Survival Essential: Ways Paracord Can Be Used in Emergencies
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Paracord, also known as parachute cord, is a versatile tool that can be a lifesaver in survival situations. Made of nylon, paracord is durable, lightweight, and has a high tensile strength, making it an essential item to include in any survival gear.
In this blog, we will explore the various uses of paracord, from shelter-building to first aid, and provide you with valuable information on how to choose high-quality paracord and where to find reliable suppliers.
Understanding Paracord and its Unique Features
Paracord, short for parachute cord, was originally used by paratroopers during World War II. It was designed to support their weight when jumping from planes, hence its incredible strength.
Today, paracord is widely used by survival enthusiasts, hikers, and outdoor adventurers due to its numerous survival uses.
Distinguishing Paracord from Other Cords
What sets paracord apart from other types of cordage is its unique construction. Unlike regular cordage, paracord is made of nylon, which gives it its strength, durability, and resistance to abrasion.
Additionally, paracord consists of inner strands, or core yarns, which can be unraveled for use in emergency situations. This inner cordage provides paracord with added versatility and functionality.
One of the distinguishing features of paracord is its high tensile strength, with a minimum breaking strength of 550 lbs. This makes paracord reliable in emergency situations, whether you need to secure gear, create emergency shelter, or even use it for self-defense purposes.
Another advantage of paracord is its availability in different colors. This allows for easy identification and organization of different strands of paracord, especially when you have multiple uses for different situations.
Additionally, paracord lanyards are a convenient way to always have paracord with you, whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply exploring the great outdoors.
The Materials and Construction of Paracord
Paracord is typically made of nylon, a synthetic material known for its strength and durability. The nylon sheath of paracord provides protection for the inner strands, ensuring that it remains intact and usable, even in harsh conditions.
The number of strands inside paracord may vary, with the most common types consisting of 7 inner strands. However, there are paracord variations with different core yarns, such as 9 inner strands, which offer increased strength and versatility.
In addition to standard paracord, there are also specialized types available, such as reflective paracord, which features reflective strands for increased visibility, and glow-in-the-dark paracord, which is useful in low-light situations.
Paracord can be carried in various forms, but one of the most popular ways is through a paracord bracelet. These bracelets are woven using paracord, allowing quick access to cordage when needed. They not only serve as a survival tool, but also as a fashion accessory.
Navigating the Paracord Market: What to Look for
When choosing paracord, it’s important to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality product that will serve its purpose in emergency situations. Here are some factors to consider when selecting paracord:
How to Choose High-Quality Paracord
To ensure that you’re getting a reliable paracord, look for one that has a minimum breaking strength of 550 lbs. This indicates that the paracord is sturdy enough to handle most survival situations.
Furthermore, choose paracord that has core yarns, as they provide versatility in emergency situations. These inner strands can be unraveled and used for fishing line, sewing, or creating emergency cordage.
Having core yarns increases the functionality of paracord, making it an essential survival tool.
When it comes to survival situations, weight and convenience are important factors to consider. Look for paracord that is lightweight and easy to carry, ensuring that it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to your survival gear.
Durability is another crucial aspect of paracord. Make sure that the paracord you choose is resistant to abrasion, ensuring that it will hold up well in different weather conditions and survive rough use.
Additionally, consider paracord that is rot and mildew resistant. This ensures that the cordage remains reliable, even when exposed to moisture or damp environments.
Where to Find Reliable Paracord Suppliers
When it comes to purchasing paracord, there are various options available, both online and in physical stores. Here are some reliable sources for high-quality paracord:
- Amazon: Amazon offers a wide variety of paracord from different suppliers, ensuring availability and options for different colors, types, and lengths of paracord.
- Paracord Planet: Paracord Planet is a reputable supplier of paracord, offering a wide range of colors, types, and lengths. They have a great selection of paracord, including reflective and glow-in-the-dark variations.
- Outdoor stores: Outdoor stores, such as REI, often carry paracord, providing reliable options for emergency situations. These stores specialize in survival gear, camping equipment, and outdoor essentials, making them a great place to find high-quality paracord.
- Online survival gear stores: Online survival gear stores, like Blade HQ, offer paracord along with other survival essentials. These stores cater specifically to survival enthusiasts, hikers, and outdoor adventurers, ensuring that you’ll find reliable paracord.
