Paracord has become something of a standard not so much for it's tensile strength ( many mountaineering cords being far stronger) as versatility. The inner strands become fishing line, sewing thread, snares, binding for expedient tools, bowstrings, sutures, netting to name a few. The outer core makes spendid replacement shoelaces. As complete cordage it is tough and resiliant to abrasion, rot and temperature changes. Non spec paracord belongs in the category of knock off Gucci Handbags, counterfit aircraft and automobile parts and fake Rolex watches. I'd rather have cheap cotton utility rope. At least you know what it is <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />