Camping Panda
Camping textbooks might not say so, but as any seasoned adventurer knows, sleeping outdoors comes with risks. Exploring the wilderness comes with risks, too. That’s why having the proper gear at hand is essential whenever you’re camping, backpacking, or hiking. From all items you could carry, paracord bracelets stand out.
They can make a fashion statement or be used to save your life. Providing you with around 8-20 feet of rope on average, they can be used in loads of different ways. You may use one for survival or as a tool on the campsite. With this, check out our rundown to find the best paracord bracelet for you.
Design
Is it multipurpose?
Comfort
Is it designed for comfort?
Size
Is it adjustable?
Fabric
Is it breathable?
Waterproof
Is it well protected?
Usability
Is it easy to use?
Lifespan
Is it build for years to come?
Durability
Is it sturdy enough?
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The Hippo Survival Paracord Bracelet is as simple as it gets, yet it impresses with its quality. Featuring 11 feet of paracord neatly wrapped in a bracelet, it comes in three sizes and fits slender or thicker wrists alike.
A black metal shackle closure adds strength and visual appeal. But what truly makes this bracelet special is the military-grade cord that can hold up to 550 pounds of weight. The bracelet looks amazing on the wrist and can be used in a variety of ways. Affordable and durable, it’s the best choice for most adventurers.
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Gecko Equipment shows the whole world that you don’t have to pay crazy prices to get 60 feet of rope on your wrist. That’s exactly what the King Cobra bracelet brings, leaving in awe all those who think that a paracord bracelet can’t hold enough cord to get you through a survival situation.
Like the Hippo Survival, this bracelet comes with a metal shackle closure. Aesthetically speaking, you might prefer the polished chrome version over the all-black design proposed by Hippo. The rope has lower resistance retention, but you get much more rope. At the end of the day, it’s your call between ultimate length or ultimate strength.
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More than a bracelet, the ParaClaw is a discreet survival tool designed to get you through any survival situation. It may not come with as much cord as the Gecko, but the rope included is premium quality.
You can expect it to hold up to 550 pounds, which is more than enough to hang your game from a branch – or even help you while climbing. Paracord apart, we also like the stainless steel knife guard. The bracelet is made to last and comes in various sizes. No doubt, your best bet if you don’t mind the slightly higher price tag.
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The A2S paracord bracelet takes the whole survival thing to the next level. More than a bracelet, you can expect a full 5-piece kit including a whistle, compass, fire starter, emergency knife, as well as 12 feet of cord.
This bracelet comes in a set of two and is perfect for couples or as a gift. Various sizes makes it suitable for both adults and kids, while the price tag won’t break the bank. All in all, one of your best bets if you want a bracelet for your adventure buddy and one for yourself.
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Moving forward with our list of best paracord bracelets, another 2-pack that’s made it to our list comes from X-Plore Gear. The model is very similar to the A2S, but it doesn’t come with a knife, only with a scraper.
Like the A2S, it includes a flint fire starter, whistle, and compass. The cord is rough and durable, designed to withstand heavy loads. It doesn’t come in a length-adjustable version, but it’s a great alternative to the A2S.
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The Friendly Swede is one of the most popular brands of paracord survival bracelets, and they make their first entry on our list with this fishtail bracelet. It’s as simple as it gets. No bells and whistles, no fancy gear, but just plain, strong paracord you can use in various ways.
Thinner and slimmer than other bracelets, it doesn’t come with a ton of cord, but it does have over 5 feet of material. A metal clasp allows for quick adjustments, while two knots at the ends of the rope allow you to quickly unbraid and use it.
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Similar to the Hippo bracelet, the Trilobite is the second Friendly Swede model that’s made it to our list. The difference between the two is notable. You won’t get bells and whistles, but will get a longer cord.
The braiding style is quite different, meaning you might struggle to turn it again into a bracelet once it’s undone. That said, the thicker design is more visually appealing. No doubt, a beautiful accessory for you or someone you love.
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The Atomic Bear Bracelet is another model that comes in a set of two, presenting a similar design to the A2S and the X-Plore Gear. This 5-in-1 kit comprises everything, from 12-foot paracord to whistle, compass, and fire starter.
We like its simple buckle closure, but also the fact that it’s length adjustable. The bracelet comes in two universal sizes, one for kids and women and another one for men with thicker wrists.
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Perfect for those who don’t like chunky bracelets, the TI-EDC is similar to our best picks in many ways. Its greatest strength is the slimmer profile that gives it a more discreet allure. We also like the color choice, that’s very attractive.
It packs 8.7 feet of paracord, which isn’t the longest but not the shortest either. The 7-strand cord, indeed, gives you up to 70 feet of thinner rope or fishing line. The clasp closure is also sturdy and durable. Stylish and functional, it comes at a price that won’t break the bank.
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Last but not least, the Tactic Ops is another paracord bracelet you should consider if you want a multifunctional tool. Like our premium pick, it consists of a bracelet part and a closure that doubles as a knife.
The blade is made of stainless steel and features a straight edge for easier sharpening. The cord can hold up to 500 pounds, and we also like the one-fits-all design. Perfect for most adults, it’s a great choice for you or your outdoorsy buddy.
