What is a Paracord Bracelet?

Paracord is the nylon rope used initially during World War II for parachutes. It did not take long for the many potential uses of paracord to be discovered, however, as it soon became prolific throughout all branches of the military for a multipurpose tool. Astronauts began using it during the second mission to repair the Hubble Telescope. Civilians first got access through military surplus sales and began using it for a myriad of purposes.

Paracord is surprisingly strong for its width, as it is a narrow band of 7 thin interwoven cords of nylon. This rope can be used for setting up tents, tying down cargo, climbing, and other outdoors and survival purposes. Because it has so many uses and is most often utilized for outside adventures, outdoors enthusiasts developed some clever means of carrying extra with them in case there was ever a need.

Thus, the paracord bracelet was invented. Paracord, being so narrow, can be knotted or braided to shrink down lengths of it to a wearable size. Folding a length of 8 or 9 feet or so in half and then alternating knots from right to left can form a length of just 8 or 9 inches, if done right. This can be made into a bracelet using a side-release buckle or a simple knot-ball and loop closure. This provides ready access to needed paracord when the time comes.

Paracord comes in many colors making it even stylish to wear a paracord bracelet around. More importantly, it does not rot or mildew. Because of this, it can be worn in rainy conditions, heat, mud, or other less-than-favorable conditions and remain in usable condition. This makes it ideal for water rescues, use in the snow, and other more challenging situations.

The paracord bracelet can be quickly unknotted to release the needed length of rope. And if there is need for thinner strands of rope, the seven inner strands can be removed from the core (tubular webbing that surrounds the cords inside) and used individually as needed. The most common cord used for paracord bracelets is type III commercial cord that contains those 7 inner strands and can withstand 550 pounds of weight before breaking. Paracord bracelets remain a popular means of carrying this useful rope for hiking, rescue work, climbing, camping, military work and other hobbies and professions.