This blog began the 7th of January 2014 and is dedicated to Paracord and fun (I think the two go hand in hand). I love to blog about Paracord whether it is a special product that is changing the game, a new technique or simply how Paracord can improve your life. I am all about all things Paracord. If you are interested in a fun, engaging and lighthearted blog and Paracord is a passion of yours like it is mine, come check it out!
As an intern, it has been my sincere pleasure and honor to be
able to blog for Paracord Planet for the last four months. This opportunity has
taught me an incredible amount about Paracord, Paracord products and the
passion all you Paracorders have. I have been able to interact with fans in a
way I never imagined and have had the opportunity to interview the biggest name
in Paracord. I always knew my time here was limited, but I never knew I would
learn so much. Trying to avoid sounding too dramatic, it has been an amazing
experience and I hope I was able to offer some small amount knowledge,
entertainment or fun to you the readers on par with what you have given me.
With all that being said, I am happy
to welcome a new intern to the blog who will be taking the reins from this
point forward, Jack Yakowicz. Jack is an extremely talented writer with a
budding love for Paracord who will bring you creative content on a regular
basis. I just wanted to take this blog to thank all of you who take the time to
read this, I hope you continue to engage and interact with Paracord Planet
through our website, social media and of course this blog; stay tuned for Jack’s
debut blog.
When I sit down to blog every week I try to either think of an
innovative or unknown product; or I try to find some idea or concept that is
relevant to your life that might just benefit you in some small way (the secret
is out…). After scouring the internet for new ideas this week, I believe I have
found one that will help you out. The idea is simple and not one bit
revolutionary, but it might just save you a few bucks over the years: wrap your
garden/outdoor hoses with Paracord. This is a great idea to keep in mind as
many of us are dusting off our hoses for the first time this spring.
Image Source: dan_w84
The
knot itself is quite simple and can be accomplished through a multitude of
different ties including the Cobra Weave (I have included a link below to the
instructables page where user dan_w84 has wrapped a drink bladder tube), but
the concept is a solid one and holds various implications. First, it is a good way
to protect your hoses which are frequently dragged across rocks, bricks, tar,
etc. Hoses are vulnerable to being punctured and torn, particularly the thinner, more flexible
garden hoses. Second, it is an easy way to color-code your hoses so you always
know what is running to where. Lastly, (this may seem like a cop-out) but
depending on the hose and where you are using it you will have a small length
of Paracord on you, and that is always a good thing!
Image source: dan_w84
Short and sweet as they say, I hope
this blog gives you a little something to do this weekend that might actually
make a difference for you in the long run!
Thank you for reading! Be sure to like
your Facebook page so you never miss a deal!
We frequently receive emails asking how to make Paracord
bracelets more unique. Obviously, there are a plethora of different weaves
(although not always easy), hundreds of colors (400 and counting) and hardware (buckles,
compasses, etc) available to customize your bracelet with. But many of our
customers struggle with how to really make their bracelets unique or give more
meaning to them. While there is no universal solution to this ‘identity crisis’
we have found that many of our customers are completely unaware of the beads,
charms and accents we offer. Thus, I write this blog today to inform you guys
of a ‘hidden gem’ of ours: beads, charms and accents.
Customer Submission
Beads
I begin with
beads because I know that many of you will immediately dismiss the notion of
putting beads on a Paracord project as childish. Well, if you choose to use beads
you could make a project for a child with beads on it and I am sure he or she
would love it. But, you could also take your Paracord, choose from our beads
ranging from skull beads to roses and make yourself or a loved one, one heck of
a Paracord bracelet, necklace or lanyard. Beads are a great way to try
something new and give your Paracord a completely different look.
Customer Submission
Charms
If I thought
you guys were scoffing at the suggestion of beads, I know you will be raucously
laughing at the idea of charms. Hey, charms are not for everyone. But,
for the individual looking to customize a bracelet for a special youngster in
their life or for someone who just wants to express a passion of theirs, charms
are perfect. With the ability to choose anything from a dolphin to a Hope Ribbon “Dangle Bead” charm, it is easy to find the right charm for the right passion or cause.
4PawsSpiritBracelets
Accents
Accents blur
the line between charm and bead. They offer a beautiful, non-distracting
addition to projects, that can really send a message or make it your own.
The Infinity Accent shown here offers a very unique, yet easy to achieve look
that goes great with any design. Our 12mm and 25mm Spike Studs are a great
way to show a little punk in you or give that dog collar you have been working
on a fresh twist. Our accents can appeal to every customer we have and are a
great way to truly customize your bracelet.