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Paracord bracelets are more than aesthetic bracelets in the outdoor world. Aside from looking good, they are critical survival equipment. They can be used for first aid, building a makeshift shelter, and reinforcement for situations that need a rope to name a few.
Paracord bracelets may come in different designs, some are made particularly for survival while some are for EDC. It is recommended that you buy a separate paracord bracelet for your outdoor trips that is ready for emergency situations and one for your EDC. Refer to the buying guide below in choosing for the best paracord bracelet.
For outdoor use, it is best to look for a paracord bracelet that serves multiple purposes. Aside from the paracord which can be used as rope reinforcement, there are some models that have compasses or knives integrated in the bracelet clasp. The A2S Protection Paracord Bracelet is one best example for this. This is a 5-piece gear kit that includes a whistle, compass, fire starter, emergency knife, as well as 12 feet of cord. With this complete set, you can definitely be more secure and ready for any emergency situation while outdoors.
For EDC enthusiasts, you might want to look for a simpler design as you won’t be needing a compass in your everyday urban gear. You may opt to choose a paracord bracelet that has a self-defense weapon like a knife. Our best pick for this is the Outdoor Edge ParaClaw Bracelet. This paracord bracelet has a stainless steel knife that can be used for your urban self-defense gear for EDC.
Paracord – Paracord is one of the key features of any survival bracelet. Choose a model with 330lb to 550lb paracord for high tensile strength. We love the 60-feet paracord of the Gecko Equipment Paracord Bracelet. The Gecko bracelet debunks the notion that paracords can only handle short lengths of rope. The bracelet’s metal shackle closure ensures durability enough to handle outdoor needs.
Compass – the compass will help you when you unfortunately get lost while hiking. Just make sure that you know the location of your camp before you set foot.
Knife blade – this feature is loved both by EDS enthusiasts and survival coaches. You get the knife for self-defense situations and the paracord for first aid situations. It is recommended to have a bracelet with different knife blades to suit your outdoor needs. Double-edge straight blades are a good cross-utility tool. The Tactic Ops Paracord Knife Bracelet has a clasps that doubles as a stainless steel knife that is a straight edge.
LED Light – a LED light in your paracord bracelet may be your back-up light after your camping headlight or flashlight.
Emergency Whistle – is one of the basic survival gear; you can use this to attract attention during search and rescue operations
Fire-steel and striking blade – life-threatening situations may call for you to spend time in the wild. A fire starting blade would be your life-saver to cook food or keep you warm. The X-Plore Gear Emergency Paracord Bracelets is 5-piece gear that includes a flint fire starter that can be used to start fire in an emergency situation or for normal camping use in reheating food.
Some paracord bracelets offer one from the list while there are some that come with multiple gears with the bracelet. We have three multi-purpose paracord bracelets in our list that contain more than one gear listed above. We particularly like the simple buckle closure that allows adjustable length of the Atomic Bear Paracord Bracelet.
Paracords are classified as kernmantle rope. Meaning they have a core or a kern and an outer sheath or a mantle. Paracord bracelets are usually made from nylon or polyester, some are a combination of both. When talking about paracords, it generally means the 550 paracord. It is made up of 7 strands which in turn are made up of three strands each. Refer to the table below for the U.S Military Paracord Types:
Type | Strength | Elongation |
Type I | 96 lb | 30% |
Type IA | 100 lb | 30% |
Type II | 400 lb | 30% |
Type IIA | 225 lb | 30% |
Type III | 550 lb | 30% |
Type IV | 750 lb | 30% |
There are two options on how you may carry your paracord bracelet. Assess your preference to be able to help you decide what bracelet is best suited for you.
Wrapped around your wrist
Wrist carry is convenient and will be readily available in an emergency situation. For example you trip and puncture yourself, you can use your paracord bracelet for the tourniquet. The Friendly Swede Trilobite Bracelet is a simple paracord bracelet that has no other feature with it but offers you 9.8 feet of rope that is very easy to untie and use for emergency situations.
Inside your pack
This option, though not hady, can allow you to carry paracord bracelets that are bigger in size. The only downside is you need to get it inside your pack and may not be ideal for emergency situations.
There are a lot of uses for a paracord bracelet during an outdoor trip. Here are some instances where a paracord bracelet will be of use:
As a first aid kit:
You can also cut the paracord to remove the individual nylon strands to use for:
In its essence, a paracord bracelet is a makeshift military accessory invented by parachutists during WWII. After the war, the paracord bracelet became a sort of badge of honor while still maintaining its tactical purpose. Nowadays, the bracelets are used mainly as an accessory, but many camping enthusiasts still wear them as outdoor gear.
The purpose of a paracord bracelet is that of supplying you with rope whenever you need it. When you’re camping or backpacking, you can use paracord to make a tourniquet in case of emergency, build traps, suspend food, build a shelter, and so on.
Paracord bracelets are good for most camping and survival situations, but are majorly used in case of emergency.
Most manufacturers braid the paracord in an easy-to-undo way. Simply find the end of the cord and unbraid it to use the rope for the intended purpose. Depending on the braiding type, you can braid the cord back into a bracelet or simply pack it into a pocket.
Yes. Paracord is made of nylon, which is a water-resistant and washable material. To keep it in good conditions for longer, avoid washing with hot water. You can wear the bracelet while you’re swimming or showering, as long as the water is not too hot.
