What kind of rope is used for rappelling? Lightweight static ropes with a diameter of at least 7.7mm are ideal for Rappelling. The diameter of the rope is the most important consideration when choosing a rappelling rope. There are a plethora of different scenarios, each with its own rope to best suit its purpose.
When shopping for a climbing rope, there are four main factors to consider:
Rope type: The type of climbing you do determines whether you use a single, half, twin, or static rope.
Diameter and length: The diameter and length of a rope affect its weight and durability, as well as the best way to use it.
Rope Features: Dry treatments and middle marks, for example, have an impact on how you use the rope.
Safety ratings: Looking at these ratings while considering the type of climbing you intend to do can help you choose a rope.
Types of Climbing Ropes
Ropes are classified into two types: dynamic and static. Dynamic ropes are made to stretch in order to absorb the impact of a falling climber. Static ropes have a very little stretch, making them ideal for situations such as lowering an injured climber, ascending a rope, or hauling a load up.
If you want a dynamic rope for climbing, you have three options: single, half, and twin ropes.
Single Ropes
These are ideal for traditional climbing, sport climbing, big-wall climbing, and top-roping.
Single ropes are purchased by the vast majority of climbers. The name “single” indicates that the rope is intended to be used alone, rather than in conjunction with another rope, as some other rope types are. Single ropes are available in a variety of diameters and lengths, making them suitable for a wide range of climbing disciplines. They are also easier to handle than two-rope systems.
Half Ropes
These are ideal for trad climbing on multi-pitch wandering routes, mountaineering, and ice climbing.
You use two ropes when climbing with half ropes. As you ascend, clip one rope to the left protection and the other to the right protection. When done correctly, the ropes can run parallel and straight, reducing rope drag on wandering routes.
Twin Ropes
These are ideal for non-wandering multi-pitch rock climbing, mountaineering, and ice climbing.
Twin ropes, like half ropes, are a two-rope system. With twin ropes, however, you ALWAYS clip both strands through each piece of protection, just as you would with a single rope. Because there will be more rope drag than with half ropes, twin ropes are a good choice for non-wandering routes. On the plus side, twin ropes are thinner than half ropes, resulting in a lighter and less bulky system.
Static Ropes
These are ideal for rescue work, cave exploration, climbing fixed lines with ascenders, and hauling loads. Static ropes are useful when you don’t want the rope to stretch, such as when lowering an injured climber, ascending a rope, or hauling a load up with it. Static ropes should never be used for top-roping or lead climbing because they are not designed, tested, or certified for those activities.
What thickness of rope should I get?
In general, a thinner rope is lighter. Skinnier ropes, on the other hand, can be less durable and require more skill to safely belay with. Ropes with larger diameters are more abrasion resistant and often hold up better to repeated use. If you’re top-roping at your local crag, a thicker rope is probably in order. If you’re going to be hiking long distances for multi-pitch climbs, you’ll want a skinnier, lighter rope.
Single ropes up to 9.4mm: These ropes are very light, making them ideal for long multi-pitch climbs where weight is an issue. However, skinny single ropes are not rated to withstand as many falls as thicker ropes, are more difficult to handle, and are less durable.
Choose a thicker rope if you intend to do a lot of top-roping or fall repeatedly while learning the moves on a sport climb.
Because a skinny rope can move quickly through a belay device, climbing with one requires a very experienced and attentive belayer.
Single ropes 9.5–9.9mm: A single rope in this price range is suitable for trad and sport climbing. These ropes are light enough to carry into the mountains while also being strong enough for top-roping at the local crag. They are generally more durable and easier to handle than very thin ropes.
Single ropes 10mm and above: Ropes 10mm and up are ideal for gym climbing, frequent top-roping, figuring out moves on sport routes, and big-wall climbing. These types of climbing can cause a rope to wear out faster, so it’s best to use a thicker, more durable rope.
Half and twin ropes: Half ropes typically have a diameter of 8 – 9mm, while twin ropes have a thickness of 7 – 8mm.
Static ropes have a diameter of 9 – 13mm and are commonly measured in inches, so the diameter may be stated as 7/16”(example).
Climbing Rope Length
Dynamic ropes for rock climbing are available in lengths ranging from 30m to 80m. A 60m rope is the industry standard and will meet your needs the majority of the time.
Ropes for outdoor climbing: When deciding on the length of your rope, keep in mind that half of its length should be equal to or greater than the route or pitch you’ll be climbing.
For example, if a climbing route is 30m long, you’ll need at least a 60m rope to climb up and be lowered back down from an anchor at the top. Some modern sport climbing routes necessitate the use of a 70m rope to descend to the ground.
Indoor climbing ropes: Because indoor routes are shorter than outdoor routes, shorter ropes, about 35m long, are commonly used for gym climbing. Again, make sure the rope is long enough to lower a climber.
Static ropes: Static ropes for rescue work, caving, climbing fixed lines with ascenders, and hauling loads are available in a variety of lengths and are sometimes sold by the foot so that you can get the exact length you require.
Why is climbing rope so expensive?
Climbing ropes are more expensive than other gear because they allow you to perform all possible techniques and take advantage of unique features. These features necessitate specialized development and costly materials, resulting in a more expensive final product.
What kind of climbing rope do I need?
In Conclusion, for pure rappelling, A static rope with a diameter of 7.7mm is my recommendation. It achieves a better balance of functionality, weight, and affordability than any of your other options. However, your choice of rope will vary depending on the activity, so always bring the appropriate equipment for the situation and stay safe!
