Collection: Atwood

What is 550 Cord?

Our U.S.A.-made paracord (550) gets its name from the 550 lbs. of tensile strength it is capable of withstanding. When paracord first came into use during WW2 as a parachute cord for soldiers, the U.S. military referred to 550 cord as "Type III." Within every 550 cord from Atwood, you'll find an internal 7-strand core, each made up of 2-ply cords. This multilayered construction gives our 550 paracord the strength to support high levels of weight while remaining compact, lightweight and highly flexible. In addition to its strength and durability, 550 cord is made from materials that won't rot if exposed to water and will not fray and break from UV exposure. 550 cord is an all-in-one product that can resist anything the wilderness – or you – throw at it.

What Can I Use Paracord 550 For?

550 paracord is one of the most versatile cords on the market today. Its lightweight construction and high tensile strength allow for a significant degree of adaptability to different situations. The number of uses for 550 cord is only limited by your imagination, but here are some of our favorite applications for 550 paracord rope – emergency and survival use. When going on your next adventure, it's always smart to pack your U.S.A.-made paracord from Atwood. Not only is the 550 cord itself useful for various applications, but the internal 7-strand core can be pulled out to give you hundreds of feet of cord for even more versatility.

In a dire situation, having a unique and versatile tool like 550 cord at your disposal may save your life.

You can improvise with 550 paracord to create: