Paracord Type III

Paracord 550 Type III is a strong, lightweight rope with a diameter of approximately 4 mm, available in a wide range of vibrant colors and patterns. Manufactured in the USA or EU, this original parac

Paracord Type III, also known as 550 paracord, is a strong, lightweight rope with a diameter of approximately 3.8 mm, available in a wide range of vibrant colours and patterns. Manufactured in the USA or EU from high-quality nylon or polyester, it features a durable 32-strand woven sheath and 7 soft, twisted inner cores, giving it a breaking strength of 249 kg (550 lbs). Paracord 550 is perfect for making dog collars, leashes, horse tack, nylon whips, survival gear and bracelets.

Basic ColoursBasic ColoursMulti ColoursMulti ColoursUS PolyesterUS PolyesterShiny PolyesterShiny PolyesterChinese PolyesterChinese PolyesterTex. PolyesterTex. PolyesterOtherOther

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Why is it called "550"?

Paracord thicknesses are often named after their breaking force in pounds. Paracord Type III carries the nickname "550" because it's rated to 550 lbs, or 249 kg. Alongside Type III, Type II is popular for finer knotting, and Type I, Micro and Nano are typically used as accessory cord. "Mil-Spec Paracord" refers to cord made to the strict U.S. Military specification, suited to serious outdoor use.

Nylon or polyester?

Because of paracord's popularity, several material variants are now available. Most makers prefer nylon: it feels more natural than polyester and is more elastic, which knotters tend to find more pleasant to work with. Polyester is the alternative, offering different trade-offs rather than simply being "better" or "worse."

Family Material Key traits
Basic Colours / Multi Colours Nylon Our most popular option. Natural feel, more elastic, absorbs water, can shrink slightly when wet
US Polyester Polyester sheath, nylon core, made in the USA More resistant to wear and UV light, doesn't absorb or shrink from water, rougher surface, less elastic, weaker than nylon under steady pressure
Shiny Polyester Polyester A curated selection of glossier colourways within our Chinese polyester range, same properties as Chinese Polyester
Chinese Polyester Polyester Same polyester properties as above, produced in China
Tex. Polyester Textured polyester A textured, multi-mix finish for a different look and feel to standard smooth paracord
Other Varies Reflectable, glitter and blacklight-reactive colours that don't fit the standard families

Attention: polyester and nylon paracord

Polyester paracord cannot be fused together with nylon paracord due to its different chemical make-up. Polyester and nylon paracord sold under the same colour name may also differ slightly in shade, since the two materials take dye differently.

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