View Full Version : Paracord ?
Hi guys, I'm looking to buy a good few meters of paracord for my tarp etc.
I had a search through some old posts but can't seen the answer im looking for.
What is the proper ( at least very decent ) cord I should be buying ?
I'v seen 550 Paracord, BCB paracord, 6 strand, 7 strand, 6 core, 4mm diameter, 6mm diameter..and the stuff i have just now is about 8mm and it's too thick.
so what should i be looking for ? and links would be even better.
Thanks
Whittler Kev
24-07-2010, 16:48
I searched for Tying a hammock and this seems a decent thread
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59022&highlight=tying+a+hammock
& this
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45512&highlight=tying+a+hammock
or heres a good place to look
http://www.hammockforums.net/
hatethatgiraffe
24-07-2010, 17:10
I normally get paracord from the bushcraftstore.co.uk or fivestarcord.co.uk
I use static line, from a climbing shop...4mm for the ridge and 2mm for the guylines.
You can buy it by the metre, and unlike paracord, it doesn't stretch.
Simon
sxmolloy
24-07-2010, 19:02
Have a look on at www.raymears.com in the sleeping out section. For £10 you can get 4 x 4 meters of guy line rope, and 1 x 7 meter ridge line. Someone on here recommended them to me years ago and I'm still very happy with them. Try this link: http://www.raymears.com/Bushcraft_Product/316-Hootchie-Guy-Lines/
If you are are after paracord I would definitley recommend this ebay seller. I have used them time and time again and never been disappointed. http://shop.ebay.co.uk/jplb2473/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340
No connection to either site etc etc
rancid badger
24-07-2010, 19:12
I've bought a fair amount from here:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/P-TRRS-OLIVE-DRAB-550-Reflective-Paracord-Cord-Rope-/110498115865?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_SportingGoods_HikingEqui pment_RL&hash=item19ba337119
It's genuine stuff and I honestly think you'd struggle to find it much cheaper unless you bought in bulk.
Most of the cord I have bought has been in bright hi vis colours, ( all of it; high grade reflective) for replacement guylines etc.
I bought a 10ft length of relfective olive drab too, to see what it was like and I'd say it was ideal for bushcrafting, where you might wish to retain subdued, earth colours but still have the benefit, of what is very high reflection, when you shine a light on the cord.
Very good service from this seller too:)
atb
R.B.
hatethatgiraffe
24-07-2010, 19:21
Both the eBay sellers have websites as mentioned in earlier post :)
The bushcraft store don't do the reflective stuff though :(
The reflective stuff is really good and I use it on the paracord keyrings I sell!
As mentioned it's great when a light is shone on it so really useful to help in finding dropped keys or on knives as a lanyard to find that dropped custom lol
Does anyone know the diameter of the stuff on the ebay stores ?
forgot to put in my first post, the holes in the tarp are small so that's really the main reason i need to get thinner stuff.
and thanks for the links.
The Lord Poncho
26-07-2010, 12:20
I found some stuff in the '99p stores' on the high street. 99 pence for 20 meters of olive paracord, 4mm thick i think. I bought it on a whim, but after having an initial play, it seems no worse quality (or stretchier) than any other cord i've had over the years. Absolutely fine for tarps at least i would have thought.
Thanks for all the suggestions and links guys, ended up getting the little set from raymear's, i can replace my orange guy lines with the 4 i get with this kit as well.
cheers.
Toadflax
26-07-2010, 12:46
In terms of value for money, the paracord from Ray Mears (non-reflective) seems best on price, coming in at a fraction under 10p per foot, with free postage (£9.95 for 30m/100ft as three 10m lengths). If you do want more than this, then place two or more separate orders in order to avoid postage charges. Postage for orders up to £10 is free, and steadily ramps up as the value of the order increases.
Geoff
sxmolloy
26-07-2010, 14:12
Thanks for all the suggestions and links guys, ended up getting the little set from raymear's, i can replace my orange guy lines with the 4 i get with this kit as well.
cheers.
Excellent choice
The Lord Poncho
27-07-2010, 15:31
In terms of value for money, the paracord from Ray Mears (non-reflective) seems best on price, coming in at a fraction under 10p per foot, with free postage (£9.95 for 30m/100ft as three 10m lengths). If you do want more than this, then place two or more separate orders in order to avoid postage charges. Postage for orders up to £10 is free, and steadily ramps up as the value of the order increases.
Some good intel there on the postage! I almost fell out of my seat when i heard Ray Mears had come in cheapest for once! I usually go down the route of browsing about his site for ideas, then looking elsewhere to actually buy....