Paracord bracelets are really popular because they’re not just cool to wear—they can also be useful in emergencies! People wear them when they go camping, hiking, or just because they look nice. But did you know that not all paracord is the same?
Paracord is a type of strong, lightweight rope, and it comes in different types. Some are really thin and not very strong, while others are thick and super powerful. When you’re making a paracord bracelet, it’s important to choose the right kind of paracord so that it’s both comfortable to wear and strong enough if you ever need to use it in an emergency.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of paracord and find out which one is the best for making bracelets. By the end, you’ll know exactly which type of paracord to use for your next bracelet project!
What is Paracord?
Paracord is a special kind of rope that is super strong but also lightweight. It’s made from nylon, a material that is both tough and flexible. Paracord was first used by the military in parachutes, which is why it’s called “paracord” (short for parachute cord). Soldiers used it to make sure their parachutes would open safely when they jumped out of airplanes.
But over time, people realized that paracord wasn’t just great for parachutes—it could be used for all kinds of things, especially in survival situations. Nowadays, paracord is used by campers, hikers, and even people who like to make crafts like bracelets.
Let’s break down what makes paracord so useful:
1. Strong and Tough
Paracord is known for its strength. The most common type of paracord, called Type III or 550 paracord, can hold up to 550 pounds! That’s more than the weight of two full-grown adults. This strength makes paracord perfect for survival uses, like tying things down, making shelters, or even helping in emergencies.
2. Made Up of Inner Strands
What makes paracord extra special is what’s inside. Paracord isn’t just one thick rope—it’s made up of a bunch of smaller strands. If you unravel a piece of paracord, you’ll find that it has an outer layer and 7 to 9 inner strands inside. These thin inner strands are strong on their own and can be used for things like fishing line, sewing thread, or small repairs.
3. Flexible and Easy to Use
Even though paracord is super strong, it’s also really flexible. This makes it easy to tie knots, wrap around things, or weave into patterns, like the ones you see in paracord bracelets. Because it bends easily, it’s great for making things that need to be both strong and comfortable to wear, like a bracelet.
4. Used for Many Different Things
Paracord is used in so many different ways. Here are just a few:
- In Survival Situations:People use paracord when they’re out in the wild to build shelters, start fires, or even make traps to catch food.
- For Fashion and Crafting:Paracord is also popular for making cool bracelets, belts, keychains, and more. These crafts are not just fun to make—they’re practical, too, because you can unravel them if you ever need the cord.
- For Fixing or Repairing Gear:Paracord can be used to fix things, like tying a broken backpack strap, replacing shoelaces, or even sewing up torn clothes or a tent.
Different Types of Paracord
Not all paracord is the same! There are different types, and each one is used for different things. The type of paracord you choose can make a big difference, especially if you’re making a bracelet that you might need to use in an emergency. Let’s look at the most common types of paracord and what makes them different from each other.
1. Type I Paracord: Light and Weak
- Strength:Can hold up to 95 pounds.
- Structure:This type of paracord only has one inner strand, making it the weakest kind of paracord.
Best For: Type I paracord is very light and thin, so it’s not strong enough for survival tasks. It’s mostly used for smaller projects, like making decorative keychains or lanyards, not for bracelets that need to be strong in emergencies.
Why it’s not ideal for bracelets: Since it’s not very strong, Type I paracord isn’t the best choice for a bracelet. If you ever needed to use the paracord to help tie something down or fix gear, it might not be able to handle the weight or pressure.
2. Type II Paracord: Medium Strength
- Strength:Can hold up to 400 pounds.
- Structure:Type II paracord has about 4 to 7 inner strands, so it’s stronger than Type I, but not as strong as Type III.
Best For: This type of paracord is used for medium tasks like tying down lightweight items or for small projects where a bit more strength is needed.
Why it’s less common for bracelets: Even though it’s stronger than Type I, Type II paracord is still not as popular for bracelets because there’s an even better option (Type III). It’s also harder to find than other types of paracord, so people don’t use it as much.
3. Type III Paracord (550 Paracord): The Best for Bracelets
- Strength:Can hold up to 550 pounds.
- Structure:Type III paracord has 7 to 9 inner strands, making it very strong and reliable.
Best For: This is the most popular type of paracord for bracelets because it has the perfect balance of strength, flexibility, and comfort. It’s strong enough to use in survival situations, like tying things down, building shelters, or even making traps.
