If you’re outdoorsy, you might have encountered the paracord at least once on one of your outdoor trips. Every time you go out for an epic adventure, you will need all the help you can get. The paracord is one of the things that will come in handy once you’re out there, and in this article, you will learn all there is to know about the paracord.
What is Paracord?
Let’s start with the basics.
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Paracord, also known as parachute cord, is a lightweight rope made of nylon, composed of many strands or threads. The 550 paracord or Paracord Type III is the most common paracord. It offers many uses for different survival situations and endless possibilities for crafting.
Keep reading because there’s still much to know about the paracord, including its history, types, and many uses.
History of the Paracord
Its history dates back to World War II when American paratroopers used the paracord as a suspension line for their parachutes. After landing the parachutes, they would cut the ropes from the parachute and find other uses for it in the field.
Today, the paracord has more than one use and has risen in popularity over the years. You can use it for survival, outdoor sports, crafting, etc. But more on that later, so stay tuned!
Types of Paracords
There are several types of paracords you can work with, all with different diameters and tensile strengths. The thicker the paracord, the higher the tensile strength or breaking load in pounds.
Here is a table showcasing the different types of paracord.
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Difference Between Commercial and Mil-Spec Paracord
The two most common paracords available in the market are the commercial paracord and the mil-spec paracord. It’s important that you’re aware of what makes them different, so you can choose depending on your needs.
Mil-Spec Paracord
A mil-spec paracord adheres to the military specifications Mil-C-5040H and it’s designed for military use. All paracords produced will undergo strict testing to ensure their quality before it’s certified.
The mil-spec 550 paracord is the most recommended to use for outdoor purposes because it is made out of nylon, a strong and weatherproof material. It has higher quality and is more suitable for intense outdoor and survival activities. But you should expect that they’re pricier than the commercial paracord.
Commercial Paracord
A commercial paracord is a grade-A version of the mil-spec cords. Commercial cords are more suitable for crafting or as the core strands are less strong than a mil-spec grade paracord. Additionally, a commercial paracord is either made from nylon or polyester.
What is a Paracord For?
Thanks to the development of the paracord during World War II, many people have found more use for it, especially with its popularity in the USA.
Crafting and Accessories
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Let’s start with the most creative ways to use the paracord. With a lightweight and versatile rope like the paracord, you can use it as a material for your different creative projects. You can use it as a fashion statement and incorporate it into your daily outfits.
Or you can also use it as a decorative piece in your home. Spice up your home by handcrafting window garlands, doormats, or coasters made from paracord. A handmade paracord project will surely attract visitors and neighbors, making your home a pleasant sight.
Some of the things you can create with a cord are:
- Survival bracelets
- Necklace
- Choker
- Belts
- Lanyards
- Pet collar or leash
- Pet chew toy
- Garlands
What’s great about paracords is they can come in various colors, styles, and patterns. The sky’s the limit as long as you have the creativity and resourcefulness to craft accessories. All you need is a little imagination to create your own art, and you’re good to go!
Survival Situations or Emergencies
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The thing about the outdoors is that you can’t always predict the dangers you will face. And there may be instances where you’ll find yourself in situations where you need to survive or face obstacles you need to overcome. That’s why having a paracord in your backpack might be the exact thing you need to save your life.
For one, you can use a paracord to build a shelter, especially if you didn’t bring a tent. If you’re going on a hike and underestimate the time, you might find the night catching up to you. You’re going to need to improvise and make use of your surroundings. Create a cozy shelter using a paracord, clothes, and branches, and you’re set for the night!
Another great use for the paracord is for holding your things together. All you need to make sure of is that the paracord has buckles to ensure that extra security.
More examples of using a paracord for survival include:
- Trail markers
- Snare/trap
- Tourniquet
- Sling
- Catching net
- Rescue line (quicksand, mud pit, drowning)
Outdoor Activities
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A mil-spec cord’s greatest features are its durability and weather resistance. The nylon sheath and inner cores certainly contribute to this factor, making it an ideal survival gear to carry anywhere.
If you’re camping in the woods and there’s a nearby river where you can fish for food, you can use a paracord as a fishing line.
You can also use a paracord as a bungee cord to lift heavy things or equipment to lessen the load on your back while hiking.
Everyday Use
Believe it or not, a paracord is also useful for daily activities.
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If you have a pet you can make a DIY pet collar for them using a paracord. Make it vibrant and colorful, you can even let them pick out the colors they want! This little project will surely make your beloved pet feel special.
Another awesome way to use the paracord is to use it as a water bottle sling. You can even pick out the color you want based on your style.
Are you the type of person who keeps many keys around? I’m one of those people who need some help organizing my keys and keeping them in one place. Luckily for people like me, you could use a paracord to create a keychain fob to carry your keys around!
If you want to know more about the uses of paracord, you can refer to this article: The Best 15 Uses of Paracord
Buyer’s Guide: What You Need to Know When Buying a Paracord
Buying a paracord can be tricky, especially for first-time buyers. A few things to consider when picking the best paracord depends on your purpose.
Durability
Of course, durability is the top factor when choosing a paracord. A high-quality paracord should keep flexibility and tensile strength even after hundreds of uses. Also, make sure to pick a paracord with nylon as the outer sheet because it’s more durable than polyester.
Still, it will depend on your main purpose for buying a paracord. Commercial paracord is the best choice for you if you’re more into arts and crafts. While a mil-spec paracord is the most convenient choice if you’re planning to use it outdoors, especially hiking, camping, rock climbing, etc.
Weight
A paracord is appealing to use because it is lightweight and easy to carry. A real mil-spec cord made from nylon or polyester is the best choice because of its lightness. You can differentiate an authentic paracord from a fake one by comparing the weight, a fake cord usually uses a heavier material than nylon.
Cost
If you’re looking for something that can survive for the long term, a real mil-spec cord will do the job. Although it is more costly, I can guarantee you that the extra bucks you spend will be worth it.
Conclusion
You should also know manufacturers who offer custom and industrial orders. And if you’re interested in paracord in bulk, try finding a distributor to get the best offer and deals.
If you want to know how to find a paracord, you can refer to this article: Where to Find a Paracord Manufacturer?
All in all, the paracord is an amazing outdoor gear usually made from nylon or polyester. It offers different uses and purposes, like craft-making crafts, first aid, or survival. You can use it as an all-around tool for your daily activities, outdoor trips, and adventures. There are also several types of paracord you can choose from, with each type corresponding to its breaking strength.
