Written by Moving forward, over three decades, I now find myself promoting the same idea of keeping safe and having access to these same important resources in the form of an everyday-carry gear: the Gemstar Survival paracord bracelet. The article below is what I’d consider the most complete there is on paracord as it covers the multiple uses of paracord, its history, how to make paracord bracelets and cool projects, making snare traps, and more interesting tutorials. Paracord is unquestionably one of the greatest tools you can have at your disposal. It is strong, durable, versatile and ideal for multiple tasks indoors or outdoors, and insanely useful for off the grid living.
Paracord is a prepper’s best friend. Also called parachute cord it is a strong, versatile, inexpensive, lightweight and easy to carry with you wherever you go. DIY paracord projects are fun to make, and also practical, as making things from 550 cord assures you will always have lots of useful string to make things from in case of emergency. This is why 550 cord survival bracelets are so popular. By wearing a bracelet from this rope, you can assure you always have your ever useful cord handy.
The uses for 550 paracord are virtually endless. From clothing to furniture to tools and self-defense, there’s a project to fill just about any survival need you can imagine. It comes in so many colors, we can not possibly name them all. There are also endless numbers of cool projects you can make from this nifty, strong survival cord. Due to its super practical applications and versatility, paracord is one of our favorite items to keep in our survival gear.
Over the years we’ve posted a lot of information and tutorials here on Survival Life, so we’ve decided to make a Master Paracord List of information from our site and others.
Read on to learn more about the amazing properties of and many uses of this amazing survival material.
What is Paracord, Anyway?
Paracord is a lightweight nylon rope initially used to suspend lines during WWII. The smooth texture of the rope is ideal for multiple uses due to its lightweight and elastic nature. The insides of the rope can also be used in survival situations for fishing wire or as a heavy duty rope. Hikers and other outdoor sports enthusiasts sometimes use “survival bracelets” made of several feet which is woven into a compact and wearable form. Such bracelets are meant to be unraveled when one needs rope for whatever purpose — securing cargo, lashing together poles, fixing broken straps or belts, assisting with water rescues, controlling bleeding with a tourniquet, etc. (via wiki) In addition to purely utility functions, paracord can be used for fashion purposes. (Via DIYReady.com)
What Are Paracord Uses?
You’re out camping and you realize you didn’t bring any of the tools needed to set up your tent…
Your car breaks down and you need to tow it, but don’t have any rope or chain…
Someone in your party breaks a limb and you need to make a splint…
You’re on a fishing trip and realize you forgot a stringer…
All these situations and more can be a great opportunity to use paracord. It is known for its flexibility and durability, making it an ideal survival tool for any situation or terrain. Once you realize how many uses this material has, you won’t want to leave home without it.
Click here for our list of 80 Uses for Paracord, and check out the video below for a more thorough rundown of what it is, how it works, and what it can be used for.
The History of Paracord
The term paracord comes from the cord used on the soldiers parachutes in WWII. The term 550 simply means that it has a breaking strength of 550 pounds, giving it the name of 550 paracord, or 550 cord. When soldiers landed in the battle fields, they would cut the cord off their parachutes and pack it up for later use. This particular cord would come in handy for the soldiers during battle. Whether it was used to strap gear to humvees, build shelters, or sewing string, the cord could be used in endless ways. Learn more about the history of 550 cord here.
550 Cord 101
You can’t read about survival lately without reading about paracord and projects using it.
So what is the big deal with paracord?
What exactly is it?
What makes it different than regular nylon rope?
Why does everyone want this cordage as a part of their survival gear?
To answer these questions and more, we we need to start with the basics.
Survival Paracord Bracelet, Keychain, and Lanyard Tutorials
A paracord survival bracelet is a great tool for any prepper to have around. Having several around is even better. We have seen more cool survival bracelets than we can think of, and it is difficult to say which one is the best to have around. We just prefer to keep an assortment on hand. You can make or buy a paracord bracelet with a fire starter buckle, add a custom emblem (like survival straps) add decorative items to your bracelet like shotgun shells, a compass, and many other useful items. You can even add a watch face to your bracelet and make it into a watchband.
