Survival Rope / Rope / Multi Purpose Rope / Rescue Rope / 550 Paracord / Kernmantle Rope / Parachute Cord / Throw Rope / Throw Bag / Floating Rope

 

 

Type and size：

 

C9605 550 Paracord

Material: Nylon or Polyester cover with 7 strand nylon core

Diameter: 4mm

Length: 50 feet / hank

 

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 setting up a tarp to paracord braiding, no survival kit is complete without a long hank of paracord. This strong cordage is the survival expert’s 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 for550 lbs.

 

Real Parachute Cord 550 paracord

Don’t be fooled by cheap parachute cord knockoffs. Real parachute cordage has a tensile strength of 550 pounds. As a Kernmantle 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 TieDowns

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 paracord 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.