We consider cordage and rope to be one of the most critical survival tools. Each rope type performs differently under certain circumstances. So, for survival preparation, is there one that can work well in most circumstances? Is there one we can rely on in nearly any emergency usage? After a lot of research and testing we found the best cord/line for all around survival usage.
550 Paracord Type 3 is our preferred, all-around, general-use survival cord. Read below for our test results and research findings.
550 paracord type 3 was selected by the military for parachute usage. It is rated to hold 550 pounds and is highly favored for survival situations. We consider it one of the highest priority emergency essentials and it should be a part of go-bags and other survival supplies.
Consider using it for emergency shelters, lashing tools and furniture, first aid, and more.
550 paracord type 3 was selected by the military for parachute usage. It is rated to hold 550 pounds and is highly favored for survival situations. We consider it one of the highest priority emergency essentials and it should be a part of go-bags and other survival supplies.
This survivor cord also includes fishing line, waterproof fire tinder, and conducive copper wire. Check out our review below.
Content:
Scope:
Difficulty:
Rope and cord have a similar construction. However, they also have different purposes and capabilities. Typically, cord will have a much smaller diameter than rope.
Cord:
Rope:
Choosing the Best Rope or Cord for Survival
There are so many options for different applications. It's just not practical to carry every one or even several in an emergency kit. So, is there one product that can play the "jack-of-all-trades" role? Is there one "Best" option? How to you choose the best rope or cord for survival?
First, let's look at the most common survival applications to see what's required.
There are endless uses for cords and lines in an emergency. Here are some common situations to be prepared for:
Light Duty
Heavy Duty
Based on this list of common survival uses we likely need two types of line. One light duty and one heavy duty. For this article we're going to focus on light duty options we can carry in an emergency kit. We need a product that is:
We set out to find the best cordage/rope/line options for survival. After a lot of research and testing we found a best overall product for all around use. It's not the best when compared to each rope type in unique situations. However, we're looking for one all-around product to carry in our emergency kits and survival bags that will perform well in nearly all situations.
We searched dozens of websites and survival books. Older books recommended natural ropes and lines. The more modern the resource, the more references there were to synthetic options out performing natural options.
Some of the poly options are very heavy and bulky. They would be hard to transport in a pack for long distances.
The most commonly recommended modern cord type by far is 550 Paracord Type 3. It fits all of the criteria.
It's strong, light weight, thin, flexible, composed of multiple strands, weather resistant, and UV resistant for some time.
Paracord was originally created for the military. It was called parachute cord and was designed for military parachutes. It had to be consistent and hold up to the active duties of military applications.
Soon, private companies began to produce it but not all paracord is created equal. Some products are inferior. Some is better suited for crafts and very light applications.
For survival purposes we recommend using what the military uses: 550 Paracord Type 3. It's designed to sustain 550 pounds of static weight per strand. In our research we found there are typically 2 paracord materials: Nylon and Polyester. Nylon performs best in most applications and is preferred by the military.
Since the military doesn't take product testing lightly, we're going to default to the milspec 550 Paracord Type 3 as our preferred cordage option.
Here are the specs defining milspec paracord:
Vendors are required to to add a color coded strand within their milspec paracord to distinguish it as milspec and individual from other products.
We put 550 Paracord to the test. We stressed it, burned it, braided it, dissected it, rubbed it, cut it and tied it. Here's what we found:
Caveats and Warnings
Survivor Cord is a proprietary cord that adds 3 additional strands to the overall paracord: jute tinder, wire, fishing line. We dissected and tested the whole cord as well as the individual strands. Here's what we found:
Recommendations: carry regular 550 paracord type 3 as your go-to cord with 20 feet or so of the Survivor cord for the extra features.
*Top-Rated Products Only
Enhanced milspec type 3 550 SurvivorCord for survival
Buy on AmazonWhile there are a number of options for line and cord, milspec paracord is the best all around cord for survival situations. It's light, flexible, strong, and element resistant.
We've used it camping, around the house, and in many outdoor scenarios. It holds up well and if you only get one option, this is it.
Enhanced milspec type 3 550 SurvivorCord for survival
Buy on Amazon1This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
2 As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
3 Most reviews are based on personal experience from one of our content editors. Some are based on research and the opinions of other reviewers.