Top 10 Paracord Alternatives for Survival
This post has been updated from our original Paracord Alternatives post that was first published in 2017. We keep our content updated as the world around us changes, as we learn new skills and techniques, and (of course) when we find more useful cordage for prepping.
We won’t dispute the fact that 550 paracord is great. It has tons of uses and is a bug out bag and disaster kit staple. If it is the only cordage in your bag, however, you may need to reconsider. There are many other types of cordage you could add to your arsenal, designed for all sorts of uses. Below we’ll cover the eight that matter most for survival.
1. Bank Line
Bank line is a type of tarred nylon twine with great strength and weather resistance, and it holds a knot well- all of which make it great for bushcraft. It comes in a variety of sizes and it is either twisted or braided. Being sold by the spool weight, the higher test you get just a smaller roll. Our favorite type is the Catahoula Manufacturing Bank Line out of Louisiana. It is made in the USA, has the tar applied before it is spooled, and is pretty cheap for the quality you get.
*price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales
2. Braid Fishing Line
Fishing line is great to have in your kits, but braid fishing line is more versatile. Braid does not have the stretch, has a higher pound test, and is very thin for its strength. You can use it to fish, sew, draw snares, tie tarps- the list goes on. You can even use it as a makeshift saw in a pinch, just be careful as taught braid fishing line can cut skin pretty easily as well.
Power Pro Spectra Fiber 80lb test is just as good as any braided fishing line, but you may want to just use whatever fits your rod and reel so you can use it for fishing and your bug out bag.
*price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales
3. Climbing Rope / Rescue Webbing
Whether you have some climbing rope already lying around, or some rescue webbing- either is worth considering adding to your kit or bag. Having cordage that can easily support your weight, even when falling, is a great addition to most kits.
Many people have the misconception that paracord can support your weight, but people don’t realize that any acceleration such as falling or pulling greatly increases the force on a rope. That’s why we recommend the rescue webbing used by the military. The flat shape allows it to be tied into slings and woven into a hammock, and not just for climbing.
*price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales
4. Snare Wire
A snare could be your last resort to get food if you are on the road or have a wilderness bug out location. Having good snare wire makes it so you at least can resort to something. This 22-gauge stainless wire is perfect for making expedient survival snares. It is lightweight enough to put in any kit, and the thin steel makes it easily pliable to adjust the snare opening and tie off. Snare wires also can double as trip alarms and many other wire uses.
*price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales
There are many types of snare wire, including pre-made snares or tripwire. We’ve reviewed plenty of snares and found the stainless spool to be pretty versatile and budget-friendly.
One fun fact we found while digging into the data behind the survival TV show Alone is that contestants picking spools of 20-22 gauge wire (along with a multitool) correlated to a higher win percentage than contestants that picked paracord.
5. SurvivorCord
Okay, we know this is basically paracord, but it is too good to pass up for the list. Not only is it the 550 paracord that we all know and love, but it is much more! Titan has managed to add a monofilament fishing line, waxed jute, and copper wire inside of 550 paracord while still keeping the 7 braided nylon strands inside.
The fishing line is a quality 25-pound test and the waxed jute works as a waterproof tinder. The copper wire is great for snares. SurvivorCord can perform the tasks many of the lines above are designed for. Check it out and consider adding it to your kit- it’s our upgrade pick when we rounded up and tested paracord.
*price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales
6. Mason Line
Mason line is mildew and rot-resistant twisted nylon line, and it is dirt cheap. With a 130-pound test, you aren’t going to be jumping off of cliffs with it, but it is a solid multipurpose rope. You can use it for all the small tasks and things you don’t want to waste more expensive line on.
Use it to repair nets, string up gear, or whatever other routine task you can think up. You can find it really cheap at your local hardware store, or online.
*price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales
7. Halyard Rigging Line
Sailors know their ropes. The preferred rope for sailing is the double braided halyard rigging line, made for one purpose: strength. It is also pretty weather resistant, having to stand up to the harsh elements sailing can expose lines to. The ½” line has a whopping 8,400-pound tensile strength!
*price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales
8. Tow Strap
This rounds out our list with the most capacity – 20,000 pounds. The 30-foot tow strap is a must-have in your vehicle kit, and hopefully, you already have one. Being stranded away from home and away from your gear can put you in a bad situation, so having all the tools necessary to keep going should be a priority.
Tow straps can double as climbing ropes, despite their weight, and can be used to tie up tarps and other routine tasks where the size doesn’t get in the way.
*price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales
9. Jute Twine
Jute twine is dirt cheap and can give you the best bang for your buck if you just need a bit of string. I use it for prepper projects all the time- to hold things in place temporarily or tie up tomatoes in the garden.
The garden is really where it excels- it is great for lashing together lattices and supporting plants. The natural fibers make it blend in, eco-friendly, and biodegradable.
*price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales
10. Plastic Bottle Cordage
Turn trash into cordage by slicing plastic bottles into thin strips of plastic. Braid them together for more strength, or tie several together for length. You can do this with just a knife and a branch, stump, or piece of wood to guide the bottle as you cut it.
You can also do this with a pre-made tool from the guys over at Grim Workshop. This way you don’t need to go cutting a wood jig- and it’s a bit safer than using your knife. The best part is that it fits in your pocket so you can have it on you or drop it in a survival kit.
*price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales
The Final Word
Most of the cordage above is better than paracord at some things, but not so great at others. Keeping a combination of cordage that can cover a wide range of uses will help you be better equipped to survive SHTF situations.
If you found this article helpful, here are some more articles our readers find useful:
- The Best Paracord for Prepping and Survival
- The Best Survival Tarp for Prepping and Emergencies
- Bug Out Bag List | 44 Essentials
Keep exploring, stay prepared, and be safe.
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I appreciate the info on other cordage that is useful! Thank so much!
One of the best I have used for years is polyester pull tape ! They use it pulling lines on power company.
You can get it in many sizes ( pound test ) but I had an electric company leave some behind at my house many years ago and have kept ot in all my bags and vehicles ever since. It is super flexible and it can Easily be untied regardless of the knot used
I hadn’t thought of pull tape. I had some left in my yard as well when they were running fiber under my driveway, and it is pretty handy stuff. Thanks for the suggestion!