Keeping your emergency survival bracelet around your wrist and ready to quickly deploy in the case of an emergency situation is a simple way of being prepared no matter where you are.
There are tons of different ways to make a survival bracelet out of paracord. Here are some of our favorite tutorials. Check them out and try making your own survival bracelet.
How To Make A Paracord Bracelet
Favorite Paracord Projects
With all the different types of paracord bracelets on this list, you’re sure to find one the meets your needs. We think you will find several paracord projects you love.
This goes way beyond personalizing your bracelet with colors.
We have 16 options not only look different, but serve different purposes. Check out these different paracord bracelet weaves and pick one that works best for you.
Ever wonder how to make paracord bracelets? Here is a list of different paracord bracelet projects for you to make at home. All you need are a few simple supplies and you will be making paracord bracelets for your friends and family. Not to mention your personal outdoor use. There are many different weaves, patterns and knots you can try when braiding the bracelets.
Looking for a cool paracord project? I really like working with paracord, but after making a couple of bracelets and keychains with paracord, I decided to try a few more interesting as well as challenging endeavors. I was looking to make something unique and also functional. This watchband project met my requirements. I love my paracord watchband because it serves a dual purpose. I like knowing I have a durable time keeping accessory and also like knowing paracord can be a lifesaver in a crisis. This is a super rugged and stylish watchband, and also a bit unusual. In this project, I use two colors of paracord to create my watchband. (You can also follow these same steps to make a bracelet with a side release buckle.)
Vapor Pens are all the rage these days, but they can be awfully expensive. If you’re prone to being forgetful or clumsy, this Vapor Pen lanyard will keep your loving chemical brother safe and snug around your neck. Even better, you won’t have to dig through your pocket every time you want to use it.
Preppers may not be known for the fashion sense, but bracelets can mean the difference between life and death. Paracord survival bracelets, that is. Each bracelet is made with between eight and twenty feet of woven paracord, which can be taken apart and used in various survival situations. Did we mention you can store essential survival gear in these bracelets?
When you are in a survival situation, every second counts. This blaze bar paracord bracelet is designed to quickly deploy. How quick you ask? Under 20 seconds!
Follow this tutorial to make your very own blaze bar, quick deploy bracelet and be at ease knowing you’re a little more ready for an emergency situation.
A paracord survival bracelet is a versatile tool that can come in handy for a number of emergency situations. Whether you are a survivalist, frequent hunter, outdoors person or just value the need to be prepared at all times, paracord bracelets are a great tool to have on at all times. In this tutorial, you will learn how to make the Cobra Survival Bracelet. When made correctly, this Cobra weave will quickly deploy to about 10 feet of paracord!
This paracord keychain is a perfect place to keep matches, cash and other essentials with you wherever you go, and to carry it safely and discreetly. Best of all, it’s easy to make yourself.
A paracord survival bracelet is a versatile tool that can come in handy for a number of emergency situations. Whether you are a survivalist, frequent hunter, outdoors person or just value the need to be prepared at all times, knowing how to tie a paracord bracelets is an important skill. A paracord bracelet is a good thing to have on hand at all times.
A survival bracelet is a versatile tool that can come in handy for a number of emergency situations. Whether you are a survivalist, frequent hunter, outdoors person or just value the need to be prepared at all times, knowing how to tie a paracord bracelet is a great skill. Knowing how to tie several is even better- try making our Cobra Paracord Survival Bracelet and our Tire Tread Survival Bracelet.
Paracord Knots and Hitches
In order to make something useful out of paracord, you need to know what sort of knot is right for the job.
With a little help from our friends over at DIY Ready, we’ve compiled some tutorials to help you master the art of paracord knots, braids and hitches. These tutorials will help you find the right technique for using your 550 cord in any situation. Just remember–practice makes perfect!
Sometimes knowing the right knot could save your life. Case in point – you need to escape a POW camp and have a pile of bedsheets in your room (It’s a five star POW camp). What knot would you use to tie the bedsheets together so that you can still take the bedsheets with you to keep you warm during your trek through Siberia? By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which knot to use.
Hint: It’s the Kamikaze Knot.
Hint Hint: You should NEVER, EVER USE IT! There’s a reason they call it that.
