If you’re someone who likes to hike or is interested in outdoor activities, you probably have heard of the word paracord and its many beneficial uses. Paracord is a short term used for parachute cord, a cord usually employed in most parachutes’ suspension lines.
Paracord is now used by people for various reasons and now an essential part of any outdoor kit due to its versatility and strength. It is also made in various types, sizes, and designs to ensure that users can efficiently and effectively utilize paracord.
Since there are already many paracord brands in the market, this article can help you find the best fit for your needs. This article is also helpful for beginners in outdoor activities or looking for the market’s best paracord. If you are interested to learn more, read on.
Top 10 Paracord in the Market
Getting a suitable paracord can be difficult, especially if you are not familiar with what to look for. However, don’t worry since you can use this article to help you find the best paracord in the market. Here are some of the best paracords in the market. Please check them out.
1. TOUGH-GRID 750lb Parachute Cord – Genuine Mil Spec Type IV
It is a paracord that prides itself on being 100% made in the U.S. It promises durability and high-quality performance. This particular paracord offers a whopping 750-pound tensile strength that is perfect for any extreme activity. Due to its durability, it is recommended as part of any survival kit of military personnel.
Additionally, this item contains eleven inner core yarn and a 3/16 inches diameter that can provide strong cordage to any heavy-duty tying and many more. It also promises that it’s very versatile since it is made of 100 percent nylon that is abrasion and U.V. resistant and includes a tracer strand.
If you’re a beginner and still don’t know how much paracord to buy, do not worry since this product came in six different lengths, namely 50,100,150,200,500 and 1000 footers. The paracord is packaged in a bag (50,100, 150), tube (200), and spool (500, 1000), which is perfect so that you can choose the length and packaging that suits your needs.
Features
- 750 pounds tensile strength
- Comes in different length and packaging
- Made by 100 % nylon
- Recommended for heavy-duty activities
Pros
- Abrasion-resistant
- UV resistant
- Military-grade
- Strands are not spliced
- Can be used a variety of purpose (camping, tying, disaster preparedness, bracelets)
Cons
- Can be heavy
Why you should buy this paracord
This is a perfect paracord for those looking for something they can use for heavy-duty activities when camping outdoors. It comes in various lengths and packaging so you can choose which one is suitable for your needs.
2. OUTDOOR Paracord Planet – Best Commercial Type III paracord
This is one of the most popular products by this brand because it provides a great balance between versatility and durability. This is perfect for beginners to outdoor activities and is venturing to the different equipment that they need in their survival kit. A suitable paracord for creating bracelets, for a clothesline, and perfect for hunting and fishing.
The product is composed of seven inner core yarn and is made of one hundred percent nylon. The diameter is estimated to be ⅛ inches and has a tensile strength of 550 pounds. This paracord is offered in various colors so that you can freely choose the color you want.
It measures up to 50 ft in length and is packaged in a spool tool with a built-in cutter. You can also assure that this product is high quality since it passes U.S. government certification.
Features
- Commercial-grade 550 paracords.
- It comes in different colors
- Made by 100 % nylon
- Recommended for heavy-duty activities
- Seven inner core yarn and diameter of 1-18 inches
Pros
- Can be used a variety of purpose (camping, tying, disaster preparedness, bracelets)
- Packaged in spool tool with a cutter for convenient use
- Certified by the U.S. government
- Very versatile to use
Cons
- requires a good source of heat if you want to meet the end of the cord
Why you should buy this paracord
This paracord is perfect for camping, fishing, or hunting due to its versatility and very convenience to use. It is an ideal product for those who want a durable paracord without hurting their wallet.
3. Titan Survivor Cord – Premium Military Type III paracord
In this paracord, you will find three specialized strands that will help you in any survival scenarios. It has a piece of waxed jute that you can use in starting a fire, a copper wire that you can use when hunting food, and a monofilament fishing line. That is aside from the seven nylon type III cord that you can use in any way, especially if there is an emergency.
The paracord also has a rated strength of 620 pounds to withstand any pressure and weight. Its fishing line also can withstand 25-pound weight, so you will not have any problem getting large fishes. The waxed jute makes it waterproof and moisture resistant to ensure that you can use it without any problem when starting a fire.
The whole paracord is high quality and very efficient to use, so you will not regret buying this one for any outdoor activity or survival. This paracord comes in different colors, and they promise a refund to any customers who are happy with the item.
