Paracord for Preppers: Essential Gear for Emergency Preparedness
By Barry LeClair – Paracord Specialist, Suburban Indiana
This is the 6th blog of the Paracord blog series. You can check the other blogs I’ve written here: https://beadshub.co/blogs-paracord
Introduction: When Things Go South, Paracord Steps Up
Let’s be honest—emergencies don’t RSVP. They just show up.
As a paracord specialist (and former tech guy turned prepper), I’ve seen how this unassuming cord becomes critical when the grid’s down, the weather goes wild, or you’re just plain stranded. Paracord isn’t just for bracelets and zipper pulls. In the prepping world, it’s essential gear.
This guide walks you through how to prep smarter using paracord—whether you’re building a bug-out bag or upgrading your home emergency kit.
Section 1: Why Every Prepper Needs Paracord
Let’s break it down:
Multi-functional: Rope, fishing line, thread, shoelace, sling—you name it.
Lightweight & Compact: 50 feet fits in your back pocket.
Strong as heck: 550 Paracord holds up to 550 lbs.
Reliable in all weather: Water-resistant, mold-resistant, and holds up under pressure.
When power goes out or roads are blocked, paracord is the tool that adapts.
Section 2: Top Survival Uses for Paracord
Here’s what I’ve personally used paracord for—or seen done—in emergency drills and real-life scenarios:
🛖 Shelter Building
Tie up a tarp, lash together branches, or build a quick lean-to.
🩹 First Aid
Make a tourniquet, splint wrap, or sling using paracord and a stick.
🎣 Fishing & Trapping
Inner strands make strong fishing line; cord can trigger a snare trap.
🪢 Gear Repair
Replace broken zippers, straps, or shoelaces on the fly.
🔥 Fire Bow Cord
Use it as the string for a primitive fire-starting bow.
Section 3: Building Your Paracord Emergency Kit
Here’s what I include in my “Go Bag”:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 🔸 100 ft of 550 Paracord | General survival tasks |
| 🔸 Micro Cord (50 ft) | Sewing, traps, fishing |
| 🔸 Paracord Survival Bracelet | On-body emergency line |
| 🔸 Zipper Pull Lanyards | Easily grab gear |
| 🔸 A few brass beads from BeadsHub.co | For grip & tool access |
Tip: I wrap paracord around my flashlight and water bottle to save pack space.
Section 4: How to Store and Deploy Paracord Efficiently
Prepping is about being ready—fast. Here’s how I keep paracord ready to go:
✅ Hanks (bundles): Keep them tangle-free in your bag.
✅ Bracelets: Cobra weave = ~8–10 ft of cord on your wrist.
✅ Grenade kits: Wrap supplies like tinder, hooks, and matches inside a paracord bundle.
✅ Tactical wraps: Around your axe, knife, or trekking pole.
Section 5: Choosing the Right Paracord for Emergency Use
Not all paracord is created equal. Here’s what I recommend:
Stick with 550 Type III – Anything less is too weak, anything more is bulky.
Look for 100% nylon, 7–9 inner strands – Avoid polyester blends.
Trusted brands or suppliers only – I personally order mine from BeadsHub.co. The weave is tighter, colors stay true, and the quality’s never let me down.
Section 6: Common Prepper Mistakes with Paracord
Even experienced folks mess this up:
❌ Buying knockoff cords that snap under load
❌ Forgetting to seal cut ends (they fray fast)
❌ Not carrying enough – 10 ft sounds good until you need 30
❌ Not practicing knots or deployment – In an emergency, muscle memory saves time
Conclusion: Don’t Pack Your Bag Without It
Paracord isn’t flashy. It won’t win prepper awards. But it wins when it matters most.
It’s the silent MVP of emergency kits—cheap, light, strong, and endlessly useful. If you take prepping seriously, paracord shouldn’t just be part of your gear—it should be part of your mindset.
💬 Got Questions or Prepper Tips?
Have a story where paracord saved the day? Want help building your own cord-based kit?
Drop your comments below—I’ll personally answer every question. And let me know what you’d like me to cover in next week’s blog. Maybe we explore paracord knots every prepper should know?
