Paracord & Rappelling Gear
Stock up on 550 paracord and the hardware that goes with it, from bulk spools for projects to bracelets that keep cord on your wrist, plus rappelling rope, harnesses and carabiners.
Cord options include Rothco Type III 550 lb nylon paracord, 550 lb Type III polyester paracord, and 550 lb Type III nylon camo paracord, along with 300-foot tubes and 600-foot and 1000-foot spools for bulk users. For lighter jobs, 95 lb micro cord comes on a 100-foot spool, and a general utility rope is available too.
Ready-made paracord items include paracord bracelets in single, two-tone olive drab and black, multi-colored and Thin Blue Line styles, a bracelet with a D-shackle, a paracord keychain, and a paracord pace counter for land navigation. A 5/8-inch side release buckle lets you build your own bracelets and straps.
Rappelling and rescue gear includes SWAT rappelling ropes, a 150-foot orange rescue rappelling rope, a black stealth rappelling bag, an adjustable guide harness, figure 8 climbing and rescue rings, and locking D, D and modified D screw gate carabiners.
A note for service members: paracord is a staple of field packing lists for tie-downs and repairs, but rappelling equipment used in training is controlled by the course and its instructors. Don't substitute personal ropes or hardware for issued equipment, and never trust paracord or utility rope with body weight.
What Is 550 Paracord?
Paracord began as suspension line for parachutes. Military specification MIL-C-5040 described six types of the cord, and Type III, with a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds, is where the name "550 cord" comes from. Type III has seven to nine inner core yarns inside a braided sheath. The specification required nylon, and it was deactivated in 1997, though the Type III name is still used for commercial cord built to similar standards.
Nylon vs. Polyester Paracord
Nylon is the traditional material: it stretches, absorbs shock and handles knots well. Polyester stretches less and resists sun and moisture better, but it isn't the nylon specified in MIL-C-5040. Choose nylon if you want the classic 550 cord feel and polyester if you need less sag on a long line.
How to Choose 550 Paracord
Length and Packaging
A 100-foot hank covers most camping and kit needs. A 300-foot tube or a 600-foot or 1000-foot spool makes sense for crafters, bracelet makers and anyone outfitting a group. Micro cord is thinner and suits zipper pulls, small lanyards and fishing kits.
Color
Olive drab, coyote and black blend in with field gear; camo breaks up the outline of lines and tie-downs; bright colors are easier to see in camp so people don't trip on guy lines.
Common Uses for 550 Cord
- Shelter guy lines, ridgelines and tarp tie-downs
- Replacement boot laces and lanyards for compasses and lights
- Securing gear to packs and vehicles
- Pulling out inner strands for sewing, fishing line or snares
- Pace counters for land navigation
Paracord Bracelets and Pace Counters
A paracord bracelet stores several feet of cord that you can unravel when needed. The D-shackle version adds a metal closure that is easy to adjust. A paracord pace counter uses sliding beads to track distance on a land navigation course: one bead per set number of paces, another per kilometer.
Rappelling Gear: Know Your Ratings
Paracord, micro cord and utility rope are not climbing ropes. Use only rope and hardware made and rated for life safety when your body weight is on the line. Before you buy, check the product page for the rating on each rope, carabiner, ring and harness, and inspect gear for cuts, abrasion and corrosion before each use. Locking carabiners are the norm for anchors and harness connections because the gate can't open accidentally.
Rappelling is a skill that requires hands-on instruction. Learn it from a qualified instructor, practice under supervision, and retire any rope that has taken a hard fall or shows core damage.
Paracord in the Military
Service members use 550 cord daily for tying down equipment, rigging shelters and making dummy cords so small items don't get lost in the field. Paracord has even gone to space: astronauts used it while repairing the Hubble Space Telescope on a Space Shuttle mission.
To finish a cut end, melt the sheath and core together with a lighter so the cord doesn't fray, and roll the warm end between gloved fingers for a clean tip. Store spools dry and out of direct sun to keep the cord strong.