Thank you
for reading guys, comment below and let me know what bead, charm or accent you
are going to use and do not forget to like and submit pictures to our Facebook
page!
‘Preppers’ are one of the hottest topics in the news lately. Some like to make them out to be radicals, others herald them as visionaries. Whatever your stance is on Preppers, one thing can be agreed upon: they are prepared. It might sound ridiculous, but even if you are not stacking boxes of instant oatmeal and toilet paper in your basement to wait out a 30-year nuclear winter, it never hurts to be “Always Prepared” as the Boy Scouts advise us. So what does it mean to be prepared? Being prepared takes on a different definition for everyone, but most can agree on a few essentials stored in a bag to enable you to ‘grab and go’ in a moment’s notice; we will cover those here. *Note this is not a comprehensive list, rather the basics.
Duck Tape®
Perhaps the most obvious of essential supplies, Duck Tape® posses the extreme versatility that makes it a cornerstone of survival supplies. Duck Tape® is fantastic because it is strong, light and waterproof while coming in a wide variety of colors and even sizes. Considered to be the ‘redneck toolkit,’ it is a must of any survival kit and can be conveniently purchased in a wide variety of colors at Paracord Planet.
Knife
It is hard to do much in a survival situation without a sharp knife. The applications are nearly endless from cutting various items to self-defense; knives are a crucial part of the basic survival kit. They can be found at Outdoor Bunker for a very reasonable price.
Flash Light
Flashlights are a survival item that are nice to have, but can be a bit of a luxury. They are not essential, but can really come in handy in a multitude of different situations. The downfall is the batteries; it is a good idea to keep a good supply of these in a waterproof bag, also in the survival kit. It also a good idea to provide a waterproof zip-lock type bag if the flashlight is not waterproof; however this flashlight is, so you need not worry.
Blanket
A survival blanket takes many shapes and forms, but it is best if it light and reflects as much body heat as possible. It seems like a small thing, but having something simple that works in the rain, with or without fuel, to keep you warm can be the difference between life and death. Grab something simple like this to be well-protected.
Water Bottle Filter/Purifying Water Drops
An often forgot portion of a survival kit, a water filter and/or water drops are extremely necessary. No one wants to catch a nasty case of beaver fever and lose what little food they had. Filters and purifiers go a long way towards preventing this and are extremely easy to use. They are even easier to find at Paracord Planet.
First Aid Kit
Another must for a survival bag; a first aid kit such as this provides all the essentials ranging from Gauze to Aspirin. Do not underestimate the importance of bandages and pain relief in a survival situation. They also conveniently come in bags to keep everything together and are available at Outdoor Bunker.
MREs
This category could also be labeled ‘Food’ as it is obviously essential to keep food in your grab and go bag. However, MREsare particularly handy in terms of their convenience, shelf life and variety. They may not be a five star dinner, but they will do just fine in a pinch. Check them out here.
Paracord/ Spool Tool
You all knew it was coming, so I saved the best for last. Paracord is an absolute survival essential, with a list of uses longer than Rip Van Winkle’s beard it is a must have for any kit. Whether you need to fashion a lean-to, tie up a bag or cut down a tree, Paracord can help you. It also comes in a multitude of different varieties from Paracord Planet to best meet all of your needs whether you are looking for true Mil-Spec or Glow-In-The-Dark. It is obviously important to keep several hanks in your survival kit, but do not underestimate the power of a survival bracelet outfitted with a compass, or storage, or a whistleor a light, or all four!
The Spool Tool is another great survival tool that provides an excellent way to store your Paracord while conveniently keeping a blade, and lighter (sold separately) together in your bag. I would recommend it as an essential part of your grab and go bag.
There are many other great additions to a survival kit that I could not fit on this list so here are the honorable mentions:
Sewing needle and thread, Pepto Bismal, Alcohol/disinfectant wipes, a map and bug spray. For a more
I’m Feeling GIDdy: The
Top 5 Uses of Glow In The Dark Paracord
The best Paracord you
have never tried
Most of us fondly recall glow in the
dark (GID) from our backs, looking at the many glowing stars and planets stuck
to our ceiling. If your childhood bears any commonality with mine it was pure
fascination with GID and those seemingly endless stars. Jump ahead a few proms,
football practices and finals week all-nighters and my fascination remains, in
another form. Glow in the Dark Paracord and Glow in the Dark Tracer Paracord
are seen as gimmicks in the Paracord world to a certain extent, I will explain
not only why they are awesome (because they are GID) but also how useful they
can be to you.
