Best Survival Paracord
Survival situations can be unpredictable and challenging, and being prepared with the right tools can make a significant difference. One essential item that should always be part of any preparedness kit is a high-quality paracord. Paracords, also known as parachute cords, were first used in WWII by military personnel and have since become popular among civilians for their incredible versatility and strength.
When it comes to choosing the best survival paracord, there are several options available on the market that offer different features and benefits. Some paracords even come with additional survival strands woven into the core, such as fishing line, fire tinder, and metal wires, which can provide extra functionality in an emergency situation. With so many options, it’s crucial to choose a paracord that is strong, durable, and reliable to ensure it can withstand the rigorous demands of a survival scenario.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top survival paracords available, their key features, and what sets them apart from the rest. Armed with this information, you can make an informed decision and select the best paracord for your needs, ensuring that you’re well-equipped to face any challenges that may come your way.
Understanding Paracord
Parachute Cord Origins
Paracord, short for parachute cord, has its origins in the military. Initially, it was used for attaching parachutes and harnesses. Over time, its versatility made it increasingly popular among survivalists and outdoor enthusiasts. Paracord is now one of my favorite pieces of survival gear because of its hundreds of different uses.
Different Types of Paracord
There are several different types of paracord, each with varying sizes and inner strands. Type III paracord is the most common type and is known for being the sweet spot between cost and function. It usually has 7 to 9 inner strands and a breaking strength of 550 lbs. You can unravel these inner strands for tasks like making fishing lines, small game traps, or holding branches together to build a shelter.
Military-Grade Paracord
When looking for high-quality paracord, consider military-grade options made to strict standards and specifications. Military-grade paracord, also known as MIL-SPEC or Mil-C-5040H, tends to be extremely durable and reliable. It often features a colored marker strand in the core indicating its authenticity.
High-Quality Nylon
Nylon is a popular material for paracord due to its strength, durability, and resistance to moisture. Many nylon paracord options on the market have impressive tensile strength and resistance to abrasion, making them suitable for a wide range of tasks. High-quality nylon paracord is also less likely to stretch or fray, ensuring it retains its integrity even in harsh conditions.
Overall, understanding the different types, materials, and origins of paracord will help you make an informed decision when selecting the best option for your needs.
Survival Uses for Paracord
Building Emergency Shelter
When I’m faced with a survival situation, I know that paracord is an essential tool to help me build an emergency shelter. With its high load-bearing strength, it can be used to secure branches and poles together, creating a stable structure to protect me from harsh weather conditions. Moreover, breaking the paracord into individual strands allows me to weave a durable lattice for additional shelter materials.
Fire Starter and Tinder
In emergency situations, keeping warm and cooking food are paramount to my survival. I’ve discovered that paracord can be used as both a fire starter and tinder. With the right skills, I can use a fire steel to strike a spark onto the inner threads of the paracord, creating a flame. Additionally, in the absence of natural tinder, I can use small lengths of paracord to ignite a fire with my fire scraper.
Fishing and Hunting
As an outdoorsman, I’ve found that paracord is invaluable for fishing and hunting. Its inner threads can be used as fishing line or dental floss, while the outer sheath can be fashioned into fish hooks or even small game snares. With the proper knowledge, I can quickly turn my paracord into a lifeline for obtaining food in the wild.
Emergency Repairs
In my experience, having paracord in my emergency kit has proved invaluable for making on-the-spot repairs. I can use it to replace broken or worn-out bungee cords, fix broken equipment, and even create makeshift knife handles to keep my tools functional. Its high minimum strength allows me to be confident in the quality of my repairs.
Tourniquet and Medical Aid
When it comes to survival purposes, I cannot stress enough the importance of paracord in providing medical aid. In a pinch, I can use it as a tourniquet to control bleeding and potentially save lives. Furthermore, the inner threads can be employed as makeshift sutures to close wounds in emergency situations.
In conclusion, paracord’s versatility and strength make it a must-have item in my bug-out bag or emergency kit. With the knowledge of these practical survival uses, I’m confident that I can rely on paracord to help me in any situation I may face.
Choosing the Best Survival Paracord
When it comes to survival gear, one essential item that should be a part of every emergency kit is a durable and reliable paracord. A good paracord can be used for countless uses, from building shelters to serving as a fishing line. In this section, I will provide you with information on how to choose the best survival paracord, highlighting the best products available in the market.
Best Survival Bracelet
A paracord survival bracelet is a useful tool that can be worn on your wrist for easy access in dire situations. The Titan SurvivorCord is my top pick for the best survival bracelet. This bracelet combines a high-tensile strength nylon paracord with integrated fishing line, copper wire, and an extra strand for added utility. Crucially, the adjustable wrist size ensures a secure fit for any outdoor enthusiast.
Best Paracord Brand
Since paracords come in a variety of types and qualities, it is essential to opt for a reliable brand. In my experience, Paracord Planet offers the best cords on the market today. Their Type III 550 paracord features a 7-strand internal structure, UV resistance, and an incredible tensile strength of 550 lbs. Paracord Planet’s UV resistant cords withstand harsh weather conditions, making it an excellent choice for outdoor use.
Best Paracord Bracelet
For those looking to combine style with functionality, a paracord bracelet is a good idea. My favorite paracord bracelet pattern is the cobra weave. It is not only aesthetically appealing but also fairly simple to make. The Friendly Swede 500lb Paracord Survival Bracelet is a great option, boasting a stress capacity of 500lbs and a sleek design.
