How to Choose a Climbing Rope

A climbing rope is more than the weaving of many fine nylon threads: It is the thing that might save your life. And every climbing rope is not the same. They come in different diameters, lengths and even colors, with each quality serving a particular purpose for the climber.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a dynamic rope, the specially constucted rope that will stretch in a fall. Static ropes should never be used for climbing.

    • 2

      Make sure the rope has a manufacturer's label and a UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme) or CEN (Comitee Europeen de Normalisation) rating. It should also have a length, diameter, stretch and fall rating labeled clearly on the packaging.

    • 3

      Choose an 8 mm or 9 mm (diameter) dynamic rope only if you will be using it as part of a twin-rope or double-rope system for rock or ice climbing. A 9 mm rope may also be used as a lightweight single rope for general glacier travel as well.

    • 4

      Choose a 10 mm dynamic rope if you want to bring a lightweight rope suitable for climbing. Alpinists or those wishing to travel and climb as lightly as possible prefer this size.

    • 5

      Choose a 10.5 mm to 11 mm dynamic rope for more durable single-rope climbing. Most recreational climbing is done with an 11 mm rope, 50 meters long (165 feet) and has a stretch of 7 percent to 8 percent.

    • 6

      Decide on the length of rope you need. Fifty meters is standard, but ropes also come in sizes of 60 meters (200 feet) or 70 meters (230 feet). Beginning climbers can start with standard length.

    • 7

      Decide on the color and water-repellency of your rope. A bright rope is usually best because you can always see where it is. Some are woven in a solid color, others are woven in a pattern. Some change color or pattern at their midpoint so it can be found easily. If you're using two lightweight ropes in a twin-rope system, buying different colored ropes helps identify each. A water-repellent rope is best if you're going to do ice climbing.