Features
- It has seven 3-strand type III 550 cord
- Mono fishing line
- Copper wire
- Waxed jute tinder
- 620 pounds strength rate
- It is recommended for Bug-Out Bags and survival and emergency kits.
Pros
- Very versatile
- Waterproof and moisture resistant waxed jute tinder
- Long length
Cons
- It has limited length choices.
Why you should buy this paracord
If you are looking for the best survival cord, then this one is a good choice. It has all the things you need for any outdoor activity and especially for survival.
4. Titan Warrior Cord – Military Type III 550 Paracord
This one is the same as the previous paracord but without the specialized cords, the waxed jute, copper wire, and fishing line. However, it is still an efficient paracord that you can use for survival, camping, disaster prep, hunting, and any outdoor activity where you will need a reliable paracord.
It has seven three-strand nylon cords that have a strength rate of 620 pounds. The manufacturer also made sure that the paracord can withstand any pressure you put on it. It is also bulge and kink-free to give you a great experience when you are using the paracord. You also don’t need to worry about mold, mildew, or fading since this cord is U.V. resistant.
The paracord is made in the U.S. so that you can be assured of its quality. Its manufacturer will also give their customer a lifetime warranty and complete refund showing that they are confident with what they offer with their customers.
Features
- Tested strength 620 pounds
- Seven 3-strands nylon cord
- Military Spec Type III Paracord
- Bump, bulge, kink-free
- U.V. resistant
Pros
- Lightweight
- Strong and durable to use
- Its bump, bulge, and kink-free
- Money-back guarantee
- Useful ebook
Cons
- Ensure that you properly melt the end to prevent fraying
Why you should buy this paracord
This paracord can be used in a lot of ways which is very helpful if you are outdoors. It is reliable and durable, so you can be assured of its quality and strength every time you use it.
5. Bored Paracord- Versatile paracord
The next paracord in the list can be used in any way, from apparel application to survival or outdoor application. This paracord has seven strands inside its nylon sheath and has a substantial rate of 550 pounds. It can also withstand harsh weather, so you can use it anywhere, even if there is snow or rain.
If you are a crafter, you will love that it has more than 300 unique color options to choose from. Besides that, the cord is very comfortable to use, so anyone who has it will indeed have a great experience. It also has various length options to get the length you want whenever you need it.
Features
- It has more than 300 unique and vibrant colors to choose from
- Type III cord seven strands inside its nylon sheath
- Strength rate of 550 pounds
- Made in the U.S.
Pros
- It has a lot of unique and vibrant colors you can choose from
- The paracord is smooth and soft.
- It is great to use in crafts.
- Very strong and durable
- Made in the U.S. and owned by a veteran
Cons
- The color can be a little different from the website
Why you should buy this paracord
If you are looking for a paracord that you can use for survival or outdoor activity, you can rely on this product. It has a high strength rate, and it’s also very durable, so you can be assured that it’s made to last. The cord also has various unique and vibrant color options, which is very great to use in any craft.
6. SGTKNOTS Paracord- Secured Paracord
This type III paracord is made to ensure that you will get the safety and reliability you want from a paracord. Inside the paracord, it has seven strands of intertwined nylon designed to withstand any pressure you put into it. Its outer nylon sheath is very durable and is also intended to take any beating or harsh weather.
It is also versatile, so you can use it anyway, like making a bracelet, handling wraps, setting traps, and camping. The cord is also not that thick nor rough to the hands. You will also like that the cord can be used in any kind of weather and will not deteriorate from the sun or moisture. It is an excellent multi-purpose cord, and you can surely rely on it every time you go outside.
This multi-purpose cord has various length options and is suitable for clips and locks. The paracord is owned by a veteran and promises to be always faithful to its customers.
Features
- Type III 550 paracord
- Very strong and durable
- High tension wear and tear situation
- Durable nylon sheath
- Veteran owned business
Pros
- Suitable to use in mountain climbing
- Resistant to moisture and sun damage
- Many length options to choose from
Cons
- The strands inside vary and not consistent
Why you should buy this paracord
It is a great multi-purpose cord that you can use almost anywhere. The cord can also provide you the strength and durability you need in any situation you have.
7. GeGeDa Paracord-Best in Heavy – duty Activity
If you are looking for a heavy-duty paracord, then this one will work best for you. It is a multi-purpose paracord with nine cords inside it, and each cord has three intertwined strands. The cord and its strands are quality built and have a strength rate of 550 pounds. It also has a water-repelling feature that will ensure it won’t get wet so that it won’t get any mold or mildew.