Why it’s ideal for bracelets:
- Strong but not too bulky.Type III paracord is strong enough for most emergency situations but still comfortable enough to wear on your wrist every day.
- Flexible and easy to weave.It’s easy to work with, making it perfect for weaving into bracelets, belts, or other gear.
- Versatile inner strands.The inner strands can be pulled out and used for smaller tasks like sewing or fishing line.
Type III paracord is the go-to choice for anyone making a paracord bracelet because it’s reliable and easy to find.
4. Type IV Paracord: Super Strong but Bulky
- Strength:Can hold up to 750 pounds.
- Structure:Type IV paracord has 11 inner strands, making it the strongest type of paracord.
Best For: This type of paracord is used when you need extra strength, like for heavy-duty tasks in survival or outdoor settings. It’s great for holding up really heavy objects or when you need to pull or lift things.
Why it’s not great for bracelets: Even though Type IV paracord is very strong, it’s also much thicker and bulkier than Type III. This makes it uncomfortable to wear as a bracelet. Plus, you usually don’t need that much strength in a bracelet for everyday use. That’s why most people don’t choose Type IV paracord for making bracelets.
Why Type III (550) Paracord is Best for Bracelets
When it comes to making paracord bracelets, Type III paracord, also known as 550 paracord, is the most popular and best choice. Let’s break down why this type of paracord is the top pick for bracelets, whether you’re wearing one for fun or for survival situations.
1. Perfect Balance of Strength and Flexibility
Type III paracord is strong but also flexible, which makes it great for wearing as a bracelet. It can hold up to 550 pounds of weight, which is more than enough for most tasks. At the same time, it’s not too thick or stiff, so it feels comfortable on your wrist and bends easily when you need to use it.
- Strong Enough for Survival:If you ever find yourself in an emergency, Type III paracord can handle most situations, like tying down gear, building a shelter, or even pulling heavy objects.
- Flexible and Comfortable:Unlike thicker types (like Type IV), Type III is flexible, which means it’s easy to weave into patterns for bracelets, and it’s comfortable to wear for long periods without feeling bulky.
2. Versatile Inner Strands
One of the coolest things about 550 paracord is that it has 7 to 9 inner strands hidden inside. These inner strands are really useful because you can pull them out and use them for smaller, delicate tasks while still keeping the main outer cord intact.
- Fishing Line:If you’re stuck in the wild and need to catch food, the thin inner strands of Type III paracord make great fishing line.
- Sewing or Repairs:The inner strands can also be used for sewing things, like repairing torn clothes, tents, or even fixing your gear.
- Multiple Uses:Because the paracord has both strong outer layers and thin inner strands, it’s like having several different tools in one rope.
This makes Type III perfect for survival situations, and having it woven into a bracelet means it’s always on hand when you need it.
3. Comfortable for Everyday Wear
While some types of paracord are too thick or bulky to wear as a bracelet, 550 paracord is just the right size. It’s strong but thin enough to be comfortable on your wrist. You can wear it every day, whether you’re hiking, camping, or just going about your daily routine.
- Not Too Bulky:Unlike Type IV paracord, which can feel heavy and bulky, Type III is thin enough that it doesn’t feel uncomfortable when worn for a long time.
- Lightweight:Even though it’s strong, Type III paracord is lightweight, so you can wear it without feeling like you have something heavy on your wrist.
This makes it ideal for people who want to wear their paracord bracelet all the time, so they’re always prepared for any situation.
4. Easy to Find and Customize
Another great thing about Type III paracord is that it’s widely available and comes in a ton of colors and patterns. This makes it easy to find the perfect paracord for your bracelet, whether you want a simple, functional one or something more colorful and fun.
- Available Everywhere:Because Type III is the most popular type of paracord, it’s easy to find in stores or online.
- Many Colors and Patterns:You can find Type III paracord in lots of colors and designs, so you can make bracelets that match your style. There’s even glow-in-the-dark or reflective paracord if you want something extra special.
This makes it fun to customize your paracord bracelet, whether you want it for fashion, survival, or both.
5. Widely Used and Trusted
550 paracord is trusted by campers, hikers, survival experts, and even the military because of its reliability. When you make a bracelet with Type III paracord, you know it will work well when you need it. Whether you’re tying down a tent, making a tourniquet in an emergency, or using it to repair something, you can count on it to get the job done.
