Paracord is one of the best tools for outdoor enthusiasts. You can make a bowstring, use the inner core for fire, create a clothesline, and so much more.
But like everything else, not all paracords are made equal. So, how do you find the best paracord for your outdoor needs?
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How Do You Find The Best Paracord Manufacturer?
Paracord brands have varying qualities, strengths, and weaknesses. Hence, when in the market for a new cord, you have to consider a lot of factors. But, in general, it’s crucial to find a paracord with the best tensile strength, material quality, durability, and value for money.
In this article, we’ll dive into the following:
- Different Types of Paracord
- Different Materials of Paracord
- What to Look For in a High-Quality Paracord
- Buy from Manufacturer or Retailer
- The Best Paracord Manufacturers in the US
Types of Paracord
The most popular paracord among outdoor enthusiasts and crafters is the 550 paracord because of its excellent quality-to-price ratio. However, there are other types of cords that you can consider:
- Type I Paracord. The Type I cord contains only one strand and can hold up to 95 pounds. It is best for light-duty applications, such as dummy cording, making small bear bags, and crafting custom bracelets. This cord type is usually the cheapest.
- Type II Paracord. This paracord contains about four to seven strands and can carry up to 400 pounds. However, you might have trouble finding it as it is relatively rare.
- Type III Paracord. Also known as the 550 paracord, this cord can hold up to 550 pounds and has around five to nine strands. It is the most popular type of paracord and is readily available in most outdoor gear stores in the USA.
- Type IV Paracord. The fourth type of paracord is the strongest, able to hold up to 750 pounds because of its eleven core strands. It is usually significantly more expensive than the 550 paracord, sometimes twice as much.
- Military-Spec Paracord. The military-spec paracord, often known as the 550 paracord, is designed according to military specifications, hence the name. An authentic military paracord should have seven to nine core strands, military colors, and nylon material.
Different Materials of Paracord
Paracord can be made up of one or more of the following materials:
- Polypropylene. Also known as PP. Polypropylene paracord is relatively inexpensive and color vividness is better than polyester. It is easy to knot, moisture-resistant, and lightweight. It is good for crafting.
- Polyester. This material is relatively resistant to rot, moisture, UV rays, and harmful chemicals. Like PP ropes, paracords made with polyester are best for light to moderate-duty work and are generally inexpensive.
- Nylon. If you need an extremely strong, durable, and resistant paracord, I recommend going for a nylon paracord. Nylon is resistant to UV exposure, abrasion, acids, alkaline, and moisture. Furthermore, nylon cords are smoother than PP or polyester cords and are easy to work with. Because of these qualities, nylon cords are usually the most expensive.
What to Look For in a High-Quality Paracord
Looking for a new paracord is not easy, which is why we’ve compiled the most crucial factors you need to consider:
Appearance. paracord manufacturer
You should be able to tell whether a cord is high-quality or poorly made just by looking at it. Authentic, high-quality cords look solid and round, while fake or low-quality ropes feel fragile and flat. A real 550 paracord should have seven to nine inner strands made up of three yarns each and with a braided outer sheath; this is where the cord’s strength comes from.
Tensile Strength. paracord factory
Tensile strength is the amount of stress a rope can handle before it breaks. A military-spec paracord can handle extreme loads without breaking. However, a paracord must pass stringent military standards to be considered “military-spec.” You can ask the manufacturer for a Certificate of Conformance to ensure your cord meets US military standards.
The tensile strength in other types of paracords may differ.
Value for Money. paracord wholesale
A real 550 paracord is not overly expensive, but it should not be too cheap either. Fake cords are usually much cheaper than the real thing. You might save a bit of money buying a cheaper paracord, but it won’t be reliable, and you’ll most likely have to replace it sooner than you’d like.
Color. paracord manufacturing
The color of your cord should match the activities you plan on doing. For instance, a camo cord is excellent for hunting because you’ll need to blend in with your surroundings. Meanwhile, a bright-colored cord is great for general camping because you won’t lose sight of it among the foliage.
If you’re looking to buy 550 paracord wholesale, it’s crucial to look for a manufacturer that offers a wide variety of colors, including solid colors, dual colors, and multi-colored patterns.
Buy from a Manufacturer or Retailer
Now, you know what to look for in a high-quality paracord. The next question is–where do buy from?
The answer is simple. If you only need a few pieces of paracord, finding a retailer is the easiest option. On the other hand, if you want to buy a large quantity of paracords, you should look for a manufacturer.
