Why Parachute cord

Why Parachute cord?
Why should you use parachute cord over normal cord in your survival kit? Because its lightweight, has multiple uses and is 7 cords in one!
Parachute cord (also known as para cord or 550 cord) is a lightweight nylon kernmantle rope
originally used in the suspension lines of parachutes during World War II. Once on the
ground, soldiers found the rope useful for other tasks (“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” on the
battlefield!).
It is constructed with an interior core protected with a woven exterior sheath that is designed
to optimise strength, durability, and flexibility. The core fibers provide the tensile strength of
the rope, while the sheath protects the core from abrasion during use. Type III or 550 cord
has a braking strength of 250kg! Normal braided nylon cord of the same dimensions is half
this!
Despite its historic association with parachutes, para cord can be used in almost any
situation where light cordage is needed. Typical uses include attaching equipment to
harnesses, as safety cords to avoid losing small or important items, tying backpacks to
vehicle racks, securing camouflage nets to trees or vehicles, making a shelter, raft or snare,
etc. When threaded with beads, para cord may be used as a pace counter to estimate
distance covered (navigational aid). Its uses are restricted only by your imagination and
training.
The difference between normal nylon cord and para
cord is that the inner strands of the core can also be
removed when finer string is needed. This means you
have 7 lengths of rope for the price of one! And the
finer cord has its own unique uses. For instance, it can
be used as sewing thread to repair your gear, or used
as fishing line in a survival situation. The nylon sheath
is often used alone (once the strands in the core are
removed) when a thinner or less elastic cord is needed
(such as for a shoe/boot lace – in fact this is a great way to inconspicuously store / carry
your survival aide).
Para cord can also be used to fashion knotted or braided bracelets, lanyards, belts, and
other items that have both a utilitarian function in their own right, as well as helping to
conveniently store the rope out of the way. Note: that you should always melt or crimp the
ends to prevent fraying.
It has been alleged that para cord is so versatile that it has been used by astronauts to repair
the Hubble Space Telescope! Can your normal nylon cord do all this?
How about other uses such as a Bow drill to start a fire, dental floss, wound stitching, or in
climbing/abseiling situations? The list goes on…
So what Heiman Habitat products utilise Parachute cord? Read On.
The Heiman Hat
With approximately 4 metres (depending on your hat size) of para cord being utilised as a
hat band you have enough cordage to get you out of most predicaments – up to 28 metres
or more with up to 50kg of breaking strain each!
But wait there’s more – The Heiman Hat has drawn inspiration from a number of areas.
Firstly a hat made from a sustainable material – rabbit fur! After all it has been estimated that
there are more that 200 million of these introduced pests – why not make hats out of them?
Secondly to achieve some kind of ‘camouflage’ through the eye of animals – after all we look
like a predator regardless if you are a bushwalker, bird watcher poet or pirate – because we
as humans are one.
Thirdly, every thing you take into the bush should have multiple uses, so a hat provides
shade and plausibly a drinking vessel and fan for a fire … but what else could it be ….
Everyone has worn one in their lifetime.
Therefore Heiman Habitat has instituted the survival hat band. It’s out of the way and you
don’t have to remember to pack it as it’s already with you.
Here at Heiman Habitat we don’t believe in making the survival kits for you as your needs
change regarding season, weather and terrain – not to mention your own knowledge. So,
whilst it is not a complete survival kit it does contain the basics to get you thinking and out of
a general jam. But don’t forget – you can add to it. Supplied items include:
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Triangular bandage – first aid, water filtration, a shade cloth, cordage, etc
Salt – wound cleansing, removal of leaches, sterilise your cooking implement, etc
Sugar - add to the salt and form a rehydration fluid, attract insects to eat, etc
Combination tool – knife, spoon, can/bottle opener and compass – ask me how!
Fishing hooks – fishing, improvised compass, needle, etc
A Survival Bracelet
Available in three colour combinations in 9, 8 and 7 inches length (or what I call large,
medium and small!) Unravel it for ‘self-aid’ and you will find approximately 4 metres
(depending on your wrist size) of para cord.
Wear it every day as you never know when you will need it. Just remember Astronauts
needed para cord to repair the Hubble Telescope – when will you need it?
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To save the party and tie down the tarp to save everything from getting wet?
Or will it be to secure that new piece of furniture you got for a steal but forgot tie
downs?
How about literally saving the day and someones life …. It may even be your own!