How to Choose Your Climbing Rope?

Single rope or double rope? Which diameter? Which length? There are many questions to answer before buying a climbing rope.

Climbing ropes have reached a new safety standard in recent years, impressing in their modern construction and the rigoroous testing they undergo, your ropes have never been this strong, light or durable. Find out how to find the perfect rope depending on how you'll be using it and where.

Man and woman carrying their climbing ropes on their backpacks

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CLIMBING ROPE

When choosing the best climbing rope and equipment, you can’t just wing it and hope for the best. You need to fully understand the nature of your climb and what demands you’ll be faced with so that you can make the right choice. Remember, your safety and well-being whilst climbing is your responsibility whilst you’re out exploring, so it’s important to make sure you’re knowledgeable about what challenges you may be faced with, that’s why it’s always a good idea to pair up with an experienced climber or expert who can guide and instruct you if you’re new to climbing.

Below, we've listed a few things you should consider when choosing your climbing rope:

Static vs Dynamic Ropes
The difference between static and dynamic ropes is that static ropes are not made to stretch when being used, whereas dynamic climbing ropes are designed with varying levels of stretch.

Diameter and Length of Climbing Rope
The diameter and length of your climbing rope will determine the rope’s weight and level of durability; this will affect what the rope is useful for, so it’s wise to pay close attention to the length and diameter to ensure you get the best support and use out of your climbing rope.

Rope Features
Climbing rope features can affect the rope's performance and ease of use when it comes to climbing, so it’s important to look out for these features when choosing the right climbing rope. Look out for things like rope marking and treatments that would benefit your climb.

Static Vs Dynamic Ropes

Static Climbing Ropes

If you’re after a more controlled and bounce-free decent, then a static rope should be your go-to choice; this is usually perfect for caving, abseiling and rappelling.

Dynamic Climbing Ropes

Dynamic ropes are made with a certain level of elasticity; this allows the rope to absorb movement from sudden drops, taking the strain of the force away from the climber and reducing impact and risk of injury. Dynamic lines are usually great for mountaineering, ice climbing and rock climbing.

Diameter and Length of Climbing Rope

Man smiling while climbing a rocky mountain

Climbing Rope Diameter

The diameter of a climbing rope determines the weight of the rope, so the thinner the rope, the lighter in weight, but also usually less durable and more tricky to belay. Thicker-dimeter ropes tend to withstand more frequent use and be more abrasion-resistant. So, if you plan on doing some top roping on the crag, a thicker rope will be more suitable, but if you plan on going on a long-distance trek or hike, you’ll probably want a thinner and lighter rope.

Two climber using very long climbing ropes

Climbing Rope Length

When choosing the length of your rope, it’s important to make sure it’s long enough to lower a climber. For example, the length of a rope should be equal to or greater than the route you’ll be exploring. So if the route is 20m long, then you’ll ideally need a 40m rope to climb up and be lowered back down.

Rope Features

The Middle Mark

This will show exactly where the middle of the rope is; it’s usually marked with black dye. This is especially useful when rappelling.
Bicolour

The middle of the rope is indicated by a change in weave pattern, this is often considered a more reliable way of marking the middle of a rope as the middle mark tends to fade over time.
End Warning Marks

These marks to indicate that you’re coming towards the end of the rope, this is particularly useful when lowering a climber.

Climbing Rope Treatment

Dry treatment on climbing ropes is the reduction of water-absorbtion. This will prevent the rope from getting heavier when wet as well as reduce the likelyhood of the rope stiffening up when in cold, snowy or freezing conditions. This makes the rope ‘dry-treated’.

WHERE WILL YOU BE CLIMBING?

1. Indoor Climbing

Larger diameter (10mm) with a reinforced sheath for intensive outdoor top roping use

Rope Length:
Select your rope length according to the indoor wall's height and profile.

Rope Colour:
There are two colours to choose from to distinguish rope bundles.

2. Big Wall Climbing

Rope Diameter:
Larger diameter ropes (10mm) last longer and are safer to use (better braking in the device). They are recommended for beginners. Smaller-diameter ropes are lighter and more fluid, but they require a higher skill level. Expert climbers should only use the smallest diameter ropes.

Rope Length:
Select your rope length according to the wall's height and profile.

3. Multi-Pitch Climbing, Mountaineering And Ice Climbing

Rope Diameter:
Double ropes are used for abseiling after climbing. You have 2 diameters to choose from. A thinner rope will be lighter but less durable and will also require expert belaying techniques.

Rope Length:
Select your rope length according to the length of your route and abseil.

Rope Colour:
Double ropes come in 2 colours for extra safety.

Man and woman out in the snow with their climbing ropes

4. Glacier Hiking

Rope Diameter:
A single, very thin diameter is ideal for lower weight.

Rope Length:
Select your rope length according to the number of people on the rope: 20m, 30m, or 40m.