Paracord is a type of nylon rope that is used for many differently tasks in outdoor environments. Paracord is useful because paracord are strong and paracord is lightweight. You can use paracord to secure gear, and you can use paracord to build shelters.
Because paracord come in many different thickness, you must choose a paracord thickness that match the specific task you are performing. If you choose a paracord that is to thin, the paracord may break under a heavily load. If you choose a paracord that is to thick, the paracord may be too heavier for your pack.
How to Choose and Use Paracord
Many types of paracord contain a braided outer sheath and several inner strand. A common type of paracord is known as Type III paracord, and Type III paracord contain seven inner strands that are wrapped inside a braided sheath. You can pull the inner strands out of the braided sheath to perform small tasks.
For example, you can use the inner strands as fishing line, or you can use the inner strands to stitch a torn bag. The braided sheath remain strong enough to lash poles together, and you can use the braided sheath to secure a tarp. Many people buy low quality paracord, but low-quality paracord may break more easy than high-quality paracord.
You must consider the diameter of the paracord when you are selecting paracord for a trip. Thinner paracord is good for small task because thin paracord does not add much weight to a pack. Thicker paracord is better for heavy task because thick paracord can hold more weight.
For example, you might use thick paracord to create a ridgeline for a tarp, and you might use thin paracord to tie down small items on a backpack. You should use a reference chart to check the diameter and the break strength of the paracord so that you know if the paracord are strong enough for your needs. The length of the paracord is also an important factor for you to consider.
A small amount of paracord is sufficient for a short day hike, but you will need larger amount of paracord for a multi-day camping trip. You can use paracord to create clotheslines, and you can use paracord to hang food away from animal. To prevent tangles, you should coil your paracord in a daisy chain or a butterfly loop.
If you do not coil the paracord correctly, the paracord will become knotted and the paracord will be difficultly to use. Knots is necessary to make the paracord functional. You can use a fixed loop knot to anchor the paracord to a tree, and you can use an adjustable hitch to tighten the tension on the paracord.
Learning different knots will allow you to use the paracord more effective. Additionally, the color of the paracord can be important for your safety. Some paracord is brightly colored so that it is easy to see, but other paracord is patterned so that it is difficult to see in the brush.
Some paracord also contains reflective material or glow-in-the-dark material so that you can see the paracord in the dark. You must maintain your paracord to ensure that the paracord remains safe to use. You should store your paracord in a dry place, and you should keep your paracord away from direct sunlight.
Sunlight contain UV rays, and UV rays can make nylon paracord brittle over time. You should also seal the cut ends of the paracord with a flame. Sealing the ends with a flame prevent the paracord from fraying.
Finally, you should inspect your paracord every year to check for brittleness or damage, because inspecting the paracord help you to avoid using broken paracord.