Paracord has long been used by the military as an all-purpose material, and it is emerging as one of the most important items in a regular civilian’s survival kit as well. Whether it be wilderness or disaster survival, 550 paracord can be used for innumerable purposes. It is often sold in outdoor stores and even as a fashion accessory in the form of bracelets, belts, dog collars, lanyards, and more, which is a clever way to keep paracord where it’ll be there when you need it. Here’s a great informational video from a survivalist about paracord’s many uses and how to pack and store it so it stays in good condition. Even if you never end up using it, paracord is a wise addition to your pack for any outdoor excursion.

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