- Local military surplus stores: Local military surplus stores may also carry high-quality paracord, as it meets military specifications. These stores often have a range of survival gear, including paracord, that is durable, sturdy, and reliable.
Survival Uses of Paracord in Various Scenarios
Now that we understand the unique features of paracord and how to choose the right one, let’s explore its survival uses in different situations.
Paracord in Wilderness Survival: Shelter and Food
In a wilderness survival situation, paracord can be an invaluable tool for creating sturdy shelter. It can be used to construct a survival bracelet tarp, sling, or splint, providing protection from the elements and improving your chances of survival.
Paracord can also be used for securing gear, hanging bear bags to keep intruders away, or even trapping animals for food. Its strength and versatility make it an essential item for any survival kit in the wilderness.
Additionally, paracord can be used for fishing purposes, such as creating trotline, lures, nets, or bait. With paracord, you can fashion emergency fishing gear, increasing your chances of finding a food source in survival situations.
Using Paracord for First Aid in Emergency Situations
First aid is crucial in emergency situations, and paracord can serve multiple purposes in providing emergency medical support. It can be used as a tourniquet, splint, sling, or sutures, helping stabilize injuries and provide temporary relief until professional medical help arrives.
In addition, paracord bracelets can be unwound and used as dental floss, sewing thread, or emergency cordage. These lightweight survival accessories offer convenient options for emergency situations, where dental hygiene and sutures may be necessary.
Self-Defense Techniques with Paracord
Paracord can also be used for self-defense purposes. It can be fashioned into a monkey fist, bola, or quick-release sling, providing a lightweight, yet effective, means of protecting yourself from intruders or potential threats.
Additionally, paracord can be used to create emergency cordage, sling, or tourniquet, offering self-defense options in survival situations. Its strength and durability make it an ideal material for trapping purposes, such as creating snare, net, or bait, for securing food sources or deterring intruders.
Mastering Knot Tying: A Crucial Skill With Paracord
To fully utilize the potential of paracord, mastering knot tying is a crucial skill. Here are some essential knots you can tie with paracord:
Essential Knots You Can Tie with Paracord
- The bowline knot is a reliable knot that creates a fixed loop, great for securing objects or creating a snare.
- The clove hitch knot is quick and easy to tie, perfect for attaching paracord to tree branches or securing gear.
- The taut-line hitch knot allows for easy adjustment of tension, making it great for setting up tents or hammocks.
- The square knot is a basic knot that can be used for joining two paracord strands together, creating a longer cordage.
- The lanyard knot is decorative and functional, ideal for creating paracord lanyards, keychains, or zipper pulls.
Practice Exercises for Perfecting Knot Tying
To become proficient in knot tying, practice is key. Here are some exercises to help you perfect your knot tying skills:
- Start by practicing knot tying using paracord bracelet or monkey fist, as they provide a convenient way of carrying paracord and allow quick access to cordage.
- Use different colors of paracord to practice knot tying, making it easier to distinguish between different strands and types of knots.
- Challenge yourself by practicing knot tying with paracord while blindfolded, simulating emergency situations where visibility may be limited.
- Try tying knots with paracord using only one hand or while wearing gloves, simulating real-life survival situations where dexterity may be compromised.
- Set up a knot tying station, complete with different types of paracord, tree branches, and core yarns, to practice knot tying techniques in different survival scenarios.
Are You Ready to Put These Paracord Uses into Action?
Now that you’ve mastered knot tying with paracord and learned about its various uses, it’s time to put your skills to use in real-life situations.
Make sure to keep paracord readily available in your survival gear, backpack, or emergency kit, so you can access it when needed.
Use paracord to create emergency shelter, fishing net, bear bag, fire starter, tourniquet, splint, dental floss, or whatever survival use you deem necessary.
With its number of uses, paracord is an invaluable tool for survival purposes, ensuring that you’re prepared for any situation that may arise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, paracord is an essential tool for survivalists and outdoor enthusiasts. Its versatility, strength, and durability make it a valuable asset in various scenarios.
From building shelters and securing food to providing first aid and self-defense, paracord proves its worth time and again. To ensure you have high-quality paracord, remember to look for reputable suppliers who offer reliable products.
Additionally, mastering the art of knot tying is crucial for maximizing the potential of paracord. Practice essential knots regularly to hone your skills.
Now that you have learned about the many uses of paracord, it’s time to put your knowledge into action and be prepared for any situation that comes your way. Stay safe, and happy adventuring!
