• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
ukprepper.life

ukprepper.life

Practical Prepping in the UK

  • Home
  • Essentials
  • Stores
  • Kit
  • Skills
  • Knowledge
  • Self-Sufficiency

The Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Paracord for Preppers

14 February 2023 by UK Prepper Life.
We use affiliate links; this won't affect products we recommend or price you pay. We may receive a small commission. See our disclosure notice for more.

Paracord in a coil

Paracord, also known as parachute cord, is a versatile and indispensable tool for preppers in the UK and all over the world. It is made from nylon and has a braided outer sheath that contains 7 to 9 inner strands. Paracord can be used for a variety of survival applications. From securing gear to making makeshift shelters, the uses for paracord are almost endless.

However, with so many types of paracord available on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is best for your survival kit. In this article, we will discuss the factors you should consider when choosing the right paracord for your prepper kit.

What Makes The Best Paracord For Preppers?

Which is the best paracord really depends on what you want to use it for. For very light use, any paracord will do. When you want to rely on your paracord to support a higher load, strength is important. There are several different factors that affect your choice, which we will take a look at below. At the end of this article, you can find our recommendations for the best paracord for preppers

Strength and Durability

The most important factor to consider when choosing paracord is its strength and durability. The strength of paracord is determined by its breaking strength, which is the maximum amount of weight the cord can support before breaking. A good quality paracord will have a breaking strength of at least 550 pounds. This will ensure that it can withstand the rigors of survival situations, such as supporting your weight while crossing a river or hanging a food cache.

Durability is also important, as you want a paracord that will last for years, even with regular use. Look for paracords that are resistant to moisture, abrasion, and UV light. This will help to ensure that the cord remains functional, even in harsh environments.

Length and Diameter

The length and diameter of the paracord you choose will depend on your specific needs. If you plan to use it for a variety of tasks, such as tying down gear or making a shelter, you may want to choose a longer length. However, if you plan to use it as a survival bracelet, a shorter length may be more appropriate.

The diameter of the paracord is also important. A larger diameter cord will be stronger, but it will also be heavier and bulkier. A smaller diameter cord will be lighter and more compact, but it will not be as strong. Consider the specific tasks you will be using the cord for and choose a diameter that is appropriate for your needs.

Type of Inner Strands

The inner strands of paracord can vary in type and number, and this can affect its strength and versatility. Paracord with 7 strands is fairly common, and usually provides plenty of strength without reducing flexibility. The number of inner strands will determine the strength of the cord, with more strands providing greater strength.

In addition to the number of strands, the type of strands used can also affect the strength and versatility of the cord. For example, some paracords have a higher proportion of twisted strands, which make them more flexible and easier to handle. Other paracords have a higher proportion of braided strands, which make them more abrasion-resistant.

There are also specialist survival paracords, which have additional strands made of different materials. They could include a tinder strand for fire lighting and a fishing line, for example.

Colour and Style

While not as important as the other factors, the colour and style of the paracord can still play a role in your decision. Some preppers prefer to choose a neutral colour, such as black or olive drab, which will blend in with the environment. Others prefer a brighter colour, such as red or orange, for easier visibility in case of an emergency.

The style of the paracord can also vary, from the classic braided look to more unique patterns and designs. Choose a style that appeals to you, but remember that the primary focus should be on strength, durability, and versatility.

Brand Reputation

Finally, when choosing paracord, it is important to consider the reputation of the brand. Some paracord manufacturers are known for producing high-quality products, while others may cut corners and produce subpar cords. Do your research and read reviews from other preppers to get an idea of which brands have a good reputation. You may also want to consider purchasing from a brand that specializes in paracord, as they will have a greater understanding of what makes a good cord for survival situations.

Our Choices For The Best Paracord For Preppers

Here are our favourite paracords, including a military specification 550lb paracord, and a survival paracord that includes extra strands.


The best paracord for preppers: Goldberg 50lb Type 3 Mil Spec Paracord

Goldberg 550lb Type 3 Mil-Spec Paracord

Goldberg 550lb Type 3 Mil-Spec paracord is an authentic military specification paracord (MIL-C-5040-H as used by the US military). It’s a very well made, nylon 7 strand paracord. The texture of the surface of this paracord gives it great grip for tying knots, and it is consistently strong.

You can buy this paracord in a variety of different lengths and many different colours. We use this paracord in all our kit, including camping and bug out kits.

Buy Goldberg 550 Type 3 Paracord


Survival paracord showing the extra internal strands

Survival Paracord With Extra Strands

This survival paracord works perfectly well as normal paracord, but also has additional strands that can be very useful. There’s a strand that burns easily for use as tinder when starting a fire. Another strand is made of fishing line, which can be used with fish hooks from a survival tool card. There is also a cotton thread; very useful for mending clothes and other kit.

Buy Survival Paracord


Remember, a good quality paracord can be a lifesaver in an emergency, so don’t skimp on quality. Invest in a cord that you can trust and that will last for years to come. With the right paracord in your kit, you’ll be prepared for any survival challenge that comes your way.

UK Prepper Life
UK Prepper Life

The ukprepper.life family are UK preppers who love to be prepared for everything, from the minor day to day emergencies, all the way to major disasters and more. Between us we have many years of experience prepping, and we’d love to share our experiences with you.

Related posts:

  1. The 6 Most Useful Knots Every Prepper Should Know
  2. How To Choose The Best Bug Out Bag Tent
  3. The 7 Most Important Survival Skills You Need To Know
  4. Why All Preppers Should Have A Good Quality Sleeping Bag

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Latest

Companion Planting for Self-Sufficiency: Boost Your Garden’s Productivity

Companion planting is a great way to make your food garden more productive, easier to manage and less reliant on chemicals.

How to Understand Ordnance Survey Maps

Master Ordnance Survey maps for confident wilderness navigation. Learn symbols, compass alignment, location, routes and tracking.

Surviving Unnoticed: The Art of Being a Grey Man or Woman in Prepping

Uncover the art of being a grey man/woman in prepping. Blend in, conceal supplies, build networks, and develop essential skills for survival.

Prepping in a Small House or Flat: Essential Tips for the Urban Prepper

Prepping in a small house or flat has unique challenges. Here are some tips and strategies for prepping effectively in a small home.

Post-Apocalyptic First Aid Skills: Treatment In The Wild

First aid skills in a post-apocalyptic world could mean the difference between life and death for you and your family.

The Sawyer Mini Water Filter

Footer

About ukprepper.life

Here at ukprepper.life, we have been interested in prepping, as well as bushcraft and survival skills for many years.

We hope to insipre you on your prepping journey.

A survivor in a post apocalyptic world

Privacy, Cookies, Terms & Conditions

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Copyright UKPrepper.life © 2023

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Powered by CookieYes Logo