a soft brush or even an old toothbrush to gently brush them away. This keeps the bracelet clean and prevents any buildup that could cause it to wear out.
- Shake Off Loose Particles:You can also gently shake or tap the bracelet to get rid of any loose dirt or sand that might be hiding in the weave.
4. Regular Maintenance
If you swim often with your paracord bracelet, it’s a good idea to check it regularly for signs of wear and tear. This way, you can catch any small issues before they become bigger problems.
- Look for Fraying:Check if the bracelet is starting to fray or if any of the inner strands are becoming visible. If you notice fraying, it might be a sign that it’s time to replace the bracelet, especially if you rely on it for outdoor activities or emergencies.
- Keep It Clean:Washing your bracelet occasionally with mild soap can help keep it smelling fresh and looking nice, especially if you wear it a lot or swim with it often.
FAQ
Q1. Can you swim with a paracord bracelet?
A:Yes, you can swim with a paracord bracelet. It’s made from nylon, which is water-resistant, so it won’t be damaged by water.
Q2. Does swimming affect a paracord bracelet?
A:Swimming won’t damage it right away, but over time, saltwater or chlorine can cause it to wear out if you don’t care for it properly.
Q3. Will a paracord bracelet get damaged in saltwater?
A:Saltwater can cause the nylon to wear out faster, so it’s a good idea to rinse your bracelet with fresh water after swimming in the ocean.
Q4. Can chlorine harm my paracord bracelet?
A:Yes, chlorine can weaken the nylon over time. Rinsing the bracelet after swimming in a pool helps prevent damage from chlorine.
Q5. Will my paracord bracelet stretch in water?
A:Yes, it might stretch a little when it gets wet, but it usually returns to its original shape once it’s fully dry.
Q6. How should I care for my paracord bracelet after swimming?
A:Rinse it with fresh water, let it air dry, and make sure it’s completely dry before storing it to keep it in good shape.
Conclusion
Can You Swim with a Paracord Bracelet?Yes, you can swim with a paracord bracelet! Thanks to its water-resistant nylon material, paracord holds up well in water and can be worn while swimming in lakes, pools, or even the ocean. However, to keep it in good condition, it’s important to rinse it with fresh water after swimming, especially if exposed to saltwater or chlorine, and let it air dry completely. With a bit of care, your paracord bracelet can stay strong, stylish, and ready for any adventure, whether in or out of the water.