The paracord comes in different colors and combinations, so it’s great to use it in any crafts you want, like bracelets, necklaces, hammocks, or lanyards. Of course, it is also good to use in any outdoor activities like camping or hunting. It is made to last so that you can be assured of its quality and reliability. You will not go wrong in using this paracord in your next camping or for any survival situation you might have.
Its manufacturer also provides a lifetime warranty so you can exchange the item if it’s not working correctly or if it has any defect. It comes in a spool as well, so you will not have any problem fixing it up.
Features
- Military spec Type III 550 pound cord
- High-quality nine inner cords, and each strand has three nylon strands intertwined.
- Perfect for any purpose
- Lifetime warranty
- The diameter is 5/32.
Pros
- It has a moisture-repelling feature to prevent molds and mildew.
- The cord has a big diameter
- Don’t have any smell
Cons
- It is rough in the hand
Why you should buy this paracord
Enjoy a reliable multi-purpose paracord by getting this paracord. It is designed to make sure that it can hold up in any way you use for camping, hunting, etc. The cord is also reliable and efficient, so you should add it to your emergency kit.
8. GOLBERG Paracord – Excellent Features
The next paracord in the list has excellent features. This paracord is a type IV, much better than type III paracord since it has a strength rating of 750 pounds. It has 11 strands inside it, and it is made from high-quality premium nylon. The outer coating is also of good quality, so you can expect that it’s soft and comfortable to use.
The cord is also resistant to U.V., mold, and mildew. It means that the cord will not quickly fade, will not produce any foul smell, and you can use it in any weather. The paracord is very good, and aside from survival and outdoor activity, it also works great in craft and other projects you want to do. It also has various length options so you can buy what you need in the nearest shop or on the internet.
Features
- 11b strands of high-quality premium nylon
- Type IV paracord
- Has 750 strength rating
- Resistant to U.V., mold, and mildew
Pros
- Has many length options
- It comes in various vibrant colors
- It’s flexible to handle anything
- Strong and durable
Cons
- Some of the spools are cut in the middle
Why you should buy this paracord
It is an excellent paracord to use, and it’s also of high quality that you can depend on in challenging situations and any outdoor or craft activity you want to do. The paracord is also made in the U.S.
9. UST Paratinder Cord – Easy to Use
If you are looking for an affordable heavy-duty paracord, this one is also a good option. It is easy to use, and it can withstand any pressure you put on it. It is also a type III paracord with a strength rating of 550 pounds. The cord also has seven high-quality nylon strings and a fire tinder cord that you can use to create fire.
It is designed with durability in mind and to also help you in any situation you are in. With this paracord, you can enjoy your camping anytime, anywhere. You will also not have a hard time using it for some projects you want to do, like bracelets, lanyards, zipper pulls, and so on.
Features
- Type III paracord
- It can withstand 550 pounds
- It has seven high-quality nylon stands with a fire tinder cord
- 30 feet long
Pros
- Affordable
- It has a fire tinder cord
- Durable and reliable to use
Cons
- The tinder cord is not easy to light up
Why you should buy this paracord
This one is also an excellent paracord to have since it can be used in creating fire. Getting a dual-purpose item can save money which is good, especially if you are on a budget.
10. EXTREMUS 5040 Paracord – Affordable
Last but not least is another affordable Type III paracord that you can use for any emergency you might have or any outdoor activity you want to do. It is reliable and robust enough to ensure that you are safe and can do anything you want to do with it.
It has seven high-quality nylon, and each of them has three intertwined strands, so it is solid and sturdy. It can withstand 550-pound pressure, and its cord is U.V. resistant, so it won’t quickly fade. Since its color will stay for a long time, it’s good to use as fashion accessories like bracelets, belts, or necklaces.
It has three length options which are 25 feet, 50 feet, and 100 feet. The cord also comes in 5 different colors that you can choose from depending on your preference. It is also made in the U.S., which means that you can rely on its quality and build.
Features
- Military Spec Type III paracord
- Strength rate of 550 pounds
- U.V. resistant
- It comes with a resealable storage bag.
- Have five different colors to choose from
Pros
- Reliable and tough paracord, suitable for survival and outdoor use
- It does not fade since it has U.V. resistant feature.