- Buying in bulk from a manufacturer comes with many advantages:
- You can fulfill all your inventory needs in a single order
- You can specify modifications for lengths, colors, patterns, and other features
- You will save more money on shipping, packaging, and cost per unit
- Apart from saving money, you can save time, transport miles, and labor
The Best Paracord Manufacturers in the USA
Whether you want to buy wholesale paracord or are looking for the right rope to take on your next camping trip, you need to know where to find the best product.
After years of trying out different cords and using them for various applications in the wild, here are some of the top USA manufacturers with the best paracord stock:
#1 TOUGH GRID paracord for sale
TOUGH GRID is a USA company that produces emergency preparedness products for preppers, hikers, campers, and more. They create high-quality, USA-made cords that stand the test of time and get the job done.
Moreover, TOUGH GRID has a wide variety of outdoor gear, including 550 paracord, water filtration systems, cord tightener sets, knot cards, gate locks, and even flashlights.
The Best Product
Their top paracord is the TOUGH GRID 750lb Paracord. This military-spec 550 paracord is made of pure nylon, ensuring its strength and durability for various outdoor needs.
You can use it to make a bear bag, tie gear together, and do heavy farm work. Nevertheless, it’s thin enough to be convenient–and you can even use it to replace your boot laces.
Additional Features:
- It comes in a wide variety of colors, including royal blue, camo, yellow, purple, etc.
- This 550 paracord meets the highest USA specifications for parachute cords
- The cord can stretch up to 20% of its regular size
#2 5Col Survival Supply paracord manufacturer
5Col is a one-stop shop for all your outdoor needs. Aside from parachute cords, they have tents, backpacks, signal tools, cookware, lanterns, and even custom survival kits containing everything you could possibly need in the wilderness.
The Best Product
However, what really caught my attention was their 5Col 550 Paracord. It is one of the first parachute cords I’ve ever owned, and it truly withstood the test of time.
With its pure nylon construction, UV and mildew resistance, and durable core, this 550 paracord is a must-have for all outdoor enthusiasts.
Additional Features:
- This 550 paracord can elongate about 30% of its original length
- There are a lot of colors to choose from, such as red, orange, and camo green
- You can ask the cord manufacturer for the Certificate of Conformance
#3 Baiyuheng Outdoor paracord factory
If you’re looking for a high-quality 550 paracord with excellent value for money, look no further than Baiyuheng Outdoor. The company started selling emergency products 15 years ago with the mission to provide awesome gear to survival experts, campers, hunters, and crafters–and the rest is history.
Baiyuheng Outdoor started with a handful of parachute cords. Today, they have everything you could possibly need for an outdoor trip, including navigation tools, shelters, fire-starting kits, packs, and more.
Another thing I love about Baiyuheng is that they care deeply about their customers when it comes to emergency preparedness. Hence, they prioritize customer service and are available whenever you need them.
The Best Product
My favorite product from Baiyuheng has to be the 550 paracord. It’s made with nylon, polyester, and seven inner core strands, meeting all the specifications one would need.
You can use this 550 paracord for almost anything you can think of, such as making custom dog collars, lanyards, bear bags, weapons, and tent guy lines.
Additional Features:
- This 550 paracord comes in 50, 100, 300, and 1000 feet
- You can choose from more than 300 cord colors
- Baiyuheng offers custom packaging for 550 paracord orders
- The company offers 24/7 online services
- You can enjoy low MOQ and fast shipping
- The core can be helpful for sutures, tourniquets, and fishing lines
#4 Extremus paracord wholesale
Extremus offers affordable outdoor gear to anyone who wants good-quality gear for the right price. Although they specialize in winter sports equipment, Extremus offers an excellent contender to the paracord race: the Extremus Type III paracord.
The Best Product
As expected from a true USA military-spec product, this parachute cord is made to withstand 500-pound loads. It is designed with seven inner core strands for extra strength, UV resistance to prevent fading, and an additional tracer strand for ease of use.
Additional Features:
- This 550 paracord is available in three different lengths – 25, 50, and 100 feet
- You can choose from five different colors (desert sand, orange, camo green, black, and white)
- They offer excellent services to all customers who want to process returns and give feedback
#5 Atwood Rope MFG paracord manufacturing
Atwood Rope specializes in–you guessed it–ropes! However, the company doesn’t sell only parachute cords; they also offer boot laces, micro cords, docking ropes, reflective cords, dog leashes, and boot laces.
The Best Product
Essentially, Atwood rope has everything you need to tie things together, whether it be your shoes or a makeshift shelter.
The Atwood Rope MFG Parapocalypse Ultimate Survivor Cord is one of their best products, designed for every survival situation (and mundane events) you may encounter in the wild.
The Parapocalypse cord is made of waxed-jute twine, making the inner cord an excellent fire starter. Furthermore, it can withstand up to 900F, meaning you can use it for roasting chicken and sawing wood.
