“Wear it, unravel it, survive!” That’s the somewhat melodramatic but
highly illustrative tagline for Survival Straps’ namesake product, a
bracelet made of paracord that can be untied and unfurled in the
outdoors in a time of need.

Survival Straps is an operation based in Florida, and its workers
weave a high-strength cord — “550 test military spec paracord,” as
the company touts — into a variety of bracelet types.

This month, I have been wearing the Regular Survival Bracelet model,
which costs about $25. It is an inch wide and it looks like a bulky
watch band on the arm.

It clasps closed with a stainless steel shackle. The company
(www.survivalstraps.com) includes two types of pins, one steel and one
plastic, to lock the shackle in place. The plastic pin will break away
and release the bracelet if your hand gets caught up on an object
descending a mountain or moving through the woods.

The Regular Survival Bracelet model comes in multiple sizes and color
choices. You can pick the paracord colors online to make a custom
design.

The functional side of the design comes when you remove the shackle
and unravel the cord. Whether you need to tie down a tent, sling an
injured arm, or replace a boot lace, the bracelet cord can do the
trick. You get about 16 feet of it from a Survival Straps bracelet.

Men’s, women’s and kid’s models are included in the Survival Straps
line. Necklaces, watch bands, sunglasses straps, belts, and rifle
slings — all made of paracord! — are other items the company sells.

Bonus: Survival Straps has an “if you use it, we replace it” policy.
That means if ever you come into an emergency situation and have to
unravel the bracelet, the company will send you a new one. A photo and
a descriptive “survival story” is required for the replacement of the
paracord band.

–Stephen Regenold is founder and editor of www.gearjunkie.com.
Connect with Regenold at Facebook.com/TheGearJunkie or on Twitter via
@TheGearJunkie.