Usually, going on a hike or trip, all these things are left by fashionistas at home, because they are not necessary. But there is one accessory that can be very useful in extreme conditions or just in nature, it is called a paracord bracelet.
What it is?
The word "paracord" comes from the English parachute cord - the so-called lightweight nylon cable, which was used in parachute lines. Then, bracelets used in military affairs were made from this material - each soldier had such a bracelet from a strong cord on his hand, which, if necessary, would open and be used as a cable.
Over time, the scope of its application has expanded, at the moment the “bracelet of survival”, as it is often called, is an indispensable thing for people who love outdoor activities.
What is it needed for?
This thing will do a good job, especially for tourists - if you need, for example, to pull an awning, fasten the net for fishing, impose a tourniquet. Also, ornaments are woven from the paracord: key rings, phone cases, wallets, watch straps, even animal collars. This is an exciting lesson that is available to everyone, because the price of the material is low. Thus, you can make a fashionable and useful accessory with your own hands.
Types and Models
There are many types of paracord bracelets, which differ in the type and color of the material, the way of weaving and other parameters. It can be thin or wide, with the addition of beads, anchors, nuts in the weave.
Depending on the main function, a paracord bracelet can be:
- Simple - consisting only of a paracord and a fastener.
- Symbolic - if the combination of colors or interwoven elements carries additional meaning (for example, a bracelet with the colors of the emblem of your favorite hockey team or with the icon of your favorite musical group).
- With additional elements - contains functionally useful elements for survival in the wild (for example, a bracelet with a compass, a whistle, a cable saw, a flint).
Bracelets can also be divided into male and female, but this division is rather arbitrary and depends on the color of the cord and the elements woven into it (girls are more likely to buy or weave a bracelet with multi-colored beads than with nuts).
The main model for women is considered to be a “snake” bracelet, or just a snake, since it is the most delicate and does not weigh down the female hand. However, this does not affect its functionality in any way - each “snake” includes, in addition to the cord itself, a flint, a whistle, a jute rope (used to light a fire from a spark) and a blade. Such a combination of elegant form and useful content will undoubtedly please active women.
Color
The color of the bracelet depends on the color of the threads used in weaving - it can be one-color, two-color or three-color. Often, the chosen colors have a symbolic meaning for the owner, so others can learn about his interests, tastes, attitudes (for example, the colors of the Russian flag reflect love of the homeland, a black and white bracelet with a yin-yang icon is a fascination with Chinese philosophy, and white- blue fans will appreciate the football club "Zenith").
Closure Options
A clasp is one of the key elements in the design of a paracord bracelet. Fastexes are the most popular, they are also simple plastic fasteners, and staples are metal fasteners.
A more interesting option is a clasp, consisting of a button on one end of the bracelet, threaded into a loop at its other end. The clasp is not only a mount, but also a multifunctional part of the bracelet. It may contain, for example, an integrated whistle, a built-in compass, and even a hidden handcuff key. Recently, new models have appeared - without fastex, perhaps for some they will be the most convenient.
Brands
A paracord bracelet is not just a fashion accessory, it is also a functional product. Since today people love the combination of beauty and usefulness, paracord accessories are becoming more and more fashionable, therefore competitive manufacturers have appeared, some brands are already known all over the world.
Today, the following models are leading the market.
The friendly swede
This bracelet is a simple model in which there are no additional features. However, this model will be useful without many tools - the cord can withstand loads of up to 250 kilograms, and it can be used in a variety of ways. Thanks to a high-quality fastener, the accessory will not be lost anywhere. Therefore, for people who want a basic bracelet without extra lotions, this model is the best fit.
Bomber & company
This model will appeal to those who love a combination of style and quality. An interesting feature has already appeared in it: the ability to use it as a means for firing up. It is also waterproof, mold will never appear on it, so you can not be afraid of bacteria, which often find a useful environment for themselves in microcracks. High-quality, always fashionable and universal accessory, the design of which is ideal for everyday life and will be appropriate not only in the forest, but also on the streets of a big city.
Wraps
The most necessary tools of this bracelet - a flammable element whose serrated starter functions as a file and a compass - will be appreciated by lovers of outdoor recreation and short trips. With its help, a bonfire can be built, a trap set, and a location determined. Nothing more, suitable for beginner gonorrhea.
A2S
This bracelet has a wider range of tools that are built into the buckle: a compass, a scraper, a knife, an iron rod and, which is very useful, an emergency retinue. The paracord can withstand up to 250 kilograms, and the volume of the whistle is comparable to the rumble of thunder, the sounds of an orchestra, a setro car, a working chainsaw, so even getting lost in the forest will not be scary. Thanks to such functionality, the accessory will become an indispensable assistant for a long trip.
Core survival
This offer is for real adventurers. A three-meter cord that can withstand 300 kilograms, built into a flint buckle, a whistle, a scraper, as a locking mechanism - a compass, what more could you want? Is that so that he does not get lost along the road. Functionality worthy of professionals.
How to choose?
Paracord bracelets are becoming more and more popular, so the market offers a variety of models, and everyone will be able to find something that suits him - in price, quality, equipment.
Below are the main parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing.
A type
There are three main types of bracelets that differ in functionality, or the so-called NAZ (wearable emergency stock) - “Tenacious”, “Second Chance” and “Extreme”.
- "Tenacious" is suitable for people with thin arms and will look good, mainly on women and children. In addition to a medium length paracord of 5 meters, this bracelet includes a fishing line (6 meters) and hooks (5 pieces), hermetically packed matches (2 pieces) and chirkalek. It is comfortable to wear daily.
- “Second Chance” - a bracelet with a standard set of tools, to which, in addition to those that are in the first, a whistle, an ignition tool and a mini-blade are added. It can be made in a variety of colors.
- Extreme is ideal for travelers who like long trips to the wilderness. It includes, in addition to the “Second Chance”, a compass with a flammable liquid and a means for igniting a fire from a spark. This is really a real “bracelet for survival” that will provide invaluable assistance in extreme conditions, but wearing it every day is not very convenient.
Potassium permanganate (a means for washing wounds, disinfecting water, eliminating the effects of poisoning) can also be included in each bracelet.
Color
The color of the bracelet completely depends on the preferences of the buyer - today there are practically no restrictions. If nevertheless it was not possible to find a suitable color, the situation can be corrected by the function of changing colors or reverse (only for two-color models) - this is a reversal of the primary and secondary colors when weaving. Perhaps it will take a little longer to make it, because it will be custom-made work, not a direct purchase in a store, but such a purchase will be pleasing to the eye for a long time.
The size
It’s very simple to choose a size - either take what is suitable for fitting in the store, or, making an order - measure the circumference of the wrist and select the appropriate size.
Thickness
Initially, each bracelet containing NAZ contains four turns of paracord. If you wish, you can make two, then the bracelet will already be, the main thing to remember is that this will reduce the length of the cord itself (on average, by 30-40 centimeters).
Clasp color
The fastener can be either in the color of the product itself, or its most striking element - the range of colors allows a variety of combinations. The latest novelty is the clasp that glows in the dark.
Thus, step by step, determining for yourself what type, color, size, thickness, fastener you like most, you can independently create a model that will not only be useful in the campaign, but will also become one of the ways of expressing and reflecting the person’s inner world, his taste and lifestyle.