The Sportsmans Guide is selling a big spool of 1/8" diameter, 500 lb. test weight nylon rope at a good price.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=151288
I bought a spool and it seems to be a pretty good rope. I think it would be strong enough for almost any survival rope need except towing a vehicle. The rope is a fairly flat braid. I think it is probably 1/3 the bulk of 550 parachute chord. This rope does not have a protective sleeve like the parachute chord and will not be as wear resistant as the parachute chord. I just thought you guys might want to try it.

David Enoch