There are about a million different paracord uses--from a carry strap to a survival bracelet. Here are 37 of the uses for parachute cord, or 550 cord. There's a wide variety of unique and creative ways to use your paracord. The rope itself features many interwoven strands for its size. These strands can also be pulled apart for additional uses. Without further ado, let's get into the list!
1. Carry Strap
The most simple and functional use for paracord is to be used as a carry strap. Whether it's around your neck, as a wrist wrap, or even the tent at your campsite you can keep your gear secure. Additionally, the equipment won't be coming undone anytime soon with the strength of paracord. You'll have improved grip and no fear of dropping your stuff.
2. Survival Bracelet
One of the most common uses of paracord is to make a survival bracelet. This gives you a nice stylish and functional accessory to your wardrobe. With a bracelet you can undo it for a moments notice for use in certain situations. Doesn't hurt to always be prepared. Not to mention, many people also opt to mix and match different colors of paracord for a unique look.
3. Boot Shoelaces
You never know when a shoelace may come undone and break apart. Use paracord as a replacement boot shoelace. Not to mention, paracord also comes in a wide variety of different colors. You can mix and match them to get a different style with the shoes you already have.
4. Ridge-line For Tarp Shelter
Having a ridge-line is quite important for creating an effective tarp shelter. You can utilize paracord as a simple rope to hang your tarp across. Tie each end onto adjacent trees, and you've got yourself a sturdy ridge-line.
5. Tie Knots
One of the most popular and practical uses for paracord is to use it to tie knots. This can be quite useful for those with boats looking to secure them to a dock. With the durable flex parachute cord offers it's a great choice for nautical use. Not to mention, it holds up well against the rough saltwater.
6. Clothes Line
One of the most basic paracord uses is as clothes line. Hang it from two adjacent trees and let your clothes dry free. Paracord gives an easy line to clip onto for plenty of clothes drying space.
7. Paper Towel Holder
Ever stuck without a proper place to lay your paper towels? With paracord you can create a simple hanger to hold them in place. Tie about a 1 foot long piece across two anchor points and you've got yourself a DIY paper towel holder.
8. Dog Leash
Walking your dog is essential for taking care of your pet. Use some paracord for a dog leash when in a pinch. This works well as a backup to be prepared in case your regular leash busts or breaks.
9. Fishing Line
Believe it or not you can even use paracord for fishing line. To do this you need to tear apart the paracord into it's single braided strands. Now, most people won't be able to use it with a standard fishing rod. Yet, it does work as a rudimentary line.
10. Impromptu Belt
Carrying your tools around can be a struggle without the right bag. Use paracord to tie your tool bag on as a belt. This tool belt can also work as a rope or belt to secure the pants you tie it onto.
11. Keychain
One of the most popular paracord projects and uses is to create a paracord keychain. These keychains work as a sturdy grip fob to carry your keys around on. Not to mention, it also secures your keys if you need to hold them for opening a lock or using them as a makeshift weapon. Here's a YouTube video that explains how to
12. Hair Tie
One of the more simple paracord uses would be as a hair tie. It's quite easy to tie up a knot with paracord, so why not in your hair? Carry this around in your pocket and you'll be able to tie up your hair up in a moments notice.
13. Drip Lines For Hammock
When you're in the outdoors, your hammock can be subjected to all the elements. One of the most important aspects to staying dry in your hammock is to have drip lines. Some straps or rope comes with lines for water, yet other don't. To make your own drip lines you can attach a small line of paracord right to your straps. This will prevent any water from seeping into your hammock.
14. Dental Floss
Believe it or not you can also use paracord as dental floss. Like fishing line, you tear apart and separate the cord into individual strands. These strands are then small enough to fit in between your teeth for some on the fly hygiene.
15. Backpack Gear Fastener
When going backpacking or hiking, you'll need to carry a lot of gear. As a simple fastener you can use paracord to keep things secure. Tie a knot around the outside of your pack to the gear and you've got some easy additional storage. Items like duct tape, water bottles, or other small equipment works well.
16. Fishing Net
One of the more unique uses for paracord is as a fishing net. Quite surprising, you can tear apart the individual strands of paracord to weave together a fishing net. If you're the more craft oriented person, this DIY fishing net could work well!
17. Snare Trap
An excellent hunting use for paracord would be as a snare trap. It's quite simple to setup paracord for this. Lay out your rope in the position for the capture and create the trap then you're good to go.
18. Tether For Handheld Gear
Handheld self defense gear can be an excellent way to stay protected. One thing is, it makes it a lot easier to carry if you have a tether for them. Use paracord as a simple tether for your handheld gear. That way, you can keep them safe and secure when they're in your hand. Additionally, you can then tie them to your backpack if they're small enough.
