Why Paracord?
Paracord is the survival cord of choice because it has a high tensile strength compared to its small diameter. This makes it perfect for storing in an emergency kit or in a quick-deploy bracelet. Our paracord and shock cord is rot resistant and UV fade resistant, meaning it will remain strong—and good looking—through the toughest of conditions!
What Kind of Paracord Should I Use?
When people talk about paracord, they usually mean the 550 lb. tensile strength cord used in military parachute suspension, but there are actually 4 different "types" of military-grade paracord. In addition to those, we carry a few other paracord varieties, including shock/elastic cord and types specifically for wilderness survival. Whether you are prepping for the next zombie incursion or crafting a fantastic homemade gift, we have the cord for you!
More details on each type of cord can be found below the comparison chart, including which paracord bracelet buckles and clasps work best with each kind.
550 Paracord is our most popular variety because it offers a great balance of strength and flexibility. It has countless uses and is perfect for crafting bracelets, repairing clothing, constructing handle wraps, and for hunting, fishing, and camping.
We offer standard 550 and also Military Spec cord (cord that has undergone more rigorous strength and durability testing).
Use with: most of our plastic buckles, metal shackles, breakaway buckles, cord locks
- Certified type III nylon paracord
- 550 lb. tensile strength
- 4 mm diameter
- 7 Inner strands
Nano Paracord
Nano Paracord is our thinnest cord but it has no shortage of great uses. It's small size means that large amounts can be packed into a very small space. This little cord can be used for crafting smaller bracelets and jewelry, as well as for certain emergency situations where a high strength rating is not necessary.
Use with: 3/8" buckles, 1/2" buckles
- Certified type I nylon paracord
- 36 lb. tensile strength
- .75 mm diameter
- 0 Inner strands
Micro Paracord
Micro goes great by itself or with our 550 cord for a little added color for any woven Paracord patterns. Its a strong little cord that has just a many potential uses as our popular 550 cord. Our favorite uses for the Micro Paracord have been for Paracord necklaces and laced cobra bracelets.
Use with: 3/8" buckles, 1/2" buckles
- Certified type I nylon paracord
- 90-100 lb. tensile strength
- 1.18 mm diameter
- 0 Inner strands
95 Paracord
95 paracord falls between our 275 and Micro cord. While it is thicker than micro cord, it has the same tensile strength. It has only one inner strand, making it a highly flexible cord. This thin cord is used for countless projects such as macramé, bracelets, wind chimes and many other weaving projects.
Use with: 3/8" buckles, 1/2" buckles, 5/8" buckles
- Certified type I nylon paracord
- 100 lb. tensile strength
- 1.75 mm diameter
- 1 inner strands
275 Paracord
275 paracord is unique in that it is one of our stiffest paracords. It packs 5 core strands inside its 2 mm sheath and has about a 7" standout. This thin cord is great for crafting and repairing. It works especially well for small paracord projects such as kids bracelets, keychains, and lanyards.
Use with: 3/8" buckles, 1/2" buckles, 5/8" buckles
- Certified type II nylon paracord
- 275 lb. tensile strength
- 2 mm diameter
- 5 inner strands
325 Paracord
325 paracord is a happy medium between micro and the traditional 550 cord. It is perfect for projects where you need a thinner cord, but still require strength and durability, such as smaller bracelets, boot laces, belts, keychains, leashes, and other crafting projects.
Use with: most of our plastic buckles, metal shackles, breakaway buckles
- Certified type II nylon paracord
- 325 lb. tensile strength
- 2 mm diameter
- 3 inner strands
425 Paracord
425 paracord is noticeably thinner than 550, in spite of the mere millimeter difference. It's great for projects where 550 paracord is just a little too thick.
Use with: most of our plastic buckles, metal shackles, breakaway buckles, cord locks
- Certified type II nylon paracord
- 425 lb. tensile strength
- 3 mm diameter
- 3 inner strands
650 Paracord
While this paraocord falls between 550 and 760 in name and diameter, it's weight rating is a little bit of an anomaly. We offer three varieties of 650:
Standard 650: Great for crafting and adding bulk to projects. Puffy inner strands do not flatten like standard paracord.
- Nylon
- 350 lb. tensile strength
- 4 mm diameter
- 4 puffy filler strands
Coreless 650: Here due to popular demand! Perfect choice for most handle wraps and weaving projects.
- Nylon
- 1.5 mm thick
- 5 mm wide
750 Paracord
Bigger and better than 550 paracord, 750 is the strongest tactical paracord available. Slightly thicker than 550 paracord, 750 paracord is 26% stronger. It is used for countless projects such as belts, leashes, emergencies, and heavier duty projects.
Use with: 1/2" buckles, 5/8" buckles, 3/4" buckles, 1" buckles, some cord locks
- Certified type IV nylon paracord
- 750 lb. tensile strength
- 5 mm diameter
- 11 Inner strands
1/4 Para-Max Cord
Para-Max paracord is the biggest and beefiest paracord. The strongest type on the market, it's an essential for any emergency survival kit. Great for towing, hiking, hunting, pet toys, horse halters, and outdoor projects.
Use with: 1" buckles, some 3/4" buckles
- Certified type IV paracord
- 32 strand woven nylon outer sheath
- 1,200 lb. tensile strength
- 1/4" diameter
- 3 Inner strands
5/16 Para-Max
Para-Max paracord is the biggest and beefiest paracord. The strongest type on the market, it's an essential for any emergency survival kit. Great for towing, hiking, hunting, pet toys, horse halters, and outdoor projects. 5/16 Para-Max is just as durable as 1/4 Para-Max, just a little thicker.
Use with: 1" buckles
- Certified type IV paracord
- 32 strand woven nylon outer sheath
- 1,200 lb. tensile strength
- 5/16 diameter
- 6 inner strands
Battle Cord
The toughest paracord, this cord has a 2650 lb. tensile strength. Less stretchy and less flexible than other varieties, this is one tough cord! Each inner strand has a strength of 340 lb!
- Nylon
- 2650 lb. tensile strength
- 5.6 mm diameter
- 7 inner strands, each with 350 lb. tensile strength
1/32” Elastic Cord
1/32” Shock Cord is dependable, tough and stretchy. It is used for countless projects such as DIY jewelry, gift wraps, home décor, bracelets, display cards, scrap-booking, name tags and masks.
- Braided sleeve
- 1/32" diameter
- 3 inner strands
1/16” Elastic Cord
1/16” Elastic Cord is dependable, tough and stretchy. It is used for countless projects such as DIY jewelry, gift wraps, home décor, bracelets, display cards, scrap-booking, name tags and masks.
- Braided sleeve
- 1/16" diameter
- 6 inner strands
1/8” Shock Cord
1/8” Shock Cord is manufactured for its elastic qualities and integral strength resistance while elongated. It is used for countless projects such as bungee straps, cargo nets, hammocks, securing items, and transporting boxes. It can also be used as an elastic core for a traditional paracord bracelet, so it can slide over your hand without using a buckle closure.
Use with: 3/8" buckles, 1/2" buckles, 5/8" buckles, cord locks
- Nylon
- 100 lb. tensile strength
- 1/8" diameter
- 12 inner strands
- Absorbs shock
1/4” Shock Cord
1/4” Shock Cord is manufactured for its elastic qualities and integral strength resistance while elongated. It is used for countless projects such as bungee straps, cargo nets, hammocks, securing items, and transporting boxes.
- Nylon
- 210 lb. tensile strength
- 1/4" diameter
- 48 inner strands
- Absorbs shock
Updated February 8, 2018