550 Parachute Cord
Parachute Cord
550 parachute cord is used by the US Military and has a large variety of uses including parachutes. The sturdy inexpensive cord is used to connect the parachute canopy to the rigging the parachutist wears. This means the cord is very strong, very reliable, and an excellent addition to your kit.
Be weary of imitation parachute cord. The real cordage has a military designation of MIL-C-5040 Type III with a strength rating of 550 pounds and is about 1/8th inch in diameter. The flexible outer shell comes in many different colors. Inside this shell are seven white nylon strands each with a test rating of 35-pounds. These strands can be pulled apart and used as strong threads for sewing and other repairs.
50 feet of parachute cord is a valuable addition to your survival kit. Possible uses include the construction of shelters, snowshoes and footwear, the catching of food, a myriad of repairs, splints. The list goes on.
See Survival Topics article: 15 Essentials