Top Pick
Among the various options available, my top pick for the best survival paracord is the Tough-Grid 750 lb Paracord. This paracord provides 750 lbs of tensile strength, making it one of the strongest survival cords on the market. It features a superior-quality nylon material, which ensures durability and reliability in extreme conditions. Moreover, the extra cost for this paracord is justified by the increased utility and value it offers.
Paracord Projects and Accessories
Paracord Knots and Weaves
As an avid survivalist, I always consider paracord to be an essential item in my gear. The variety of knots and weaves make paracord projects both enjoyable and practical. When it comes to knots, some basics like the square knot, bowline, and clove hitch are easy to learn. It’s common sense to master these knots, as you never know when they might help you out in a survival situation or on your next camping trip.
The Hubble Space Telescope weave, though not actually related to the famed telescope, is one of my favorite unique weaves and can create strong and attractive paracord accessories.
Paracord Bracelets and Belts
Paracord bracelets and belts are an excellent way to carry extra length of paracord with you, ensuring you have easy access in case of emergencies. What’s more, these accessories are incredibly fashionable! When creating a bracelet or belt, you can play around with different weaves to create a variety of textures and patterns, making each item uniquely yours.
Paracord Lanyards and Key Fobs
Paracord lanyards and key fobs offer not only utility but also a great aesthetic appeal. Like bracelets and belts, you can experiment with different weaves and knots for added style. One of the popular options is a paracord keychain with a secret compartment, which can store small survival essentials such as matches and fishing hooks.
secret compartment in keychain
DIY Paracord Projects
Aside from the accessories mentioned, there are countless DIY paracord projects you can undertake. Some of my top choices include:
- Quick-deploy paracord bracelet: A bracelet designed to release quickly in case of an emergency.
- Paracord rifle sling: Ensures a convenient and secure way to carry your rifle.
- Paracord snowshoes: Makes it easier for you to traverse snowy terrain.
You can find more inspiration and tutorials for over 130 easy paracord projects on various websites. Keep exploring, learn new techniques, and always be prepared for your next adventure.
Multi-Function Paracord Survival Tools
Fire Starters and Scrapers
I find that one of the most useful survival tools to have on hand is a fire starter and scraper. With a paracord survival tool, I can ensure that I’m prepared for any situation. Fire starters and scrapers can easily be integrated into paracord bracelets or belts, providing quick access in emergency situations. They enable me to start fires for warmth, cooking, or signaling in various situations.
Emergency Whistles
In my experience, an emergency whistle is another essential multi-functional paracord survival tool. A loud whistle can help signal for help or ward off potential threats. Some paracord belts and bracelets come with a built-in whistle, making it easily accessible during emergencies.
LED Lights
I consider LED lights to be a handy addition to paracord survival tools. These compact, powerful lights can provide illumination in various ways, from finding my way in dark environments to sending a signal during rescue operations. They can either be woven into a paracord belt or attached to a paracord bracelet, giving immediate access when needed.
Fishing Line and Hooks
In survival situations, food can be scarce. That’s why I appreciate paracord survival tools that feature integrated fishing lines and hooks. These could be hidden within a paracord bracelet or a belt, providing a discreet way to catch food in the wild. It’s impressive how a simple paracord creation can become a means of sustenance.
Wire Saw and Knife
Finally, a wire saw and knife are essential for any survival kit, and incorporating them into my paracord survival tool provides versatility and accessibility. These tools help me in various situations, from cutting wood for a fire to building a shelter or even self-defense. Having them woven into my paracord belt or bracelet ensures that I’m always prepared for any challenges I might face.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top qualities to consider for a survival paracord?
When choosing a survival paracord, it’s important to consider the strength, durability, resistance to abrasion, and flexibility. A high-quality paracord should have a minimum breaking strength of 550 lbs, making it capable of supporting a significant amount of weight. It should also be resistant to abrasion, ensuring that it won’t fray or wear out quickly in harsh conditions.
What makes a paracord brand superior in the market?
A superior paracord brand offers high-quality materials, consistent manufacturing processes, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Brands like Titan SurvivorCord are known for their exceptional products that meet rigorous quality standards, making them trustworthy choices for survivalists and outdoor enthusiasts.
How to distinguish between genuine and fake 550 paracord?
Genuine 550 paracord should have a core made of seven or nine strands, while fake paracords may have a lower number of strands or even empty cores. To determine if a paracord is genuine, you can cut open the outer sheath and examine the inner strands. Genuine 550 paracord will hold a static weight of 550 lbs, whereas fake paracords will not meet this standard.
What are the primary uses of paracord in a survival situation?
Paracord is extremely versatile and can be used in numerous ways during a survival situation. Some primary uses include setting up a shelter, creating a splint, building a snare trap, or even as a tourniquet. Additionally, the inner strands can serve as fishing lines or thread for repairing gear. Its flexibility, strength, and durability make paracord an essential tool in any survival scenario.
Which paracord type is best suited for backpacking and camping?
While there are various types of paracord available, Type III (550 lb) is typically the most popular option for backpacking and camping, due to its balance of strength and lightweight properties. This type of paracord can support a static weight of 550 lbs, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, yet it remains light enough not to add unnecessary weight to your backpack.
What features to look for in a high-quality paracord bracelet?
A high-quality paracord bracelet should be made from durable, genuine 550 paracord, provide a reliable and secure clasp, and offer a comfortable fit. Some top options, like the Savior Survival Gear Paracord Bracelet, also include additional survival tools, such as fire starters, compasses, or emergency whistles, making them an even more valuable accessory for outdoor enthusiasts.
