Best Paracord Survival Bracelets in 2022

Q: What Are Paracord Survival Bracelets?

A: Paracord bracelets started as a makeshift military accessory. In 1938 nylon as we know it was first made commercially available and in short order the army realized the potential of the new material for mass producing parachutes. A few years later during WWII parachutists - who needed to think on their feet to survive - took to cutting the nylon cord from their chutes after they landed in enemy territory and wrapping it around their wrists. The idea was to make sure they had some of this durable, multipurpose cord available later in case they would need it to help build a shelter, lay a trap, create a tourniquet or for any other purpose that might present itself. At some point they began weaving the cord into elaborate bracelets as this way it was easier to control and wasn’t getting in the way all the time. After the war the paracord bracelet became both a badge of honor for veteran paratroopers and something of a fashion statement. Although it didn’t really take off as the latter until recently.

Q: What Are The Best Paracord Bracelets Used For?

A: The paracord bracelet, as we mentioned, began its life as the spontaneous creation of World War II paratroopers. They were often dropped miles behind enemy lines and needed as much lightweight, useful gear as they could get their hands on in order to aid in their survival. They recognized that the nylon cord from their parachutes fit that bill nicely. Today, few people have a pressing need to have some paracord with them all the time for survival purposes and the best paracord bracelets has passed almost entirely into the realm of fashion.

That is not to say that the survivalist origins of the bracelet have been entirely lost. Not at all. In fact, many of today’s best paracord bracelets are models of efficient survivalist tech that would make those paratroopers of the mid-20th century proud. Not only do modern paracord bracelets still provide wearers with a length of nylon cord - just in case - they also incorporate everything from micro-firestarter kits to compasses, whistles, tiny emergency blades and more. In fact, they can often be found on the wrists of deer hunters, winter climbers and others who regularly find themselves alone, far from civilization. The overwhelming preponderance of them though are worn strictly for fashion.

Q: How Does A Survival Bracelet Work?

A: In the days of yore a paratrooper might find himself behind enemy lines in the weeks after D-Day alone and cut off from his supply lines. One of the first things he would do after landing was to cut a length of paracord from his chute before stashing the chute out of sight, gathering his things and finding cover. Later he might use this length of cord to help create a makeshift shelter or to hang his clothes or to create a tripwire that would alert him if someone was near. Today, although our concerns are far more prosaic, the best paracord survival bracelet is actually a far better survival tool than it was during WWII. As mentioned, today’s best paracord survival bracelets incorporate everything from micro-knives to compasses. How they work is that, should you find yourself in a tight spot you employ whatever features they provide to help you transcend your difficulty.

Q: How To Deploy Your Bracelet In An Emergency Situation?

A: Essentially, if you find yourself lost in the wild you can use the compass on your paracord bracelet to orient yourself and try to determine a route back toward civilization. Once on your way if you determine the journey is going to take some time (and your bracelet has the right features) you can use the flint in the bracelet and some birch bark or twigs to get a fire started. Later you can unravel the bracelet, run it between two trees and use this line to support a makeshift shelter. If during your odyssey you see people in the distance, you can alert them to your presence using the emergency whistle. Some of the best paracord survival bracelets even have thermometers as well as tiny LED lights that help you find your way in the dark. Truth be told however, most people deploy the paracord survival bracelet as a fashion accessory and talking point that is dropped back on the bureau after a night out with friends.

Q: How Much Weight Can Paracord Hold?

A: The true best paracord survival bracelet is made of 100% nylon and is therefore extremely light, strong and durable. This is why it was used for parachutes in the first place. High quality paracord will hold as much as 500 pounds and more. Which means it’s not just good for building a shelter. A person could theoretically use it to lower equipment down a sheer face before making the descent themselves. If need be they may even be able to use the cord to lower themselves down. Provided of course there was sufficient cord available and the person was sufficiently resourceful. Beyond that nylon paracord is also strong enough to make a formidable game trap should you be lost in the wild for an extended period and find yourself in need of food.

Q: Can You Get Paracord Wet?

A: Yes, although there are different grades of paracords and the cheaper ones will likely stretch a bit when they get wet and shrink by a small degree once they dry out. So if your paracord bracelet is made from grade I or II paracord you may find it’s a bit tighter after you go for a swim with it on. However, it will likely only shrink the first time. If you are unsure whether a particular paracord is type I, II or even III try to find out what it’s made of. True military grade paracord will be 100% nylon both in the outer shell and in the strands that make up the core. If those core strands are polyester instead, you are dealing with low quality paracord that is not true military grade and will not react particularly well to water.

Q: How Do You Clean Survival Bracelets?

A: Different people have different methods for cleaning paracord survival bracelets but here is one 10 step method we’ve found to be generally effective.

1. Put your paracord bracelet into a clean, small mason jar (or a similar jar with a tightly closing lid).
2. Drop in a dab of dishwashing liquid or liquid laundry soap.
3. Fill the jar/container halfway with hot water.
4. Cap the jar/container tightly.
5. Shake the jar vigorously for about half a minute, then let it sit for 10 minutes.
6. Dump out the soapy water and replace it with clean room temperature water.
7. Shake again for 20-30 seconds.
8. Dump the water and repeat the “rinse cycle”.
9. Empty the jar, remove the bracelet and set it on a clean surface.
10. Let it air dry.

Depending on how hard you ride your paracord bracelet you may have to wash it thus once a month. If you don’t wear it much then once or twice a year should do. Any of the paracords on our best paracord survival bracelets guide should keep up with your outdoors activities.