So I decided to test some 550 cord that I bought at a surplus store. If you weren't aware: 550 cord is the stuff used in parachutes, and as the name implies it can hold 550 pounds. Well the stuff that I bought and just tested can only hold about 200 pounds, even though the Army/Navy store said it could hold 550.

Turns out that mil spec parachute cord comes in different varieties that can hold from only 95 pounds to 750 pounds. It can be identified by an off color strand inside (pic related) that indicates the manufacturer. If one of the strands' color doesn't correspond to a manufacturer that sells to the military it's probably fake and can't hold up well at all.

tl;dr make sure your paracord is the real stuff otherwise you'll die if you need it in an emergency.

Also, anyone know where you can buy it cheap? I think I read that the military Exchange sells it but I'm not sure.