The Ultimate Guide to Paracord: Types, Materials, and Uses

What Is Paracord?

Paracord, short for parachute cord, is a strong, lightweight, and versatile braided cord originally developed for military use. It consists of an outer nylon sheath encasing multiple inner strands, making it incredibly durable and flexible. The name “paracord” comes from its WWII origins, when American paratroopers used it as suspension lines for parachutes—and later repurposed it for survival, repairs, and tactical applications.

Today, paracord is an essential tool for survivalists, outdoor adventurers, crafters, and everyday carry (EDC) enthusiasts. With multiple types, thicknesses, and materials available, choosing the right paracord depends on how you plan to use it.

At Bored Paracord, we provide authentic, USA-made paracord that meets high-quality standards for strength, durability, and performance. Whether you're making survival gear, outdoor tools, or crafting projects, our paracord delivers unmatched reliability for any application.

Types of Paracord and Their Strength Ratings

Paracord comes in different types, classified by their tensile strength (breaking force in pounds). The most common is Type III 550 Paracord, known for its 550-lb (249 kg) breaking strength and seven-core strand construction. Here’s a look at the most popular options:

• Type I Paracord (95 Paracord) – Thin and lightweight (95-lb strength), perfect for lanyards, keychains, and small accessories.
• Type II Paracord (275 Paracord) – More flexible and thinner than Type III, with 275-lb strength, often used for decorative knotting and finer crafts.
• Type III Paracord (550 Paracord) – The most popular and versatile paracord, featuring seven inner strands and a 550-lb tensile strength—ideal for survival, tactical, camping, and crafting.
• Type IV Paracord (750 Paracord) – The strongest standard paracord, with eleven core strands and a 750-lb breaking strength, used for heavy-duty outdoor tasks.
• Micro Cord & Nano Cord – Extremely thin options used for detailed crafting, small repairs, and gear attachments.

For military-grade quality, Mil-Spec Paracord (MIL-C-5040H Type III) is the ultimate choice. This high-performance, USA-made paracord meets strict U.S. military specifications, ensuring denser weave, smoother handling, and increased durability compared to standard commercial 550 paracord.

Nylon vs. Polyester Paracord: What’s the Difference?

Not all paracord is made the same. The two most common materials are nylon and polyester, each with distinct advantages:

• Nylon Paracord – The preferred choice for most outdoor and survival applications due to its superior flexibility, strength, and elasticity. Nylon absorbs shock better, making it ideal for knotting, survival situations, and heavy-duty use.
• Polyester Paracord – While slightly more UV-resistant and moisture-resistant, polyester paracord lacks the elasticity and smooth texture of nylon, making it stiffer and less comfortable to work with.

At Bored Paracord, we primarily offer high-quality nylon paracord, ensuring maximum performance, durability, and ease of use for all your projects.

What Is Mil-Spec (MIL-C-5040H) Paracord?

Military-Spec (Mil-Spec) Paracord, classified as MIL-C-5040H Type III, follows official U.S. military specifications to ensure premium strength, consistency, and quality. It features:

✔ True 550-lb tensile strength (verified to military standards)
✔ Seven-core strands, each made from three twisted fibers for added durability
✔ Tighter weave and denser outer sheath for smoother handling and better wear resistance
✔ Enhanced strength, making it superior to commercial-grade 550 paracord

While Mil-Spec paracord costs more, it is the go-to choice for serious outdoor enthusiasts, preppers, and tactical users who demand the highest level of reliability. If you’re looking for the best survival and outdoor paracord, Mil-Spec is worth the investment.

Why Choose Bored Paracord?

Not all paracord is created equal! Many imported versions fail to meet strength standards and use inferior materials that reduce durability. At Bored Paracord, we are dedicated to providing only high-quality, USA-made paracord—ensuring superior performance, strength, and reliability.

✔ 100% USA-made nylon paracord – Guaranteed strength & durability
✔ Extensive color selection – Hundreds of vibrant and unique colors
✔ Trusted by crafters, outdoor enthusiasts, and survivalists worldwide
✔ Bulk options available – Perfect for businesses, resellers, and large projects

When you choose Bored Paracord, you’re getting premium quality paracord backed by exceptional customer service and fast shipping—so you can tackle any project with confidence.

The History & Popularity of Paracord

Paracord has a long history dating back to World War II, when it was first used by American paratroopers. After landing, soldiers would cut the cord from their parachutes and repurpose it for survival, shelter-building, and field repairs. Over time, paracord gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, military personnel, and DIYers for its incredible strength and versatility.

In recent years, paracord bracelets have become a massive trend, first as military tribute accessories and later as everyday survival gear. Today, paracord is used by:

✔ Outdoor adventurers – For survival kits, camping gear, and emergency preparedness
✔ Crafters and hobbyists – To create paracord bracelets, lanyards, keychains, and pet accessories
✔ Preppers and survivalists – As a must-have tool in bug-out bags and EDC kits
✔ Military and law enforcement personnel – For tactical gear and mission-ready applications

Whether you're a prepper, outdoor enthusiast, survivalist, or crafter, paracord is an essential tool for countless applications.

Shop Premium Paracord at BoredParacord.com

At Bored Paracord, we specialize in high-quality, USA-made paracord in a huge variety of colors, styles, and strengths. Whether you're looking for 550 Paracord for survival gear, Micro Cord for detailed knotwork, or Mil-Spec paracord for professional use, we’ve got you covered.

✅ Shop now at BoredParacord.com and discover why we’re the #1 choice for premium paracord! 🚀