What is Paracord?

What is Paracord?

Paracord (Paracord), also known as parachute cord, is a variety of the so-called kernmantle cord, which consists of a core (Kern) consisting of seven threads, each of which, in turn, consists of three basic multifilament nylon threads twisted together, which is wrapped in a cover (shirt, braid) (mantle) of 32 nylon threads. Kernmantle cords are very strong thanks to the core and durable thanks to the braid.

What is paracord made of?

In paracord, unlike some kernmantle ropes, both the core and the braid are made of the same material: nylon.

The result is a strong, smooth, elastic cord.

Initially, paracord was used in the Second World War in airborne troops, later paracord was also adopted for use by most units of the US armed forces and was even used by astronauts during the repair of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Where is paracord used?

In field conditions, paracord has a number of advantages over other types of cords and ropes in that it can be unraveled (disassembled) for many useful survival uses. The core extracted from the braid usually consists of seven threads (paracord 550), in turn, each of them is twisted from three threads (Mil-C-5040 Type III, Guardian Paracord Type III). These threads can be used as fishing line or sewing threads. The braid can be useful in the form of shoelaces, as well as where a thinner cord is required. The civilian use of paracord in the modern world has become a common phenomenon among tourists and other recreationists. The lightness and elasticity of paracord allow you to carry the necessary supply of cord without bothering yourself with its extra weight. Also, in our time, paracord survival bracelets are widely used. Being essentially a decorative ornament, such fast-unfolding bracelets can be undone in a matter of seconds in the event of an emergency. Thus, a person wearing a paracord survival bracelet on his wrist always has several meters of functional cord at hand for all occasions.