As the name suggests, Paracord was originally developed for use in parachute lines and its light but strong nature quickly made it a favourite cordage in the military. However, not all paracord is the same and much of what we’re sold doesn’t meet the US military MIL-C-5040H technical spec.

MIL-C-5040H specifies 6 different strength paracords, but the Type III (550) is what most people identify as “paracord”. This requires a strong outer sheath, protecting 7-9 inner yarn cores, each made of 2 or 3 fiber twists. Think of it as 7-9 ropes each made up of a 2/3 strand rope, all surrounded by a strong sheath. A rope within a rope within a rope! The 550 figure refers to the minimum strength in lbs (249 kg). However, much of the paracord on the market is not designed to this specification.

Paracord survival hints:

• Use as boot laces so you always have some handy.
• Make paracord wrist bands, monkey fists and holders for emergency use, or wrap it around a knife handle for additional grip.
• Melt ends to avoid fraying.
• The inner yarn can be used as smaller thread for fishing line, sewing thread etc.

Who are Atwood?

Atwood Rope MFG is one of the largest Paracord and rope manufactures in the USA, located in the heart of Ohio. It is designed to meet, or exceed, the military spec and, unlike many paracord manufacturers, doesn’t use fake polypropylene sheath or cheap filler cores. All of Atwood ropes are tested in their government approved labs using state of the art digital testing equipment and guarantee strength and performance. This high standard matches UKSN’s ethos of providing the best quality items. Everything we sell is tested to confirm quality and performance - we will never sell anything we wouldn't use ourselves and that is a promise.

Atwood 550 Paracord:

This 550 Paracord is manufactured with 7 cores of high strength yarn to ensure it meets the 550 pound tensile test.

The photo below shows a well-known brand paracord on the left, and the 550 Paracord on the right. The internal yarn of the other paracord had no discernible structure, and only contained a few threads. The 550 Paracord had 7 inner yarns, each made up of 2 fiber twists. It’s clear to see which is better.

Atwood 550 Paracord specification:

• 550 Pound (249kg) tensile strength
• Diameter 4mm
• Weight 227g per 50 feet
• 7 braid inner yarn each made of 2 strands
• Manufactured to U.S Government standards
• Lightweight & Strong
• UV resistant
• Rot & Mildew Resistant
• Colour Will not run or bleed 

Atwood battlecord:

This Battlecord is manufactured with 7 cores of high strength yarn and exceeds a 2,650 pound (1,202kg) tensile test. Each core has an individual tensile strength of 350lbs (159kg)!!!

The photo below shows the huge number of strands housed inside the sheath.

Specification:

• 2650 Pound (1,202kg) tensile strength
• 350 Pound (159kg) per core
• Diameter 5.6mm
• Weight 397g per 50 feet
• 7 braid inner yarn each made of 2 strands
• Manufactured to exceed U.S Government standards
• Lightweight & Strong
• UV resistant
• Rot & Mildew Resistant
• Colour Will not run or bleed

Cordage is such a vital part of bushcraft and survival and crucial in so many ways. It makes sense to rely on the best.