The first time I was introduced to paracord was when I was 12 and my dad made me a paracord bracelet.
To a 12-year old, it seemed just like a fashionable bracelet.
Little did I know it was made out of life-saving material!
As an adult, I now understand the importance and what to use paracord for…and still wear my fashionable paracord bracelet.
Learn how to make your own paracord bracelet by going here.
Or if you prefer to just buy a paracord bracelet, then you can get one here.
What is Paracord?
VERSATILE LIGHTWEIGHT STRONG LIFE-SAVING
Those are the words that come to mind when I think of paracord. 
Paracord is a durable nylon rope that can be tied into various configurations. This makes it easy to use and perfect to have in emergency situations.
Paracord is often known as parachute cord or 550 cord. It gets these names because it can pass a 550-pound break test!
As you can see, it is really TOUGH stuff!
It is 3x stronger than a regular nylon cord.
Paracord was originally used for parachutes during WWII but then was quickly discovered that there were dozens of uses for paracord.
It is composed of outercasting and has several internal yarns. The Monobin paracord particularly has 7 internal cords.
Each internal cord is made up of several individual strands. The Monobin paracord has three stands per internal cord.
With each paracord having 7 internal cords, and each has 3 inner strands means that 10 feet of cord would have 200 feet of the cord once unwound!
That’s a lot of cord!!!
Paracord is also rot and mildew resistant.
It dries quickly so you can have peace of mind when you use it in the water or if it gets rained on.
Uses for Paracord
So you can here because you are wondering what is paracord used for?
There are so many uses for paracord.
Want to start a fire?…PARACORD!
Want to acquire food?…PARACORD!
Want to build a shelter?…PARACORD!
As promised, here are 15 uses for paracord.
- Cut Through Zip Ties
- Keep Hungry Bears Away From Your Food Stash
- Start a Fire
- Paracord Food Trap
- Catch Fish
- Pet Collar
- Replace a Broken String
- Trail Markers
- Haul Wood
- Drag Gear
- Secure a Tent, Tarp, or Hammock
- Repair Torn Clothing
- Make a Rope Ladder
- Zipper Pulls
- Knife Handle Wrap.
My Brand Recommendation
There are tons of great paracord brands on the market. 
Each competing to be the best and strongest.
I personally LOVE the Monobin Paracord brand.
It’s strong, durable, and affordable.
It comes in 5 different colors: Black, Purple, Orange, Green, and Camouflage.
Comes in 100 and 300 feet increments
It has great reviews on Amazon: 4.5 stars!
UV resistance and fast drying.
Monobin Paracord also offers a Lifetime Warranty.
Monobin paracord is your reliable and practical choice.
Don’t just take my word for it, try this paracord out yourself!
Be Ready!
I suggest you keep the paracord in your car and in your survival bag.
Paracord is listed as a must-have item on my Survival Gear Equipment List.
As you read above, you can do so much with paracord, and it really can be a life-saving tool.
Have you ever used paracord?
Which use for paracord surprised you the most?
All the best,
Lily W.
Very Informative
I’ve always wanted to learn to make these. I had no idea there were so many benefits. I will definitely add to my Disaster Go Bag. I have everything in it but Paracord. Thanks for the introduction and the different ways to use. This will also make a fun/learning activity for the kids!
Hi Tiffany,
I am happy that you plan to add paracord to your go-bag. You will definitely benefit from having some in there. I agree that it is a fun learning activity for the kids. It allows them to do a fun craft but also gives you the opportunity to discuss its survival uses with them.
I hope you have a great time making paracord bracelets!
-Lily W.
Paracord sounds like a great tool to have on hand even if you don’t parachute!! I’ve seen paracord used in bungee cords but I had no idea it had to many uses other than that! Some of these uses are self explanitory, such as pet collar, dragging things, securing a tent, etc. but I would love to see a more comprehensive demonstration of the different uses. Have you already covered that or do you plan to?
Hi Cynthia!
Paracord is a great tool to have on hand. I also like to keep some in my car. I have not posted more comprehensive how-to’s for the different paracord uses yet. I appreciate you for suggesting it and I will work on getting more details and demonstrations for the different uses.
I will keep you posted once I finish the articles and demonstrations.
-Lily W.