When staying outdoors, a person encounters various situations that sometimes cannot be prepared for in advance. They need to tie something up, bind it, or fasten it, and find that they have nothing to help them. A cord with high strength and durability, with versatile use, also called Paracord 550, can come in handy. For dedicated hikers, mountaineers, or survival enthusiasts, nylon cord is a common tool, but for many it is a novelty, which we will now introduce to you.
What is paracord 550
The word paracord is formed from two words - parachute and cord, which translates to parachute cord. It was used during World War II by paratroopers as parachute rope, and today it is used under the designation Paracord 550. Nowadays it is used as a multifunctional cord by members of security forces, but also by civilians. It has even found use among enthusiasts of creative crafting.
It is made of 100% nylon, has a standard thickness of 4 mm, and the inside consists of seven double nylon yarns. The sheath is braided from 32, or respectively 36 strands, and is manufactured in many different colors. It is tested and holds a minimum of 550 pounds, which is approximately 249 kg. Its designation Paracord 550 comes from the minimum load capacity of the cord in pounds. However, you may also come across designations such as 550 Cord, Parachute cord, Type III Paracord, and others.
What properties does paracord have
Paracord is characterized by high strength and durability, and you can use it for anything. When buying it, you must be careful not to buy cheaper imitations, which look similar but are far from having the same properties as genuine Paracord 550. The first thing you should notice when buying is whether it really has 7 strands inside. The minimum elasticity is 30% and the maximum weight is 6.61 g/m. One strand should be able to hold around 35 kg. In creative crafting, load capacity is not as important, but in case of need, a low-quality cord can cause considerable problems.
Storing paracord
The most popular way to store paracord so that you always have it with you and never forget it, is definitely a survival bracelet, otherwise also called a survival bracelet. It is a great and stylish accessory for the wrist. It is braided from several meters of paracord and can be unraveled if needed. A regular bracelet contains around 2.5 – 3.5 m of cord. For decoration, but also for securing and attaching a knife, flashlight, and other equipment, paracord pendants, which are sold in various colors, will certainly serve you well.
If you often go on outdoor activities or spend several days in nature, it is better to purchase a coiled piece of paracord rope, which is several meters long and ready for immediate use.
Uses of paracord
You can use paracord either as a whole or take it apart and use its thin cords. You can always carry a paracord rope with you outdoors, fishing, or in the mountains.
If needed, you can use paracord for:
- As a makeshift tourniquet – in case of bleeding or a snake bite. Cut off a piece of paracord and use it together with a stick as a tourniquet at the correct spot.
- Replacement for laces – if your shoelaces or the elastic of your sweatpants tear, you can use it by cutting off the needed piece of paracord and sealing its ends with fire, carefully pressing the ends together with your fingers. Otherwise, paracord tends to fray.
- When making a shelter – simply stretch it between two trees and throw a tarp over it, and you will make a simple shelter that will protect you from the rain. You can attach the tarp to pegs that you have previously driven into the ground.
- Keeps a group together – when darkness or fog unexpectedly catches you during a descent from the terrain, you can use it so that all members tie themselves to the paracord, so that no one in the group gets lost.
- For fishing – in unexpected situations, to secure a food supply, you can use it as fishing line by pulling out the white thread. For a makeshift fly, you can use a piece of paracord including the inner strands.
- Fishing net – you can make a small net for catching fish out of its inner strands.
- Injuries – you can also use it for fractures by tying a stick of the right size to the broken limb and immobilizing it.
- Emergency sewing – for sewing on a button or repairing gear, the thin inner strands serve instead of thread.
- Glue – melt a piece of paracord until a sticky plastic forms, which hardens as it cools.
- For rappelling – in case of emergency situations, you can even use it for rappelling or lowering people or objects from a height of several meters.
- For pulling out – you can even use it to pull a member of the group out of a small ravine in case you cannot reach them with your hands.
- For starting a fire – divide the paracord into individual parts, also use the colored sheath and inner strands, fray them using your fingers or stones, and use them as excellent fire-starting material.
- Attaching things to a backpack – in case some items do not fit into your backpack because they are too large, simply tie them to the backpack.
There are still many more ways to use paracord, and it can truly help in unexpected situations. If you often spend time in nature, on hikes, camping trips, or other outdoor activities, then this irreplaceable helper cannot be missing from your gear. Even in civilian life, it can be used to secure luggage on cars, or loads that need to be fastened during transport. It is also great for household use, such as a clothesline or a temporary replacement for a belt, or for repairing a torn handbag strap. Paracord is simply the most versatile helper you can have with you. Choose your paracord bracelet and wear it comfortably on your wrist.
