Paracord is a lightweight nylon rope that is formed by weaving and twisting many smaller strands together and covering them in a protective sheath. The material doesn’t rot or mildew like many other types of rope or cord can. The cord is both strong and elastic, allowing it to perform many duties. All types of cord have the same elasticity; the strength is determined by the number of strands used for the inner core of the cord. As far as outdoor enthusiasts are concerned, it’s pretty much the most perfect material ever made. So where did paracord get its start?
The first use of paracord was for parachutes during World War II. The cord is what suspended paratroopers and other users from the parachute itself, hence the name “paracord.” In the field, the paratroopers found the cord had other uses. They were able to secure cargo in planes before it was dropped and onto vehicles after it reached the ground. After the war was over, civilians were able to purchase the cord as military surplus.
A couple decades later, whip manufacturers caught on to the multiple benefits of the nylon rope materials. Its durability meant it was ideal for all-weather whips. While the elasticity of the cordage isn’t as important in a whip as it is for other uses, the fact it isn’t susceptible to being broken down by weather and wear made it a revolutionary material for whip makers and enthusiasts the world over.
In recent years, hikers and survivalists have also come around to the incredible versatility of paracord. It can be easily woven into a wide array of outdoor accessories and used to reinforce the durability of tool handles, making it a popular component in many survival kits and even everyday fashion. Emergency uses for paracord range from making a tourniquet to lashing sticks together for a shelter to creating fishing lines and small animal traps. There is virtually nothing that paracord cannot be creatively used for in this day and age!
Images via Wikipedia, ebay
