What is paracord? All the paracord (parachute cord) I use in my items is military grade MIL-C-5040H Type III paracord, often referred to as 550 paracord because of it's 550 pound tensile strength. Paracord is both strong and flexible, and does not rot or mildew!
Paracord was originally used by the U.S. military in World War II as parachute lines to suspend soldiers from the parachutes. Soldiers found this strong and lightweight cord invaluable in the field as it is so versatile it can also be put to an incredible variety of uses. After World War II came to a close, paracord became available to civilians. Paracord is a common item in survival kits because of its lightweight and endless variety of uses. Here are just a few:
- Shoe laces
- Paracord is both thin and strong enough to lace up your boots quickly and effectively, always keeping your shoes and boots tight and secure.
- Tie-Downs
- Secure tarps, tents, and other items to the ground to build an emergency shelter.
- Climbing
- Paracord was originally designed to suspend people, making it strong enough to hoist yourself up or pull someone/something up from below.
- Splints
- Use the paracord to build a makeshift splint in the event you break a bone in a remote area.
- Knife Handles
- Cord-wrap a knife handle to increase comfort and grip of the knife.
- Animal Restraints
- Securely tether horses, dogs, or any other animal to a tree or post, or use it to make a good lead or leash.
- Food Suspension
- Bears pose a great challenge in the wild. Use the paracord to suspend your food out of a bears reach while you sleep or are away from camp.
- Bridges and Rafts
- Bind together branches and other items to construct a raft or bridge to get across a water body.
Its high tensile strength combined with its flexibility make paracord invaluable in any survival situation. Whether you are camping or caught off guard in the wild, always have a length of paracord at your fingertips. After all, it's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Unravel your paracord gear and deploy it in any emergency situation! Plus they look great too!
