Paracord is often called the duct tape of the cordage world, and for good reason. Genuine 550 paracord has a minimum breaking strength of 250kg, yet weighs just grams per metre and packs down to almost nothing. In UK survival situations, you'll use it constantly — rigging a tarpaulin shelter against driving rain, creating a washing line to dry sodden clothes, fashioning a tourniquet or splint binding in a first aid emergency, or replacing a snapped bootlace on a remote Munro. The inner strands can be separated for finer tasks like fishing line or suture thread. No survival kit is complete without at least 15 metres.
Paracord is a reach-for-daily item in any outdoor scenario. Use it to pitch tarps and hammocks in UK woodlands, secure gear to the outside of your rucksack, hang a bear bag (or simply keep food away from foxes and badgers at camp), create a ridgeline for a shelter, or lash together a makeshift stretcher. In urban emergency situations, paracord can serve as a tow line, a bundle tie, or a securing strap for loose items in high winds.
True 550 paracord has a kernmantle construction with 7-9 inner strands enclosed in a braided outer sheath. Cheap imitations often have only 2-3 inner strands or none at all. Check the specification — genuine Type III 550 cord has a minimum tensile strength of 550 lbs (250kg).
Each inner strand should itself be made of multiple twisted fibres. These inner strands are individually useful as fishing line, sewing thread, or dental floss in a survival situation. The more inner strands, the more versatile your cordage supply becomes.
For UK use where your cord may spend days wet, choose nylon paracord that resists mildew and rot. Some premium cords include UV-resistant treatments that prevent the outer sheath from degrading in sunlight. Avoid cotton or polyester imitations.
When you cut paracord, the ends will fray rapidly unless you melt them with a flame. Always seal cut ends immediately — this prevents unravelling and makes the cord easier to thread through grommets and tie-down points on tarps and packs.
Despite its impressive strength rating, paracord is NOT rated for climbing, abseiling, or any life-safety application. It has very little stretch and no dynamic energy absorption. Use proper climbing rope for those purposes. Paracord is for utility, not fall arrest.
A 30-metre length of 7-strand 550 paracord for shelter building, gear repairs and countless improvised jobs. One of the highest-utility items you can pack for its weight.
A compact folding saw that cuts green wood, dry timber, plastic and bone with ease. A bushcraft favourite for processing firewood and clearing obstacles.
Assorted-length elasticated bungee cords with strong carabiner hooks for securing loads, rigging shelters and strapping down gear quickly and reusably.
A compact sewing and repair kit with assorted needles, strong thread and spares, letting you mend torn clothing, packs and gear wherever failure strikes.
Strong, weather-resistant cable ties for securing, bundling and repairing almost anything — a featherweight, do-everything fastener for kits, cars and toolboxes.
A heavy-duty cloth tape that sticks hard to rough, uneven and damp surfaces. The go-to for fast, strong field repairs when something absolutely has to hold.
A survival-focused multi-tool that adds a ferro rod fire starter, emergency whistle and sharpener to the usual pliers and blades. Built for the outdoors, not just the toolbox.
A quality multi-tool combines pliers, knife blades, screwdrivers, and other implements into a single compact unit. The Swiss Army knife's more robust cousin and an indispensable survival companion.
Lightweight waterproof sheet for creating emergency shelters, ground cover, and rain protection.
Heavy-duty duct tape is the ultimate field repair solution — capable of patching tents, waterproofs, shelters, and gear in seconds. A survival kit staple that weighs almost nothing when wrapped around a pencil or card.
Understanding the key differences between a bug-out bag and a survival kit, and when you need each one.
A step-by-step guide to building a kit that will sustain you and your family for 72 hours during any emergency.