I
would like to pause here to explain the difference between Glow in the Dark
Paracord (Glow Cord) and Glow in the Dark Tracer Paracord. Glow Cord is completely glow in the dark with
no other colors in it and has a minimum tensile strength of 350lbs. Glow in the
Dark Tracer Paracord is real, 550lb test Paracord that has GID fibers woven
into it.
GID Tracer Cord
Glow Cord
So without
further adieu, the top 5 uses:
Photo Credit: Stormdrane
5. General Use:
Sorry this
one is not that original, but I wanted to get my point across here. Having a
supply of Glow Cord/Tracer Paracord on you can be a great idea. As I have
written about in previous blogs, there are a number of great ways to store
Paracord so it is convenient anytime you might need it. You never know when a
little glow might come in handy in the field, whether it is tying up a boat or
leaving a few knots to find your way back.
4. TIAT’s Strapped Endless Falls
It goes
without saying that you can work Glow Cord or Tracer Paracord into any project
you want for a unique and fun twist, but as expected TIAT gives the best
example. J.D. is up to his usual tricks with this video showcasing how to make
his beautiful design. I believe this design best takes advantage of the color
and effects of Glow cord while incorporating them into a beautiful design with
other colors.
Image Source: Kids Paracord ID
3. Medical ID Bracelet
Although any
Paracord bracelet could be made into a Medical ID bracelet, the inclusion of
glow cord appears to be extremely practical. Having a Medical ID bracelet made
from Paracord is smart in that in many cases someone with a Medical ID bracelet
is more likely to be in an emergency situation where Paracord might benefit
them, more than others. Also, the GID aspect makes wearing these bracelets more
fun for kids and easier to find for adults.
2. Knife/Flashlight Handle
Image Source: Stormdrane
Anyone who
has hunted and brought their knife/flashlight along (which I assume all of you
would) knows how frustrating it can be to fish around for your knife/flashlight
in the dark. Furthermore, if you hunt in Minnesota like I do, or somewhere similar
like the South Pole, you know how cold a flashlight can be to touch after a
long hunt in the cold. Wrapping your knife or flashlight in Glow Cord kills the
proverbial two birds with one stone (or in this case one hank). This is in
addition to the fact that it just plain looks awesome, there are many ways to
wrap a knife or flashlight, but this is an excellent video, again by TIAT.
1. Lanyard/Key Chain
Image Source: madcov
This comes in at #1 because of how practical it is. You are
most likely going to be using a key on a daily basis, either for your home, car
or office, why not make it easier to find? By making a lanyard out of Glow Cord
or GID Tracer Paracord you are not only making your key much easier to find in
any low-light situation, but simultaneously making it much more stylish as well.
Not to mention, you will always have a small bit of Paracord with you, just in
case you need it (which is almost as reassuring as knowing you can find your
key before work).
Thanks for reading, if you are looking for more GID products
check out our GID Buckles, Micro Cord and Combo Kits! Please comment and let me
know what project you are going to use Glow Cord in next and be sure to ‘Like’
our Facebook page for the latest deals!
Keeping it Simple: The
Top 5 Ways to Store Paracord
Paracord can be a
little tricky to handle at times, today I present you with the top 5 ways to
store it
You love having Paracord with you in
the field, but how to properly store and travel with it? Paracord is obviously
one of the best survival tools to have on hand, the only problem with carrying Paracord
is how likely it is to get mixed up with any knives, food or other tools you
might have in your pack. Trust me when I say it is not fun to have to try and ‘quick
deploy’ some hideous tent stake-Granola bar-Paracord combination. To make it a
little more fun, I employed a ranking system along 4 dimensions: time to store,
time to deploy, ease of redeployment and aesthetics (we Paracorders are a
stylish bunch) on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the highest. These methods are ranked
from 5 to 1, with 1 being the overall best method.
Image Source: Trekker Outdoors
The Paracord Donut
Time to
Store: 3
Time to
Deploy: 4
Ease of Redeployment:
2
Aesthetics:
5
Score: 14
The Paracord
donut comes in at our 5th spot mainly because of the time it takes
to store and redeploy it. The donut knot is a very good way to store Paracord in
terms of both speed of deployment, and aesthetic appearance once finished.