- Trusted for Survival:Many survivalists recommend Type III paracord because it’s strong, versatile, and reliable.
- Military-Grade:Type III paracord was originally used by the military for parachutes, so you know it’s tough enough for challenging situations.
This means you can trust that your bracelet made from Type III paracord will work well if you ever need it in an emergency.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Paracord for a Bracelet
When you’re making or buying a paracord bracelet, it’s important to pick the right kind of paracord. Not all paracord is the same, and some types might be better than others depending on how you plan to use your bracelet. Let’s break down the most important things you should think about when choosing paracord for a bracelet.
1. Strength Needs
One of the most important things to think about when choosing paracord is how strong you need it to be. Paracord comes in different types, and each type can hold a different amount of weight.
- For Everyday Use:If you’re wearing the bracelet just for fun or fashion, you don’t need the strongest paracord. But it’s still a good idea to use Type III (550 paracord) because it’s strong enough for emergencies (holding up to 550 pounds) while still being lightweight and comfortable.
- For Survival or Outdoor Adventures:If you’re planning to use the bracelet for camping, hiking, or survival situations, strength is very important. Type III paracord is perfect because it’s strong enough to handle most tasks, like tying down a tent, securing gear, or even building a shelter. It’s the best balance between strength and comfort.
Tip: If you don’t need super heavy-duty strength, avoid using Type IV paracord because it’s too bulky for most bracelets. Stick to Type III for most uses.
2. Comfort and Size
Another big factor to consider is comfort. Since you’ll be wearing the bracelet on your wrist, you want it to feel good and not be too heavy or bulky. Some paracord is thicker than others, and that can make a big difference in how the bracelet feels when you wear it.
- Type III Paracord:This type of paracord is the most comfortable for everyday wear. It’s not too thick and not too thin, making it just right for bracelets. It’s strong enough for survival situations but still feels good on your wrist.
- Type IV Paracord:This type of paracord is thicker and stronger, but it’s also bulkier. Wearing a bracelet made from Type IV paracord might feel heavy and uncomfortable, especially if you wear it all day long.
Tip: If you want a bracelet that you can wear all the time without it bothering you, Type III paracord is the best option. It’s strong but still comfortable.
3. Durability and Flexibility
Paracord bracelets are not just for looks—they’re also useful tools. That’s why it’s important to choose paracord that is both durable (able to last a long time) and flexible (easy to tie and weave). You want paracord that can handle being used in different situations without breaking or getting worn out.
- Durable:Type III paracord is made from tough nylon, which means it won’t fray or wear out easily. It’s strong and durable enough to handle rough outdoor conditions like rain, wind, and dirt.
- Flexible:You also want paracord that’s easy to work with. Type III paracord is flexible enough to make tight knots and weave into patterns, but it’s still strong and holds its shape well. Some thicker paracord, like Type IV, can be too stiff, making it harder to weave and use in smaller spaces.
Tip: Choose paracord that is flexible and durable enough to use in emergencies. Type III paracord is both durable and easy to work with, which is why it’s the best choice for bracelets.
4. Color and Style Options
Paracord isn’t just about strength—it can also be stylish! Another factor to think about is the color and style of the paracord you want for your bracelet. Paracord comes in a huge variety of colors and patterns, so you can pick something that matches your style.
- Solid Colors:You can find paracord in almost any color, from black and white to bright neon colors. This makes it easy to find something that fits your personality or matches the rest of your gear.
- Patterns:Paracord also comes in fun patterns like camo (for a more rugged look), rainbow (for something colorful), or even glow-in-the-dark! There are also reflective paracords that shine in the dark, which can be helpful if you’re hiking at night.
- Special Paracord:Some paracord has extra features, like firestarter paracord (which has a strand inside that can help you start a fire), or reflective paracord, which is great for outdoor activities where you need to be seen.
Tip: Choose colors or patterns that you like, but make sure you’re picking Type III paracord for strength and durability. You can find plenty of color options in Type III, so you can have both style and function!
5. Availability
Finally, it’s important to think about how easy it is to find the type of paracord you want. Type III paracord is the most common and widely available. You can find it in stores, online, and even in craft shops because it’s the most popular for both survival and crafting purposes.
