550 Paracord
More Articles Related to Survival GearSurvival Topics 550 Paracord Every survival kit should have a minimum of 25-feet of 550 paracord. Survival Topics recommends carrying a 50-ft hank. We have genuine mil spec 550 paracord in a variety of lengths for your survival needs. Help support Survial Topics. Visit the Survival Shop for more information |
Note: Don't be fooled by all the fake sub-standard paracord thats being sold - Survival Topics has the real thing. Vist the Survival Supply shop for more information.
550 Paracord is a parachute cord used by the military that is strong, lightweight, and invaluable in any survival kit. One of the survivors 15-essentials, 550 paracord is so versatile it can be put to an incredible variety of uses.
From seting up a tarp to paracord braiding, no survival kit is complete without a long hank of paracord. This strong cordage is the survival experts friend.
Military grade 550 paracord is a Kernmantle rope known as Mil-C-5040 Type 3. It is made of nylon so that is dries quickly and is mildew resistant. It is 1/8 inch in diameter and is rated for 550 lbs.
Real Parachute Cord
Don’t be fooled by cheap parachute cord knockoffs. Real parachute cordage has a tensile strength of 550 pounds. As a Kerrnmantle rope type, its interior core (the kern) protected with a woven exterior sheath or mantle that optimizes strength, durability, and flexibility.
Many sources claim the number of strands in 550 paracord is 7, however closer inspection will reveal there are actually 14. The strands are twisted in groups of two to form the 7 strands commonly cited. A braided nylon outer sheath contains and protects the cordage inside.
As I mentioned, 550 paracord is rated to hold 550 pounds. Taken individually, the components of this parachute cord consist of
- The paracord sheath is rated at about 300-pounds
- 14 inner strings, each of which have a rating of about 17.5 pounds
- 7 strands made up on two strings each for a rating of 35 pounds.
Uses for 550 Paracord
Because individual strands of 550 paracord can be easily removed and combined into your own configurations, this small rope can be put to a wide variety of survival uses. As a general purpose utility cord 550 can be used for:
Ridgelines for Tarps
Securing Equipment
Shoelaces
Hanging Food from Bears
Vehicle Tie Downs
Sewing Fabric
Repairing Equipment
Making a Fire Bow
Fishing Line
Paracord String for a Bow
Making a Shelter
Fish Gill Nets
Fishing Line
Animal Snares
Clothes Lines
Paracord Lanyards
Anchor Line
Binding
Twine
Animal Restraints
Tooth Floss
Splints
Tourniquet
Paracord Braiding
Other Paracord Crafts
Paracord Colors and Lengths
550 Paracord comes in variety of colors and lengths. Typical lengths of real 550 para cord available are 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1200 feet. Available paracord colors are white, black, olive drab, and red.
A hank of 100 feet will typically cost about ten dollars though you are likely to find good deals on the internet, especially if you purchase in paracord spools. A 1200 foot spool of paracord can often be purchased for under $50.
Paracord Braiding
There is also a 4-strand 450 paracord that comes in 32 colors. Of less direct use to the survivalist, 450 paracord has a following for those who enjoy paracord braiding.
Paracord braiding is a craft where paracord is braided into decorative items of often functional value to outdoors enthusiasts. Paracord bracelets and lanyards made of paracord are common examples of paracord braiding.
As useful 450 paracord is, I recommend survivalists carry the original military spec 550 paracord as it is stronger and more versatile. Although 550 paracord does not have the same color selection as its 450 counterpart, that will not seem to matter so much as you unravel the braids for use in an actual survival situation.
How Much 550 Paracord Should You Have?
Actually, the more paracord the better. In a long term survival situation 550 paracord is an excellent barter item. I recommend having at least several hundred feet on hand at home as it will come in handy for a variety of purposes.
When traveling on foot, weight and bulk are of prime consideration. I suggest having 50 foot hank of 550 parcord in your survival kit. This is generally enough cordage to rig a survival shelter with enough remaining for other useful purposes.
Caring for Your 550 Parachute Cord
In order to prevent paracord from fraying, you can melt each end of the cord by holding it up against a small flame for a few seconds. Before each use be sure to inspect your parachute cordage for nicks, frays and other potential weak spots.
Always have a full length of 550 paracord in your survival kit. As you cut pieces from it, be sure to replace the used portion with a full 50-foot length. In a survival situation you do not want to be caught having to splice sections of rope together in order to obtain a longer piece.
California
Just a quick note on one of the uses cited for parachord: tourniquet. You really should aim at having a broader area that does the constricting, use a piece of clothing or a broad belt for instance. This is important to minimize tissue damage at the point of constriction. Also remember that in most cases a tourniquet is not necessary, even strong bleeding can typically be controlled by direct pressure. Great article!
Survival Topics - excellent point Florian and very important!
Montana
Thanks for the details! 550 cord is the next best thing to ductape, and even more so. I wrapped both of my cold steel machete handles and 3 of my fixed bladed knives handles with 550 cord, and in the bush that 550 cord on your knife can be removed and used accordingly. Not to mention it's a good way to add a reliable lanyard to slip over ones wrist to keep the knife handy, but also good for added grip.
Huntington beach
You can also use Para cord for stiching--though I would stick to the all in one suture kits. I have just used those for sutures in the field, and have not used the paracord for stitching personally. Make sure everything in your survival kit has been used and tested before heading out into the bush--especially flint bow and drill, knife, etc. I have seen a lot of pretty knives that are really expensive on internet forums that, unfortunately are not used, which worries me. If you buy a knife that's $300 and are to afraid to use it then leave it at home. Figuring out something doesn't work in the city (while at home) could result in saving your life when in a survival situation, preventing yourself from using something that your friends said "works really well." That'd great but if you haven't used it don't bring it--other than to test it in the field.
Northern Maine
I suggest everyone look into methods of braiding 550 cord. carring around 50 feet of cord can take up some space in your pack but braided it generally takes up little space at all. For example I made my dog's collar (who always goes camping with me) out of 50 feet of braided 550 cord, a survival bracelet out of 10ft. of 550 cord, and a number of clip straps for my pack which have over 30ft of 550 cord. This way I never have to actually pack my 550 cord and yet always have nearly 100 feet of paracord with me. It takes little time to braid and a 50ft braid could be unraveled in a just a couple minutes. Paracord really is handy for everything though!
Survival Topics - excellent suggestion, Luke. Any gear that serves double duty is of double value in the wilderness where wieght and bulk are prime considerations. If you would like to share pictures of your paracord creations with Survival Topics readers you are welcome to email them to ron@survivaltopics.com
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Houston, Texas
I have never tried 550 Parachord but it seem like a good cord for many purposes. I have always used 7mm rope for my prusiks. I will give this a try. Thanks!