However, the chief problem is wrapping the donut initially and re-wrapping it
once deployed. It is easy to imagine trying to use this method in the field and
getting your Paracord caught on a variety of branches, leaves and rocks. If you
are looking to store your Paracord in this way, click here.
Image Source: Wikipedia
Fast Rope
Time to
Store: 5
Time to
Deploy: 4
Ease of Redeployment:
5
Aesthetics:
2
Score: 16
Also known
as the ‘Quick Rope,’ the Fast Rope method of storage is the king of simplicity in
the Paracord world. No complicated weaving pattern here, simply extend one hand
and do a figure eight pattern between your thumb and pinky finger. Although
this method is simple, it does not look particularly good and is much more
prone to snagging and accidental deployment than other methods of storage. Instructions on how to
make it are provided by YouTube user WheeliePete.
Peanut Butter Jar/ Pop Bottle
Time to
Store: 3.5*
Time to
Deploy: 5
Ease of Redeployment:
5
Image Source: Field and Stream
Aesthetics:
3
Score: 17
The peanut
butter jar method may have won out entirely if not for two factors: preparation
and aesthetics. Using a peanut butter jar or pop bottle to store your Paracord
is a great idea, but not quite as simple as tying a not. You are definitely
going to want to clean the containers out thoroughly beforehand to prevent your
Paracord from becoming a sticky—although tasty—mess. Furthermore, to make the jar as effective as
possible you must drill a hole in the lid/cap which can be a pain if you do not
have a drill in addition to the likelihood of you breaking a cap before you get
it right. The last aspect is appearance, obviously no one really wants a
glaring peanut butter label in the field with them, but with a little additional
preparation and some camouflage Duct tape, your container will look right at
home. Idea Credit: Jim Ratermann.
The Daisy Chain
Image Source: aplusssurvival
Time to
Store: 4
Time to
Deploy: 4
Ease of Redeployment:
5
Aesthetics:
4
Score: 17
This method
is also mentioned in our Shock Cord
blog post as
great way to store Paracord while making a usable storage chain out of it. The
Daisy Chain ranks #2 on our list because it is a nice, simple method that can
be made and deployed quickly while looking rather stylish. The main
disadvantage is similar to that of the quick rope in which you still risk it
getting caught and tangled on things in the field or in your pack. Overall, the
Daisy Chain represents a great storage method with simple and straight forward instructions by Reality
Survival.
The Spool Tool from TricornE
The Spool Tool
Time to
Store: 5
Time to
Deploy: 4
Ease of Redeployment:
5
Aesthetics:
5
Additional Functionality: +5
Score: 24
One of our
favorite products here at Paracord
Planet, the Spool Tool
is a great addition to any Paracord arsenal. Ok, so I may have cheated in
creating a new ranking dimension just for the Spool Tool, but as the author and
fan of the Spool Tool, I can do that. Not only is it extremely easy to quickly
wrap your Paracord around the quality-constructed tool, but it also looks sharp
and keeps everything neat and tidy. In the spirit of equality I did take off
one point because it doesn’t deploy quite as quickly as some of the other
methods, but it is still rapid. The Spool Tool receives its bonus because it
possesses lighter storage, a cutting blade, fusion notches and a handy spot to
clip a carabineer. The Spool Tool is the ultimate mobile Paracord storage
method.
Feel free to
comment below with your own ranking or tweet us @ParacordPlanet using
#ParaStorage to tell us what method should have won. As always, ‘Like’ our Facebook page to
stay up to date on our latest deals and giveaways and visit Paracord Planet for the
best Paracord available.
Paracord has taken
quite a journey to get to where it is today
“What walks down stairs, alone or in
pairs, and makes a slinkity sound?” Sound familiar? This famous jingle belonged
to the Slinky, one of the most beloved children’s toys of all time; the Slinky
shares a very similar lineage with Paracord. Both the Slinky
and Paracord began their life in service to the Military, but became immensely popular
consumer products over time. The Slinky was born out of Richard James’ desire
to develop a naval battleship horsepower meter using tension wire, when he dropped
the wire he noticed how it kept bouncing and moving forward and the rest, as
they say, is history. Similarly, Parachute Cord began its life in the Military
well before it was popular worldwide and the famous sobriquet ‘Paracord’ was
born.
Originally
used in Parachute suspension, the utilitarian ability of Paracord was quickly
realized and spread throughout the entire military. Military units understood
the litany of uses Paracord possessed and used it to greatly simplify their
lives. Paracord was a workhorse, being used for everything from dummy cord to
keep track of random equipment to pant fastener; in addition to tying down
pretty much anything and everything. Once the cord was split open the fibers
were also frequently used to stitch torn garments and the gutted Paracord was
used as boot
laces.