19. Zipper Pulls
Zippers are an excellent invention. Yet, some backpacks or jackets can be tough to pull without a good grip. To solve this problem, you can create your own paracord zipper pull. To do this, you'll need to learn how to tie a snake knot. The following YouTube video below explains step by step how to do it:
20. Gear Sling For Climbing Gear
When going climbing, there can be an awful lot of gear to carry. One of the best paracord uses is to strap all your gear together with it. You may then wonder, is it safe to use paracord for climbing and rappelling? Yes and no. In fact, you should never use paracord as an alternative to climbing rope. It cannot support enough strength for the wear and tear of climbing. Yet, it works great to carry along gear.
21. Cinch Down Rooftop Gear
Using a roof rack on your car can be a great way to add on some additional storage. However, a lot of gear can tend to go flying around without proper fastening. Many people opt for ratchet straps as their go-to option. Yet, when in a pinch, or looking for a cheaper solution, you can use paracord as a rooftop tie down!
22. Hang Pack From Tree
When setting up your campsite in the woods, it's always a good idea to keep your valuables off the ground. You don't want any ants, or other creatures making their way into food or clothing. Tie a piece of paracord around a tree to your backpack to keep it safe and elevated.
23. Hoodie Cinch Strap
We all have that favorite hoodie or jacket. It sucks when you're running or doing some activity and then the hood string is gone out of nowhere. Could have been from the laundry, you can never be too sure. Try using paracord as a hoodie cinch strap for a stylish replacement.
24. Hat Tether
You can never be too sure when your hat may blow off in the wind. Use paracord as a hat tether to keep your hat secure at all times. Tie a piece from your hat onto your backpack or jacket as an anchor and you're good to go.
25. Hang Container Over Fire
When out in the wilderness, you may need to boil some water for safe consumption. One of the simplest ways to do this is to hang a container over fire. Use paracord as a rope to lower your water down over the fire for boiling. Be careful not to lower it in too close or else you may start to burn your paracord.
26. Headband
One of the other simple paracord uses is as a headband. This is great for those going on a hike or in the outdoors in general. You can either lace the paracord into a knit style material, or use the rope itself as your band. Either way you've got an effective method to keep your hair contained!
27. Bundling Firewood
When carrying firewood, it can be a pain to keep it steady and secure. Another very practical use for paracord would be to use it to bundle firewood. You can use it as well for your pile of lumber after you're done moving it to its preferred destination.
28. Pull Cord For Machinery
Everyone hates when their lawnmower pull cord decides to crap out on them and rip to pieces. An excellent replacement rope would be to use paracord. It's high level of strength fits as a great alternative. Not to mention, paracord can work as a pull cord for any kind of machinery. Whether that's your lawnmower, weed whacker, or any other gas operated machine!
29. Handcuffs
A more rudimentary use for paracord would be as a pair of handcuffs. Tie up your enemies and prisoners with some paracord and they're not going anywhere! Of course, you need to use the right knots for them to be effective.
30. Create A Monkey Fist
One of the cooler paracord projects you can create is a monkey fist. This small ball at the end of a rope serves as a weight, making it easier to throw and as a decoration. Watch this YouTube video to learn how to make a monkey fist out of paracord:
31. Pulley Line
One of the other more simple uses of paracord is as a pulley line. Attach some paracord rope to a pulley and you're good to go. This works well for lifting small items off the ground and for use with smaller pulleys. Most paracord has a carry limit of only 550 pounds, and works better for basic use.
32. Tow Rope
Like use as a pulley line, paracord can also work as a tow rope. It's also important to mention that you should not use this for towing any heavy machinery. Towing with paracord works best for rudimentary use, and smaller objects.
33. Tie Tarp To Trees
Another fantastic use for paracord is to tie tarp to trees. When you have a shelter or tent, it can be quite important to secure it to a steady object for safety. Trees are an excellent choice for a sturdy anchor point. With paracord, it also has the thin strength to hold any cover down and not blow away.
34. Pull Things With Snowmobile
One of the more simple paracord uses is as a pull rope for snowmobiles. Of course any other snow transportation like a sled can also work. Use paracord to attach and tow small objects along the back when traveling in the winter wonderland.
35. Gate Holder
When homesteading or operating a farm it can be important to keep gates secure. Chains tend to rust overtime and can be heavy to move. A very practical use for paracord is as a lightweight gate holder. Of course you cannot lock paracord as well as you can a chain. Yet, it works well for smaller pens or situations where you don't need as much strength.
36. Holder For Targets
Aiming at targets for shooting and archery is a great way to increase your skills. Yet, you need something to tie it with to hold them up. Paracord can work as your rope to hold up those targets. It's lightweight, and easy to setup on the fly.
37. Improvised Stretcher
If necessary, paracord can also work as an improvised stretcher. To build it, you can tie paracord across each end of two sticks until you've created your makeshift stretcher. Keep in mind this works better for rudimentary use, and only in case of emergencies or survival situations.
Watch This Video For 101 Paracord Uses In Action!
In short, you never know when you may need some paracord. With it's wide variety of uses you're better off stocking up. It can come in handy in many different survival or outdoor situations.