Small and strong line that has been used for some time. Won't rot or mildew and has millions of uses.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parachute_cord

 

Thanks will start watchin for some

 

Here's an interesting thread you can look over and see what items/uses folks have for it.:

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=134889

 

This is the best place I have found for it.

http://campingsurvival.com/index.html

 

Paracord makes great knife lanyards among it's many other uses.

 

I am glad you asked this because I have been meaning to. I couldn't understand what the difference was between paracord and the nylon variety...now I know.

 

Make sure you get 550 cord-should have seven strands.

I have 150 feet in my BOB for the primary purpose of using it to stretch a plastic tarp over for shelter. But there are literally hundreds of uses for it including snares, hanging meat, etc., etc.

 

it has as many uses as duct tape and you should carry it with you everywhere as it has infinite uses and is very strong and reliable the best price i have found is wholesale and you have to buy atleast 5,000ft but its worth it
http://wholesale-parachute-cord.com/?gclid=CNuTpIaPmKcCFVZc2godvVxSeQ
and if your new to prepping i suggest you read this book this is what got me started prepping
http://www.rawles.to/appe.htm

 

This blog has great para cord projects:

http://stormdrane.blogspot.com/

 

1- I spent 9 years in the 82nd Airborne and never once heard anybody refer to it as "paracord." It is 550 cord. We don't have paratrooper bicycles that fold in half either.

2- It WILL rot and mildew. If you carry to much it will soak up water like a sponge when it rains.

3- Knowing knots and how to untie them matters a whole lot more than how much of any rope you carry.

4- If you want the knot to stay, gut the cord, only a total freakin cherry would tie down sensitive items without gutting it first. Burn the ends, melted neds don't unravel.

5- There are a lot of other options at home depot or at walmart in the fishing section. Soldiers use 550 cord for everything because it is free (unless you ****ed off the supply sergeant). I would consider other size rope, twine, fishing line and wire.

 

The para cord is nylon and won't rot or mildew, very strong for its size, it also won't break down if left outside in the sunlight like polypropylene does. Nylon rope or para cord will stretch, and absorb water.
Polypropylene rope will float and stretch, it won't absorb water; and you can melt the cut ends just like nylon to keep it from unraveling.
Hemp or "regular rope" sorry I can't thing of the name right now; will rot, does absorb water; it doesn't stretch as much and the sun doesn't bother it.
Lots of uses, learn your knots and their different uses. Good luck and have fun.

 

550 cord WILL break down from UV exposure. It's good stuff, but it has its limitations.

 

One of the great things about paracord is the ability to strip out the inside strands and use them individually if the full size or strength is not needed for a task.

 

In mil-speak, its 550 cord. Its the Duct Tape of the rope world.

 

The most useful thing known to man.

 

Wife and I keep it in our BOB and our day walk bags. Last month we were walking in the woods and had to cross a small dry wash-out about 15 feet deep. We are not as stable on our feet as when were younger so we used the 550 cord to stabilize us on the way down. Handy stuff.

 

I'm a Parachute Rigger for the US Army and work with Type III nylon cord (550 cord) every day. One thing I can tell you is that is DOES rotand it DOES mildew. We take special care to not let that happen. It will stretch and absorb water. While extremely useful it does have its limits. Knowing proper knots will always help. As will stopper knots. Nylon on nylon will slip. Minimum tense strength is rated at 550 lbs static. Really funny but its not used in parachutes. Personnel parachutes actually use Type II, which only have five inner cords. Any Paratrooper will back me up on this." I Will Be Sure Always".

 

when looking be careful, i bought a huge amount for my military surplus store and it was called paracord but it was actually utility cord. The 550 or seven strand is very important. Uses of it is endless

 

Paracord was one of my very first "prep" items. I use it daily now. Just sold a dresser on Craigslist and sent the guy home with 20+ feet of Paracord used to tie it down in the bed of a truck.

 

Thanks for all the good info on para cord guys!

 

Yeah, great info here. Just a part of the overall cordage needs.