paracord

Paracord, short for parachute cord, is a lightweight nylon rope originally used in the suspension lines of U.S. military parachutes. In civilian contexts, it is widely referred to as paracord and is used in outdoor, survival, and craft applications. The most familiar variant is Type III 550 cord, named for its minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds; it is a kernmantle rope with a woven outer sheath surrounding a core of multiple nylon strands. In standard mil-spec versions, the core typically consists of seven inner nylon strands. The external sheath is constructed from many woven fibers that encase the core, giving the rope a flexible yet strong profile. The nominal diameter is about 4 millimeters.

Paracord was developed for military use during World War II; after the war, surplus parachute cords entered civilian markets and were repurposed for camping, survival, and crafting. The term paracord has since become generic, referring to a range of nylon kernmantle cords with similar construction and properties, not only the original military-spec cord.

Applications include securing gear, building shelters, repairing equipment, making lanyards and bracelets, and improvising snares or fishing lines in emergency situations. In craft contexts, paracord is popular in making survival bracelets, keychains, and decorative knots. Variants exist in different strengths and diameters, with mil-spec and consumer-grade cords designed to meet varying requirements while preserving the same kernmantle construction.