ROCK CLIMBING ROPE

When you are considering purchasing rock climbing rope there are many things that you should think about before you make a decision. You might actually want to purchase different types for the different uses you will have for it.

Some of the things you should think about include the two different types of rope, the sizes, options, and the fall ratings that are governed.

STATIC AND DYNAMIC ROPE

There are two different types of rock climbing rope that you might want to consider. There is dynamic rope and static rope.

Dynamic Rope stretches at a certain percentage given a static load of a certain weight. These ropes are designed to stretch so they can absorb falling impacts and minimize any injury. Without a rope stretching when you fall, you could break your back or your neck from the impact. The dynamic ropes are commonly used for most methods of climbing.

The static rope is the exact opposite of the dynamic rope. These ropes do not stretch at all when they are under a load of pressure. They are used for hauling gear and things but should not be used when you are climbing.

SIZE OF ROPE

There are also three different sizes for climbing rope that you will use for different purposes. It is also important to know the differences with the sizes. The different sizes of rock climbing rope include single, twin, half or double.

Single ropes can normally run between 9.5mm and 11mm in width but vary with the length. Some people like the thicker rope but it is important to remember that the thicker the rope, the heavier it is.

Twin rope is exactly that, two pieces of rope that are identical. They are commonly used to be clipped through gear. Twin ropes are usually very thin and used for lightweight gear. Half or double is the same size rope but usually thicker than twin rope used for clipping gear but individually. Twin rope provides more safety when traversing and falling and you don’t have to worry as much about losing your gear.

Remember when you are looking at rock climbing rope that the longer the rope is, the heavier it is going to be on you or in your pack. You don’t want to be carrying too much weight when you are climbing.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

When you are considering purchasing climbing rope you should also consider the different options you have for your rope. You can have dry or standard rope.

Some ropes are treated and waterproof so they will not absorb water. They are called dry ropes and are most commonly used when you think you might encounter some rain or conditions where your rope will get wet. Rope usually absorbs water which can make the rope heavier and affect your climbing experience. If you only plan on rock climbing then you shouldn’t have to worry about dry rope. However, if you do expect to be climbing ice or it is going to rain you should consider dry rope.

You should remember though that the dry climbing rope with the waterproof treatment does rub off eventually. So, you should be sure to replace your rope every now and then especially if the waterproofing is important to you. The other options that you have when you are purchasing climbing rope are that you can choose from bi-color or half-n-half. Bi-color rope is unique because it changes color halfway through the rope. This is designed to make it easy for you to distinguish if you can make it down all the way with one rope or not.

All climbing ropes are sold with some type of distinguishing feature marking the rope at the half mark for climbers to recognize if their rock climbing rope is long enough for them to make it. The Bi-colored just makes it easier because you may miss the half way mark if you are going quickly.

The International Union of Alpine Associations governs the fall ratings of rock climbing rope and they issue the standards that ropes must meet so they are certified. When you purchase a rock climbing rope that is certified it means that it is made and fit for the intended use that the rope claims to be for.

You should keep track of the amount of falls and the uses of your rope. This means that you will need to keep a rope log so you know when it should be replaced.

There are many different types of rock climbing rope and features included. It is extremely important that you know the differences and you do not use the wrong type of rope while climbing and you should never run out while you are descending.

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