Why should you use parachute cord over normal cord in your survival kit? Because its light-weight, has multiple uses and is 7 cords in one!
Parachute cord (also known as para cord or 550 cord) is a lightweight nylon kernmantle rope originally used in the suspension lines of parachutes during World War II. Once on the ground, soldiers found the rope useful for other tasks (“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” on the battlefield!).
It is constructed with an interior core protected with a woven exterior sheath that is designed to optimise strength, durability, and flexibility. The core fibers provide the tensile strength of the rope, while the sheath protects the core from abrasion during use. Type III or 550 cord has a braking strength of 250kg! Normal braided nylon cord of the same dimensions offers half this!
Despite its historic association with parachutes, para cord can be used in almost any situation where light cordage is needed. Typical uses include attaching equipment to harnesses, as safety cords to avoid losing small or important items, tying backpacks to vehicle racks, securing camouflage nets to trees or vehicles, making a shelter, raft or snare, etc. When threaded with beads, para cord may be used as a pace counter to estimate distance covered (navigational aid). Its uses are restricted only by your imagination and training.
The difference between normal nylon cord and para cord is that the inner strands of the core can also be removed when finer string is needed. This means you have 7 lengths of rope for the price of one! And the finer cord has its own unique uses. For instance, it can be used as sewing thread to repair your gear, or used as fishing line in a survival situation. The nylon sheath is often used alone (once the strands in the core are removed) when a thinner or less elastic cord is needed (such as for a shoe/boot lace – in fact this is a great way to inconspicuously store / carry your survival aide).
Para cord can also be used to fashion knotted or braided bracelets, lanyards, belts, and other items that have both a utilitarian function in their own right, as well as helping to conveniently store the rope out of the way. Note: that you should always melt or crimp the ends to prevent fraying.
Some say that para cord is so versatile that it’s been used by astronauts to repair the Hubble Space Telescope!
Closer to earth, para cord can be used to help make a Bow drill to start a fire, wound stitching, snare, or in support of emergency climbing/abseiling situations? The list goes on…
Any wonder that the Heiman Hatchet handle is bound with paracord!
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