I am looking for techniques for carrying parachord. I EDC a coil of approximately 25' of parachord in my vest-with-many-pockets (wearable man-bag).

The coil is space efficient but forms a lump that prints through to the outside, making the vest look, well, lumpy. Most of the other items I EDC have been configured so they are spread out and do not form large bulges.

So I am looking for ways to carry parachord spread out, flat-ish, overall size approx 4" to 6" square to fit into a pocket. The chord needs to be easily pulled out to be used, no tedious un-braiding. Also should not be too laborious to configure in the first place.

I can think of a few concepts. One is to wrap the cord around a thin cardboard or platic sheet. This tends to introduce a twist in the chord though. If the sheet is too flexible it will bend, the coils will become loose and fall off.

Another is to chain stitch the chord then coil that in some manner.

Maybe I need to learn how to crochet. Crochet the chord into a square pad.

Do any of you clever folk know of a way to carry some chord in a non-bulky configuration?

As always any thoughts are most appreciated.

I just thought of a contraption in my head that I don't think exists... Something like a fishing spool that keeps the turns single or double file. The end result is a spool of paracord tha resembles one of those disc-shaped lollipops.

Use a simple chain stitch. Meets all your requirements.

I like the simple chain stitch. I do not know how to hold that braid in a flat-ish configuration.

Just stuff the paracord into a bag of the appropriate size. Leave the outer end in such a way that you can grab it easily. When you pull on that end, it will emerge from the bag easily, with no tangles. I use this technique on climbing ropes that are routinely up to fifty meters long, and it works flawlessly. I understand it has been used for ropes up to 3000 feet long (at which point it is doubtless difficult to find a bag that is big enough).

Bag stuffing is easily the most civilized way to deal with cordage or rope - much less likely to tangle than coiling.

Another approach to reducing cord bulk is to use a less bulky cord. Paracord is the traditional choice, but lots of high tensile strength, small diameter cords with 200-300lb strength are on the market, 2-3mm cords from climbing stores like rei.com, or compact versions of 550 cord. 550 cord has a diameter of 4mm per wikipedia, so the 2mm cord would reduce bulk by approximately 50%. Keep the 55o cord for a backpack based kit.

Sacred cows make the best hamburger.

If you want strength and less bulk get real kevlar cord, usually used for speargun line.

Can you guys work in links somehow? Thanks.

Here are some on Amazon:

Kevlar line

More kevlar line

Difference in strength and color, not sure about thickness.

Or search for paracord doughnut, or paracord survival bracelet, or paracord weave. You'll get more search results with the US English spelling or cord, I haven't seen chord outside of band/music class