Image Source: Space Telescope
Following Paracord’s WWII genesis, Paracord swiftly became
popular in the civilian world among outdoorsman. However, it was never really
in the national spotlight until NASA brought it to the nation’s attention. In
1997, during STS-82 the Space Shuttle Discovery’s
22nd flight, Paracord was used in congruence with Teflon coated
copper wire and Velcro to repair tears in the Hubble telescope’s insulation
material. If nothing else, NASA’s incredible use of Paracord served to verify the
cord’s prowess and establish it as preeminent survival gear.
Fast forward to today, Paracord
represents a rapidly growing industry that is beginning to permeate the
national conscience as an everyday product. As might be expected when a product
as functional as Paracord becomes globally popular, an incredible number of
uses have been realized. Uses range from your typical survivalist carrying
daisy chains of the stuff to be ready to make a snare, lean-to, or splint at a
moment’s notice to veritable fashion industry. Paracord can now be bought in
every form from bracelet to belt and appeals to every demographic. Paracord’s
home use has expanded to include dog collars,
horse bridles and water bottle cozies.
Image Source: Customer Submissions
As a product, Paracord has diversified from the most popular
550 lb test Military designation MIL-C-5040
III to include 425
lb test, Polyester
and Micro
Paracord. All of these varying styles have different sizes and weight
limits, however most are available in a variety of colors. Colors are perhaps
the category in which Paracord has exhibited the greatest growth; originally being
offered with minimal variation from olive drab, Paracord Planet offers over 300 colors
ranging from solid
colors to glow
in the dark.
Image Source: Paracord Planet
It is evident Paracord has taken quite the journey to get to
where it is today, but I for one am glad that it has. Paracord continues to
grow in recognition and product diversity and will only gain popularity as more
uses are discovered.
Thanks for
reading, if you would like to share where you think Paracord is headed next or
any of your thoughts on Paracord, please comment below. If you enjoyed this
article please share it and as always be sure to check our Facebook page for the latest
Paracord deals.
With the America’s biggest game at the forefront of our focus, I thought I would talk a little Football… and Paracord of course!
Like many Americans, I have an obsession with football; however I believe I take my devotion to the sport a bit further. Not only did I play football in college, but I am also a lifelong Vikings fan; trust me when I say nothing reveals the character of a man quite like devotion to the Vikings. I love football and view it as an art form, much in the same way I do Paracord. As you all know, I am extremely passionate about Paracord and this week we will combine ingredients for one awesome blog!
In many ways, making Paracord projects is analogous to the game of football. It takes preparation (getting the right cord—colors, amount and other necessary supplies), focus (ever tied a Paracord knot?) and nothing is sweeter than victory (that perfectly finished bracelet). Not to mention the studying involved; be it game tape for football players or How-To video for the avid Paracorders out there. Just as a receiver makes a stunning one-handed toe-tapping fingertip catch, so must a Paracorder gracefully dance from thread to thread, being sure to juke, spin and hurdle when necessary. I find the two entities similar and that is a large reason why I love them both, but how do they intersect?
As this Paracord Planet team member Paulette’s photo demonstrates, football and Paracord go together like Brady and Belichick. Paracord is a tremendous material to make bracelets with not only because of its survival capabilities, but also for how stylish you can make it. Paulette is sporting a Turk’s head knot bracelet she made using ‘International Orange’ Paracord from Paracord Planet. Her friend in the photo has a fairly simple Cobra Weave pattern bracelet using ‘International Orange’ and “Midnight Blue.” This is a great example of just one of the ways you can use Paracord to demonstrate your team spirit; there are many videos out there on how to do everything from a bracelet to a lanyard and you can always get your favorite Team’s colors from Paracord Planet.
In fact, Paracord Planet is having a sale on Broncos and Seahawks Combo Kits right now, be sure to check them out. If you are interested in making a Turk’s head please click here, if you do not have time to make your own before the big game, check out our fishtail bracelets or all our bracelets and simply pick your team’s colors. Lanyards can be found here.
No matter which team wins on Sunday, be sure to enjoy the game with your friends and family and keep your eyes and ears open for Paracord Inspiration.
Paracord Planet is always having great surprise sales, “Like” our Facebook page to make sure you are always on top of them. As always, please share and comment!
