What is Paracord?

Paracord has a variety of uses from rock climbing to make-shifting a tent, replacing shoelaces, creating a laundry line, etc. Two popular paracord types are 550 mil-spec paracord (military grade) and 550 commercial grade.

Both commercial 550 paracord (Type III) and mil-spec 550 paracord (Type III) have a braided nylon sheath that is 3.97mm – 4mm in diameter. Within the sheath, there are seven (3-ply) nylon twisted cords. Together, this creates a tensile strength of 550 lbs. This is the static load strength. Depending on the application, the working load strength is typically between 120-170 lbs. In addition to its strength, paracord also is rot resistant and UV fade resistant.

The main difference between the two types is that mil-spec paracord is certified to meet US military specifications. Commercial grade paracord is manufactured to the same specs. However, it is not certified.

Typically for every inch of a bracelet, there is one foot of paracord. So, if you have an 8” wrist, you will have 8 ft. of paracord that you can use for whatever nature has in store for you on your next camping or outdoor adventure.