Additional Features:
- This cord is less expensive, making it an excellent option for buyers on a budget
- You can choose from more than 100 colors and custom-made patterns
- You can also create a custom order
#6 Titan Survival paracord for sale
Titan Survival is one of the biggest names among paracord products. While their top-grade cords don’t come cheap, you’re surely paying for excellent quality, durability, and versatility.
Furthermore, Titan Survival offers high-quality tools for hardcore survivalists, including custom lighters, emergency blankets, tactical packs, and Ferro rods.
Another thing worth praising about Titan is that part of its proceeds goes to USA veterans’ charities. In fact, the company is a certified Service-Disabled Combat Veteran-Owned Small Business.
The Best Product
If you’re looking for an upgrade 550 paracord, I recommend Titan Survival’s Survivor Cord. This cord was made after 18 months of collaboration between the company and Special Forces operators in Afghanistan.
Hence, the cord exceeds military specifications for parachute twine. It is made with pre-shrunk, 36 individual cores braided into solid three-stand yarns.
Additional Features:
- It includes a single braided strand that can withstand 25 pounds
- Titan Survival products have a lifetime guarantee
- Since 2013, a portion of all profits have gone to the Wounded Warrior Project, a charity for wounded USA veterans
#7 Paracord Planet paracord manufacturer
Paracord Planet has one of the widest selections of USA-made paracords, including industrial and commercial cords. They offer everything from paracords and bungee cords to cutting tools and cord hardware.
The Best Product
Paracord Planet has dozens of ropes available, coming in various types, lengths, and colors. But my top product is their 550 Paracord in solid color. It’s a classic must-have for preppers, hunters, campers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
This 550 paracord features 32 interwoven nylon cores, giving it a smooth texture yet excellent durability and strength.
Additional Features:
- This 5500 paracord is resistant to mildew, mold, and rot
- Its UV resistance means the color won’t fade under hot weather
- Paracord Planet ships orders in record time and keeps a loaded stock
#8 Sgt. Knots paracord factory
Take it from me–you can’t go wrong with a paracord manufacturer specializing in ropes. Sgt. Knots is another rope specialty store worth mentioning; they offer various types of rope, cords, and threads.
The Best Product
There are a lot of industrial and commercial ropes to choose from on Sgt. Knots, but I recommend their 550 Paracord for both novice and experienced users.
This all-purpose 550 paracord is super durable yet flexible, making it a great option for all kinds of applications—moreover, the Sgt. Knots 550 paracord is resistant to moisture, UV light, chemicals, and abrasion, meaning your paracord will last a very long time.
Additional Features:
- You can use the inner core of the cord for sutures, fire-starting, fishing lines, etc.
- Sgt. Knots is an experienced USA company known for its many years of providing a diverse stock of cordage, especially for their 550 paracord
- You can create a custom or bulk order and enjoy fast shipping
#9 Paracord Galaxy paracord wholesale
Paracord Galaxy is a family-owned business based in Utah, USA. Their diverse cord stock consists of dozens of nylon cords and ropes, which can be used for heavy-duty applications like pitching tents and carrying games.
The Best Product
Paracord Galaxy is a haven for those on the hunt for an affordable paracord. To make your search easier, I recommend checking out their Digital Woodland Camo 550 Paracord. It is made with nylon and polyester, making it smooth and flexible. Better yet, this 550 paracord is resistant to mold, rot, mildew, and UV damage.
Additional Features:
- You can be sure that the nylon cord won’t bleed
- This 550 paracord is easy to handle and bend according to your intended purpose
#10 X-Cords 850 Parachute Cord paracord manufacturing
Last but not least, we have X-Cords, a USA brand offering some of the most durable nylon cords on the market.
The Best Product
So far, we’ve featured different variants of the 550 paracord, but if you need more strength and durability, X-Cords has the perfect option for you: the 850lb Nylon Paracord.
You can use this 550 paracord for all heavy-duty activities, such as making a clothesline, securing the perimeter of your campsite, carrying heavy packs, and building shelter.
However, this nylon cord is quite bulky, so I won’t recommend it for light-duty use. Nevertheless, this military-spec twine is a must-have for hardcore preppers, survivalists, and hunters.
Additional Features:
- You can choose from several classic colors, such as desert camo and olive drab
- The company tests every lot to ensure each nylon cord is strong enough for all purposes, including construction and commercial
- This 550 paracord comes with quick-release spools for ease of use
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best 550 paracord on the market, you’ll have to start by searching for the top-rated manufacturer. Luckily, we can vouch for ten companies that offer some of the best nylon cords money can buy. Happy shopping!
