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#1 on this list
550 Type III MIL-C-5040 Paracord
Paracord Planet
Best all-round camp cord: certified Type III 550 in lengths from 1 ft to 1,000 ft.
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#2 on this list
750 Mil-Spec Type IV Paracord
Paracord Planet
Heavy-duty pick: 750 lb minimum break strength and 11 inner strands.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | 550 Type III MIL-C-5040 Paracord | 750 Mil-Spec Type IV Paracord |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Rating | 550 lbs minimum breaking strength | — |
| Construction | 32-strand woven sheath, 7-strand inner core | — |
| Material | 100% continuous filament nylon | — |
| Nominal Diameter | Approximately 5/32 inch (4 mm) | — |
| Elongation | Roughly 30% stretch at break | — |
| Origin | Manufactured in the USA | Made in the USA |
| Tensile Strength | — | 750 lbs minimum break strength |
| Core Design | — | 11 inner strands, 3-ply twisted nylon |
| Outer Sheath | — | 32-strand braided nylon jacket |
| Diameter | — | Approximately 5mm (3/16 inch) |
| Specification | — | Compliant with Mil-C-5040H Type IV requirements |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
550 Type III MIL-C-5040 Paracord
- Seven-strand removable core allows field extraction of fine repair thread
- Holds common camp knots securely without slipping or creeping
- Tough nylon mantle resists fraying on sharp rock edges and coarse bark
- Thick enough to tension by hand without slicing into skin
- Significant natural stretch causes tarp ridgelines to sag overnight
- Nylon absorbs water and can freeze stiff in sub-zero weather
- Noticeably bulkier and heavier than modern micro cords and Dyneema
750 Mil-Spec Type IV Paracord
- 750-pound break strength offers massive safety margins over standard 550 paracord
- Eleven removable inner strands maximize scavenged cordage for emergency repairs
- Thicker diameter provides an easy, comfortable grip in freezing or wet conditions
- Braided nylon sheath holds friction hitches reliably without slipping
- Noticeably heavier and bulkier to pack than standard commercial utility lines
- Nylon stretch requires periodic retensioning on long static shelter ridgelines
- Too thick to fit inside standard lightweight tent line tensioners
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