Parachute cord, also called paracord or 550 cord is a lightweight nylon kernmantle rope originally used in the suspension lines of US parachutes during World War II. Once in the field, paratroopers found this cord useful for many other tasks. It is now used as a general purpose utility cord by both military personnel and civilians. The braided sheath has a high number of interwoven strands for its size, giving it a relatively smooth texture. The all-nylon construction makes paracord fairly elastic. 550 paracord will always be in a survivalist, EMS worker, Soldiers or even avid outdoors-mans list of top 5 things to have in an emergency. "I will prepare and someday my chance will come." -- Abraham Lincoln "Good Luck happens when preparedness meets opportunity."--Unknown "No rope! And only last night you said to yourself: "Sam, what about a bit of rope? You'll want it if you haven't got it". Well, I want it. I can't get it now."-- Samwise Gamgee from "The Lord of the Rings" :) THESE PARACORDS ARE MADE SPECIFICALLY BY THE550CORDSHOP & NOT ANY OTHER BRAND. THEY COME WRAPPED WITH THE OFFICIAL "THE550CORDSHOP" TRADEMARK NAME LOGO & PACKAGING.