Got Some Gear Questions

[IlikeRilfes]

What is 550 cord and where can I get some? What does the 550 stand for?

Also, where can I get some ALICE fal mag pouches? I heard that you can get em, because the FAL was a NATO rifle.

Thank you in advance, I need all the help I can get.

[Deltaten]

550 cord is the natural accompaniment for duct tape.;) IIRC, the 550 refers to the test rating. Usually a nylon cover over a stranded core. About 3/16" dia. and mostly O.D.Used for parachute lines; then anything else that needs tied, lashed, bound or laced. Tent stays, boot laces, ALICE tie-downs, etc. Wouldn't be without a hank or two.

FAL mag pouches??
Best consensus is the Canadian C-2 units. Not necessarily ALICE compatible but easy to apply, using Velcro tabs on back and a hanger strap/grommet centered top rear. Twin (fore/aft) with built in mag-pull tapes that lift the mag up/out far enough to grasp well. Fulll coverage top cover with a silent loop/tab fastener. Best when tied/locked down with [550 cord] (see above) I got mine several yr ago from www.thedropzone (?) last price I saw was about $12/per from a member here.
Others are avail from select mfgrs/distr's for the same or more$$

HTH,
Paul

[CATM Larry]

550 cord is the generic term for utility cord, and has become the known name, like Band Aid for adhesive dressings. True 550 cord is used as suspension lines on the 24' Troop Chest Reserve, as well as most cargo parachutes, is actually Type III nylon cord with a breaking strength of 550 pounds, and is identified by a solid color outer covering with 7 inner nylon cords (usually). Another type commonly found is the suspension line for the T-10 and MC1 series personnel parachutes. That is Type II nylon cord with a breaking strength of 400 pounds, has a dotted line spiraling around a solid outer covering and has 4 or 5 inner cords, depending on manufactuer. The stuff is used for eveything from parachute rigging, lashing gear, replacing boot laces all the way to dog tag chain covers (gutted, with a proper amount of neck opening to prevent strangulation if snagged). As already noted, it is the perfect companion to duct tape and can be found commercially in a wide variety of colors and tensile strengths. I listed the breaking strengths as a rough guide in case you need to hold anything of any kind of weight, but it is only a rough guide.
Wow, the things one remembers from Parachute Rigger school twelve years ago.

Larry