Paracord Survival Guide: Uses, Types & Best Picks
Paracord shows up on nearly every bug out bag checklist, but most of that advice stops at "pack 100 feet of it" without explaining what it's actually for or which type to buy. Paracord for survival use covers real tasks from shelter lashing to improvised fishing line, and the type that's right for a bracelet is not always the type that's right for a go bag. This guide covers the real uses, how the types differ, and which to actually buy.
Key Takeaways
- 550 paracord is the standard choice for most survival uses: strong enough for shelter and gear, light enough to pack 100+ feet without noticing the weight.
- Genuine MIL-SPEC (MIL-C-5040H) paracord has 7-9 inner strands that can be pulled out individually for fine cordage, fishing line, or sewing: most "paracord" sold cheaply is commercial-grade and doesn't meet this spec.
- Tarred bank line is a cheaper, bulkier alternative many experienced preppers actually prefer for camp/shelter use, saving the lighter paracord for tasks that need it.
- The inner strands are not a gimmick: removed from the sheath, they work as fishing line, dental floss substitute, or thread for gear repair in a real emergency.
- More isn't always better: 750 paracord is stronger but heavier and less flexible than 550 for most everyday tasks.
- ★ Best overall / best 550: Atwood Rope Genuine MIL-SPEC 550
- ★ Best heavy-duty: TOUGH-GRID 750 Paracord
- ★ Best for fine/precision tasks: Micro Cord
- ★ Best budget/bulk option: Tarred Bank Line
Compare All Types
| Type | Break Strength | Inner Strands | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 550 paracord | ~550 lbs | 7-9 (genuine MIL-SPEC) | General survival use, the default choice |
| 750 paracord | ~750 lbs | 9-11 | Heavier-duty tasks, slightly more bulk and weight |
| Micro cord | ~90-125 lbs | None (single core) | Fine lashing, zipper pulls, gear repair, lightweight tasks |
| Tarred bank line | ~400-620 lbs (by size) | None, single tarred strand | Camp/shelter use, bulk cordage on a budget |
Real Survival Uses for Paracord
Beyond the generic "it's useful" advice, here's what paracord actually gets used for in the field:
- Shelter construction: ridgelines for tarps, lashing poles together, securing a tent fly in wind.
- Fishing line and snares: the inner strands can be pulled out and used as fishing line or snare wire substitute in a genuine survival scenario.
- Gear repair: replacing a broken bootlace, backpack strap, or zipper pull in the field.
- First aid: an improvised sling, securing a splint, or a tourniquet in a true last-resort scenario (a dedicated tourniquet is always the better choice when one is available).
- Clothesline and gear drying: stringing up wet clothing or gear between two trees.
- Bear bag hangs: suspending food away from camp in bear country.
- Improvised belt or pack strap: a length doubled or braided works in a pinch.
- Bow drill bow string: usable for primitive fire-starting methods, though natural cordage or a dedicated bow drill kit works better long-term.
- Marking a trail or perimeter: visually marking a route or securing a camp perimeter at night.
How to Choose a Type
- Check for genuine MIL-SPEC construction if strand-pulling matters to you: look for "MIL-C-5040H" or "Type III" in the listing, not just the word "paracord," since much cheap cord doesn't meet the real spec.
- 550 covers nearly everything a typical bug out bag or car kit needs; don't over-buy 750 unless you have a specific heavy-load use case.
- Bank line is worth a serious look for camp/shelter tasks specifically: it's cheaper per foot, often stronger for its weight, and saves your paracord for tasks that actually need the inner strands.
- Buy more than you think you need. A 100-foot hank disappears fast once you start using it for lashings, repairs, and shelter at the same time.
- Color matters for one real reason: high-visibility colors (orange, yellow) are easier to find if dropped; black or olive blends in better if you don't want to be seen.
Recommended Picks
1. Atwood Rope Genuine MIL-SPEC 550: Best Overall
Atwood Rope Company is one of the most consistently recommended genuine MIL-SPEC paracord manufacturers, actually meeting the MIL-C-5040H specification rather than just using the name.
Specifications
- Break strength: ~550 lbs
- Inner strands: 7-9, genuine MIL-SPEC construction
- Made in: United States
Pros
- Genuine MIL-SPEC construction: the inner strands are actually usable as advertised
- US-made, widely trusted in the prepper and military surplus community
- Wide color selection
Cons
- Costs more per foot than generic commercial-grade "paracord"
- 550 lbs is plenty for most tasks, but not the strongest option if you need more
2. TOUGH-GRID 750 Paracord: Best Heavy-Duty
A step up in break strength for tasks where 550 cord feels like it's cutting it close.
Specifications
- Break strength: ~750 lbs
- Inner strands: 9-11
Pros
- Meaningfully stronger than 550 for heavier loads
- More inner strands available if you need to pull them
- Widely available at a reasonable price point
Cons
- Heavier and slightly stiffer than 550 for everyday tasks
- Overkill for most routine bug out bag uses
3. Micro Cord: Best for Fine/Precision Tasks
A thinner cord for tasks where full-size paracord is overkill: zipper pulls, gear lashing, sewing repairs, and fine lashings.
Specifications
- Break strength: ~90-125 lbs
- Construction: Single core, no pullable inner strands
Pros
- Much lighter and more compact than full-size paracord
- Ideal for gear repair, zipper pulls, and fine lashing
- Ties small, secure knots that full paracord struggles with
Cons
- Not strong enough for shelter construction or load-bearing tasks
- No inner strands to pull for fishing line or thread
4. Tarred Bank Line: Best Budget/Bulk Option
A favorite among experienced preppers and bushcrafters for camp and shelter tasks specifically, at a fraction of paracord's cost per foot.
Specifications
- Break strength: ~400-620 lbs depending on size (commonly sold as #36 or #48)
- Construction: Tarred single-strand nylon or polyester, no inner strands
Pros
- Significantly cheaper per foot than paracord
- The tar coating resists rot, UV, and holds knots exceptionally well
- Comes on large spools, practical for bulk camp/shelter use
Cons
- No removable inner strands for fishing line or thread
- The tar coating can transfer onto hands and gear
- Less flexible than paracord for tasks needing a soft, pliable cord
Paracord Survival FAQ
What is paracord actually used for in a survival situation?
Shelter construction (ridgelines, pole lashing), gear repair, improvised fishing line and snares (from the inner strands), first aid slings, clotheslines, and bear bag hangs are the most common real-world uses, beyond general-purpose cordage for nearly any task that needs tying, securing, or hanging something.
How much paracord should I pack in a bug out bag?
100 feet is the standard baseline recommendation, and it goes faster than most people expect once you start using it for shelter, repairs, and general tasks simultaneously. Many experienced preppers carry 50-100 feet of 550 paracord plus a larger bulk supply of cheaper tarred bank line for camp-specific tasks.
What's the difference between 550 and 750 paracord?
The numbers refer to approximate break strength in pounds. 550 paracord covers the vast majority of survival tasks and is lighter and more flexible; 750 is meaningfully stronger but heavier and stiffer, worth it only for specific heavy-load use cases.
Is all paracord genuine MIL-SPEC?
No. Most paracord sold cheaply online is commercial-grade and does not meet the actual MIL-C-5040H military specification, even when labeled "paracord." Genuine MIL-SPEC cord has a specific number of inner strands (typically 7-9) that are reliably usable for fine cordage; commercial-grade cord's inner strands vary and are less consistent. Look for an explicit MIL-SPEC or MIL-C-5040H claim if that matters for your use case.