Aron R. is a 27-year-old mountaineer and mechanical engineer from Aspen, Colorado.
On April 26, 2003, Aron set out for a solo hike through Bluejohn Canyon in southeastern Utah.
Deep inside the narrow slot canyon, a boulder shifted and pinned his right arm against the canyon wall.
He was stuck.
No wireless signal. No one knew where he was. He had almost no water and no way to reach help.
For five days, Aron rationed his remaining water and tried everything to break away.
On the sixth day, he made the decision most people cannot even imagine.
He broke his own forearm and used a dull multi-tool to separate himself from the rock.
But escaping the boulder was just half the battle.
Between Aron and rescue was a 65-foot vertical drop.
Without rope, he would have been stuck at the top of that cliff with one arm and no way down.
Aron rigged his climbing rope, set anchors with one hand, and rappelled down the rock face.
He ended up hiking seven miles through the canyon, injured, exhausted, and completely alone, before a helicopter finally spotted him and carried him to safety.
And here’s the part that really sticks with me: Aron survived because he had cordage strong enough to hold his weight when everything was on the line.
That’s a powerful reminder of why having reliable, versatile cordage – like paracord – is essential.
So, let’s break this down.
What exactly is paracord, and why does it deserve a spot in your survival kits?
What is paracord?
Paracord is short for parachute cord.
It was first used by soldiers in World War II to suspend parachute lines.
When soldiers landed, they cut the cord from their chutes and packed it for use in the field.
They used it for everything: strapping gear to vehicles, building shelters, sewing up torn equipment, even making fishing lines.
The most common type is called 550-cord because it has a load strength of 550 pounds.
One foot of paracord contains seven inner strands that can be pulled apart and used separately.
That means 100 feet of paracord gives you up to 800 feet of usable cordage.
Plus, it is lightweight, strong, and takes up almost no space in your pack.
These are the key benefits of carrying paracord.
Shelter building:
If you need to build a lean-to, tarp shelter, or hammock in the field, paracord is the backbone of the structure.
Tie it between two trees as a ridgeline. Lash branches together for a frame. Secure a tarp or poncho over the top.
Without cordage, building a reliable shelter in the wild is much harder.
First aid uses:
In a first aid emergency, paracord can be used to make a splint by lashing straight sticks along a broken limb.
You can fashion a sling to support an injured arm or shoulder.
The inner strands can even be used as suture thread in extreme situations.
Fishing and trapping:
You can pull out the inner strands and you’ll have thin, strong fishing line.
Tie a hook to it and you can catch fish in any stream or lake.
You can also use paracord to build snare traps for small game.
Gear repair:
Broken backpack strap? Replace it with paracord.
Boot laces snapped? Paracord works.
Zipper pull broke? Tie on a paracord loop.
It is the duct tape of the rope world.
Drawbacks to paracord:
Stretch under load:
Nylon paracord stretches when wet or under heavy load.
This means your shelter ridgeline might sag overnight, and your knots may loosen in rain. You will need to retighten connections periodically.
UV damage over time:
Paracord left in direct sunlight will weaken over months.
The nylon fibers break down from UV exposure, reducing the cords strength without any visible signs.
Replace paracord in your kit every year or two and store it out of direct light.
If you are considering adding paracord to your gear, these are three solid options:
Priority 1: A 100-foot hank of 550 paracord
This is the foundation. Keep one in your bug-out bag, one in your vehicle, and one at home.
A hundred feet gives you enough cordage for shelter, gear repair, fishing, and first aid use in a single kit.
Look for Type III, 7-strand, nylon construction made in the USA.
Priority 2: A paracord survival bracelet
A wearable bracelet gives you 8 to 12 feet of cord on your wrist wherever you go.
Many bracelets include a fire starter, compass, and whistle built into the buckle.
It is the easiest way to always have cordage on your body without thinking about it.
Priority 3: Inner strand practice
Learn how to pull the inner strands and use them for fishing line, thread, and trip wires before you need to do it under pressure.
Practice tying key knots like the bowline, clove hitch, and truckers hitch.
Knowing how to use paracord matters just as much as carrying it.
While paracord is one of the most versatile survival tools you can own, remember that no single item replaces a well-rounded kit.
Make sure your survival kit has the essentials before you need them.
