While there are hundreds of ways you can use paracord, it’s good to know its practical uses as an EDC or everyday carry. I typically wear my paracord bracelet since you never know when you’ll need a good measure of cordage in a survival or emergency situation. Though you may not need it any time, you’d be glad you have some length of it attached to something when time comes that you do. This post provides valuable information on other ways to have some paracord on you if paracord bracelets are still too bulky for everyday, casual wear. As it goes, better prepared than sorry.
5 Everyday Uses for Paracord – Ed Jelley
550 Parachute cord, more commonly shortened as paracord, is widely used in tons of everyday carry situations. The “550” is derived from the fact that it’s rated to hold 550 lbs.
Paracord is a slim nylon rope with 7-9 inner strands of nylon. Composed of 2-3 threads, the inner strands and can be unraveled for many different uses.
This versatile material was originally used for suspension lines on parachutes. It’s been issued to several military branches due to its versatility in a variety of situations. Paracord was even used by astronauts to help repair the Hubble Space Telescope.
The cord was strictly used in the military, but after World War II it became available to civilians as military surplus. Since its release to the public, paracord has been used for a variety of survival, retention, and rigging applications.
There are several different types of paracord out there, the best of which is MILSPEC rated. This type has a stronger inner core with more strands inside.
5 Reasons to Carry Paracord
- It’s Invaluable in Emergency SituationsArguably the most common reason why people carry paracord is for its use in emergency situations. Rig a shelter by tying branches together when there’s nowhere else to sleep. Cut the cord, pull out the inner threads, attach a hook and you have a makeshift fishing line. Break a bone while out in the bush? Use the cord and a stiff branch to fashion a splint until you can seek further medical help. Simple sprain? It’s easy to make a sling to keep weight off the hurt appendage. If the situation is really serious, use the cord as a tourniquet to stop bleeding.
- It Gives a Good GripIf it’s not an emergency sitution, paracord can still come in handy. The material is slightly elastic. This allows for easy and snug wrapping around EDC gear. Some small fixed blade knives employ a skelteon frame handle. Wrapping a length of paracord around it not only provides grip, but keeps an unbroken length of the material at hand.
- It Personalizes Your Carry in a Practical WayParacord is available in a huge range of colors and patterns, allowing you to accessorize and personalize your EDC. It can be used to set off a certain color theme or let you carry your own DIY handiwork. At its core, it still provides the functionality of paracord.
- It Makes Retrieving Gear from Your Pocket EasierMost knives have a lanyard hole, and paracord is the perfect match for it. A paracord lanyard is great if you’d prefer to carry a pocket knife without a clip. It’s as easy as slipping some through the hole and tying it off. With some knot-tying skills, you can whip up lanyards of different shapes and patterns to carry more cordage or fine tune extra material for grip on your tool. Pulling on this extra length can produce gear from your pocket more conveniently than digging around for it, while still keeping a low profile carry.
- It Adds Visibility to Your EssentialsBrightly colored paracord increases visibility, making your essentials easier to find and harder to lose. This is especially useful in bags, pouches, and organizers with interiors that don’t contrast your gear.
Article by Ed Jelley | www.notey.com/external/4481487/5-everyday-uses-for-paracord-lifestyle-paracord-carry-smarter-everyday-carry.html
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Take care!!
Thank you for your positive and encouraging feedback, Richard. We appreciate it!