What an insanely useful item for preppers and off the grid living! Make strong knots and hitches with this amazing rope.
Our friends at DIY Ready have made an awesome list of all the best knots and hitches.
Paracord Braiding Tutorial for Bracelets and More
This bracelet is made with 550 paracord. The working cords were guttered so that it would give it a flatter, more feminine look and feel. But, it works just the same without gutting the cord. The middle core is not gutted. This way gives the braid a more rounded look.
Paracord for Emergency and First Aid
Paracord is a vital tool in an emergency situation. Its durability and flexibility make it strong enough to perform all kinds of tasks. Here are just a few (click here for the full list):
…#35 Tie straight sticks around a broken limb to make a splint.
#36 Tie a sling to hold your arm
#37 Sew up a wound using the internal strands. For thinner thread untwist one of the internal strands
#38 Make a tourniquet to slow loss of blood
#39 Make a stretcher by running paracord between two long sticks, or fashion a branch drag to move an injured person
More Paracord Info and DIY Tutorials
We’ve only scratched the surface of the many possibilities of paracord. The truth is, there are tons of projects you can do with this versatile survival material. From phone cases to dog collars to lanyards and even furniture and shelter, the only limit is your imagination. Check out more of our favorite paracord articles and tutorials:
Make this paracord weave for all sorts of survival gear and tools. This grip will make your tools, gear, and weapons more comfortable and easier to handle.
This paracord knife grip from our friends at DIY Ready is an awesome addition for your survival gear.
Check out these instructions for a cool new way to use a paracord weave-
Want to know how to make cool paracord projects?
We picked 36 of our favorite 550 cord ideas for you to try out. Our selections offer everything from paracord lanyards and belts to whips and weapons – even a cool paracord keychain with a secret hidden compartment that makes a super tiny survival kit.
We love 550 paracord projects, and there are so many to choose from these days. Survival bracelets, belts, watches, monkey fists, lanyards, gear wraps and 100’s of other creative and cool ideas. Super durable and strong, paracord is also stylish and can be found in all colors of the rainbow, plus some super cool camo options ! We chose some of our favorite projects to share with you and we hope you enjoy these step-by-step Do It Yourself tutorials as much as we do. We have learned a lot about paraweaving in the making of these and are happy to be able to share our tips with you. If you have project ideas or additional tips, methods or tricks, please share them!
The wallet pictured above is super stylish, and the woven cord makes it super strong and especially durable. We had not thought of making a wallet before and can’t wait to try this one in the color combination of our choice. We will be sure to post pictures when we do. If you make one, please make sure to share photos with us. We would love to see them!
There are so many fun projects out there. Right now, our favorite one is this DIY paracord dog collar. It’s the ultimate dog collar made with about 40ft of 550 cord.
This DIY dog collar is your best bet if you are looking for a stylish collar that is also super strong and durable. You can make this collar in any color combination you wish, and the same weave can also make a matching, super strong and durable dog leash.
If you’ve been following our paracord projects, then you know the Cobra weave is one of the more popular weaves. For this paracord dog collar, we are going to take it one step further and do a King Cobra weave! This weave is super strong and even adds a thickness and padding to the original cobra weave, making the collar more comfortable for pooches of all sizes.
These instructions and tutorial will show you how to use paracord and sticks to create a basic snare that will increase your probability of catching something in the wild. It is not nearly as difficult to catch game as you would think it might be, albeit primitive, this trap is effective and a great project to know for emergencies. Let’s get started on this cool paracord project that is one of our favorite survival DIY ideas!
These paracord belt instructions and easy to follow instructions show you how to make a DIY paracord rescue belt, my favorite of all the paracord belts I tried. Paracord bracelets can come in handy but only have 8-12 feet of rope, while a belt can have up to 50 feet or more of 550 paracord. In extreme survival situations, 50 feet of rope would be a lot more use for you than 8-12 feet. However, this 550 cord belt gives you at least 50 feet of rope that is quickly accessible, and depending on your waist size, up to 100 ft of strong cord. It is super quick to deploy, you can unravel it in seconds. This particular DIY belt is made with Slatt’s rescue weave and is our favorite one for survival.
Article by Leslie Hale | www.survivallife.com/paracord
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