- Easy to Find:Since Type III paracord is so popular, it’s easy to find in different colors and patterns. This makes it a great choice for bracelets because you’ll have lots of options.
- Harder to Find Types:Types like Type II or Type IV are less common, which makes them harder to find in stores. They also come in fewer color options.
Tip: Stick with Type III if you want to have plenty of choices in both color and style. It’s the most available and versatile type of paracord.
Specialty Paracord Options
While Type III (550) paracord is the most popular and useful type for bracelets, there are also some special kinds of paracord that can add cool features to your bracelet. These specialty paracords are designed to do more than just be strong—they have extra abilities that can be helpful in different situations, especially when you’re outdoors or in an emergency. Let’s take a look at some of these special paracord options!
1. Glow-in-the-Dark Paracord
As the name suggests, glow-in-the-dark paracord glows when it’s dark. This type of paracord is perfect if you want your bracelet to stand out at night or if you need to be able to find it quickly in the dark.
- How it works:Glow-in-the-dark paracord absorbs light during the day or when exposed to bright light, and then it glows in the dark for a while. The glow can help you see the paracord even in low light or at night.
- When it’s useful:If you’re camping or hiking at night, a glow-in-the-dark paracord bracelet can make it easier to spot your gear. It’s also helpful if you accidentally drop your bracelet in the dark—it will be easier to find.
Tip: Glow-in-the-dark paracord is a fun way to add some visibility to your bracelet. It doesn’t affect the strength of the paracord, so you can still use it for survival situations if needed.
2. Reflective Paracord
Reflective paracord is another special type that’s great for being seen at night, but it works a little differently from glow-in-the-dark paracord. Instead of glowing on its own, reflective paracord has special threads woven into it that reflect light when it hits the cord.
- How it works:When light, like from a flashlight or car headlights, shines on the reflective paracord, it bounces back, making the cord shine brightly. This makes it easier to see at night or in low-light conditions.
- When it’s useful:Reflective paracord is great for nighttime activities, especially if you’re hiking, camping, or doing any outdoor work where you need to be visible to others. It helps people spot you from a distance in the dark.
Tip: Reflective paracord is especially useful for safety purposes. If you like being outdoors in the evening, having a bracelet with reflective paracord can help keep you safe by making you more visible.
3. Firestarter Paracord
Firestarter paracord has a special inner strand that can help you start a fire in an emergency. In addition to the regular inner strands that paracord usually has, this type includes a strand made from material that easily catches fire, like jute (a fibrous material), or a wax-coated thread.
- How it works:When you unravel the paracord, you’ll find a strand that can be used as tinder (the small, flammable material you need to start a fire). You can pull out this strand and use it with a spark or flame to get your fire started.
- When it’s useful:Firestarter paracord is great for survival situations where you need to start a fire to stay warm, cook food, or signal for help. It’s especially handy if you’re camping or hiking in the wild, where starting a fire could be crucial.
Tip: Firestarter paracord adds an extra survival tool to your bracelet. It doesn’t just provide rope—it also gives you a way to make fire, which can be a lifesaving ability in the wilderness.
FAQ
Q1. What’s the best paracord for bracelets?
A:Type III (550 paracord) is the best—it’s strong, flexible, and comfortable, holding up to 550 pounds.
Q2. Why is 550 paracord the best?
A:It balances strength and comfort, making it ideal for survival use and everyday wear.
Q3. What’s the difference between Type III and Type IV paracord?
A:Type III holds 550 pounds and is more comfortable for bracelets, while Type IV is thicker and holds 750 pounds, making it bulkier.
Q4. Can I use Type I or Type II paracord?
A:Yes, but they’re weaker than Type III and mostly used for decorations.
Q5. What are specialty paracord options?
A:Options like glow-in-the-dark, reflective, and firestarter paracord add cool features to your bracelet.
Q6. Is paracord comfortable to wear?
：Yes, Type III is lightweight and flexible, making it comfortable for daily wear.
Conclusion
When choosing paracord for a bracelet, Type III (550 paracord) is the best option. It’s strong, flexible, and comfortable to wear, making it perfect for both everyday use and emergencies. With its balance of strength and versatility, plus the wide variety of colors and patterns available, Type III paracord is ideal for making functional, stylish bracelets. Whether you’re crafting for fun or preparing for survival situations, Type III paracord offers the perfect combination of durability and practicality.