- Can be used as accessories as well
Cons
- Length choices are limited
Why you should buy this paracord
If you are looking for a trusted paracord made in the U.S., this one can be your best choice. It is affordable and can give you the reliability and strength you will need in a paracord and more. It can also be used in making bracelets, belts, lanyards, and accessories you want to do.
What is a Paracord?
For beginners, you might be shocked to know that paracord is meant to be used for parachutes. However, since this cord is very durable, it is a perfect cord for any activities that entail tying, fastening, and creating traps. It can also be used as an essential foundation for temporary shelters.
Paracord is also known as 550 cord, primarily referring to the type 3 paracord initially made from the nylon kernmantle cord. It is usually made from 32 interwoven strings, which give sufficient tensile strength and durability to the cable. Due to this, this cord is also used by military personnel as part of their survival kit.
Although most paracords are durable, it is still good to look for the best 550 paracords suitable for your needs, especially if you will use them for your survival kit. Ensure that you are knowledgeable enough before looking or buying any paracord in the market.
Types of Paracord
Most paracords are usually similar in terms of construction, anatomy, and design. They are generally constructed with an inner cord called a kern and a braided exterior sheath. The difference between various types of paracord lies in the number of yarn or nylon fibers used and the tensile strength.
Here are the different types of paracord:
1. Types 1
This paracord contains a single core yarn with a 16/1 sheath anatomy. It offers a minimum strength of 95 pounds. This type of paracord provides the least amount of strength among the cord, but it is usually the cheapest in price.
- Type 1a – This offers a strength of about 100 pounds with no core but a similar 16/1 sheath.
2. Type 2
It offers a minimum strength power of about 400 pounds and contains seven inner core strings partnered with either a 36/1 or 32/1 sheath composition. This paracord can also be used in most activities that require strong cordage. However, this is not as available as type 3 paracord.
- Type 2a – This paracord promises 225 pounds of minimum strength but similar to type 1a, it does not contain inner core yarns.
3. Type 3 or 550 paracord
It is the most used and popular cord in the market since it provides durability at affordable prices. This survival paracord offers a minimum of about 550 pounds or 225 feet/ pound in strength and contains seven to nine inner core strings partnered with either a 36/1 or 32/1 sheath structure.
- Commercial-Spec: This paracord is similar to type 3 in terms of strength. However, this is made from single or double nylon strings. It offers less quality, which makes it not recommended for military use or extreme activities.
- Mil-Spec: This paracord is also categorized as a type 3 paracord with a minimum strength of 550 pounds. It also contains seven inner core yarn made from 3 ply nylon. It is manufactured with higher quality control to guarantee optimal quality and durability. One trusted brand of this cord is that titan paracord that ensures high-quality products.
4. Type 4a
This is a paracord that offers a superior strength of about 750 pounds and contains 11 inner core strings completed by either a 36/1 or 32/1 sheath. This is one of the best survival paracord for heavy-duty activities, but one limitation is the price. Hence, it is not recommended for general utility use.
What to Look For the Best Paracord
Now that you know the different types of paracord, it is also vital to be familiarized with the factors you need to consider when buying paracord in the market. To help you, here are things to look for or consider:
- Tensile strength
Tensile strength measures the amount of stress the paracord can withstand, which is usually signified in pounds. You have to choose a paracord that is suitable for the activities where you will use it. In most cases, type 3 pr 550 paracord is the most recommended for general use since it offers sufficient tensile strength without breaking the buyer’s budget.
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- Brand
Looking for the best paracord brand is an essential factor when choosing your cord in the market. If you will use it as part of your survival kit, it is vital that you trust the brand where it came from. This is especially important for first-time users who do not have the experience to compare several products when buying.
FAQ’s
What is the main difference between a rope and a paracord?
Although both cordages are made with an interlaced string of various materials, paracord differs in anatomy since it contains an inner core yarn enclosed by a sheath.
How much paracord do I need when going outside or for outdoor activities?
There is no specific rule that dictates how much paracord you need when camping or doing outdoor activities. Most of the time, you should consider the cord’s weight and where you will use it to maximize efficiency.
How do I take care of my paracord?
Most paracords are made to withstand various elements of nature, and they do not get mold quickly. However, it is still best to ensure that it is always dry when being kept and shielded from direct sunlight so that you can use it quickly when needed.
Conclusion
Looking for the best paracord is not easy for people who are not familiar with this equipment. Hopefully, this article helped you find the best paracord that is suitable for your needs and budget.