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Ape Canyon Cordage
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Ape Canyon Cordage collections:
All about cords
Every system needs friction hitches, which are constructed with Cord. Different suppliers might call it “Utility Cord”, “Prusik Cord” or “Hitch Cord”. Just be sure that the product chosen is correct for the application.
Rope vs Cord
There are similarities and differences between rope and cord. Cord is typically more bendable and will make better friction hitches. This article provides good information as well: Rope vs Cord
Memory
Memory is a term used to describe an undesirable feature whereby a cord which holds its shape after a knot is untied. For example, a cord would be described as having too much memory if it was used for a friction hitch which was later removed for inspection and after removal, it remained coiled up, preserving the shape of the hitch it was used for.
Fibers
See dedicated page to understand the properties of the various fibers used in rope and cord construction:
Cord:Rope Ratio
When tying most friction hitches, including all of JRB’s original designs, the diameter of the cord diameter should be smaller than the rope diameter. The difference ratio in the table below is calculated as the cord diameter divided by the rope diameter. 70-75% ratio is a general recommendation for most friction hitches. Note that some hitches (such as the Longhorn Zenith) prefers a 60-65% ratio. Note that the actual diameter of a rope or cord may differ from the stated diameter. The ideal ratio varies with the hitch, rope, cord and its stiffness. JRB’s general recommendations are indicated with the Asterix below:
| Rope Diameter | Cord Diameter | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 8 mm (5/16″) | 5 mm | 62% |
| 8 mm (5/16″) | 6 mm** | 75% |
| 8 mm (5/16″) | 6.5 mm | 81% |
| 8 mm (5/16″) | 7 mm | 87% |
| 9 mm | 6 mm | 67% |
| 9 mm | 6.5 mm** | 72% |
| 9 mm | 6.8 mm** | 76% |
| 9 mm | 7 mm | 78% |
| 9.5 mm (3/8″) | 6 mm | 63% |
| 9.5 mm (3/8″) | 6.5 mm | 68% |
| 9.5 mm (3/8″) | 6.8 mm** | 72% |
| 9.5 mm (3/8″) | 7 mm | 74% |
| 10.5 mm | 6 mm | 57% |
| 10.5 mm | 6.5 mm | 62% |
| 10.5 mm | 6.8 mm | 65% |
| 10.5 mm | 7 mm | 67% |
| 10.5 mm | 8 mm** | 76% |
| 11.1 mm (7/16″) | 7 mm | 63% |
| 11.1 mm (7/16″) | 8 mm** | 72% |
Length
The length of the cord needed varies based on the application. See the appropriate page for details on specific knots and designs. As a general recommendation, buy twice as much as you think you need; It will come in handy.
Cutting and Sealing Cords
When cutting nylon or polyester cords, melting the ends using a flame for about 10 seconds and then smoothing with a rag is recommended. Heat resistant cords (anything with Technora, including Sterling TRC) will not melt and can be sealed with and of the following methods. See Shopping List for related product recommendations such as:
- Heat Shrink Tubing
- Rope whipping sealer
- Tape
Cord Inspection / Replacement
Be sure you inspect and replace cords as appropriate. Even with moderate use in a hunting system, it’s a good idea to replace your friction hitches every season, and inspect them regularly.
Recommended Cords
8 mm Ocean
Teufelberger Ocean 8mm cord is very bendable and has a coarse sheath which grips well. JRB prefers it on 10.5-11.5 mm ropes.
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/teufelberger-8mm-ocean-polyester/
8mm Flex
Sterling Flex cord is another choice for larger diameter ropes in the 11mm range. Note that the Technora sheath is more smooth than the Ocean.
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/sterling-8mm-flex-hitch-cord/
7 mm Sterling
Sterling 7mm Accessory Cord has a Nylon core and sheath, with MBS of 12.3 kN or 2765 lb. It bends extremely well and can be used for friction hitches on ropes as small as 8mm, but it is not JRB’s first choice because it stretches and is not as durable. It has many uses and is fantastic for practicing. JRB recommends getting a 50′ length.
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/sterling-7-mm-accessory-cord
7mm Sterling Cord is also available on Amazon:
6.8 mm TVAC
Sterling TVAC is a new addition to the ACO collection as of 2026. Technora sheath over a nylon core is a fantastic combination. 16.1 kN or 3619 lb MBS. JRB does not recommend using this on any rope less than 9mm. It performs best for hitches on ropes that are 9.5mm. It seems a little stiff at first, but breaks in nicely, basically like a ‘big brother’ to TRC. For the bigger climbers using a 9.5mm rope, TVAC will be a bit easier when it comes to breaking a friction hitch under load, due to its larger diameter.
6.5 mm Blue Water
This is nylon cord which is dynamic (stretches) and has an MBS of 9.3 kN (2100 lb)
Note: in side by side testing, TRC and Bluewater Dynamic cord performed similarly. TRC was slightly more ‘grippy’; Bluewater showed wear more quickly.
6 mm TRC
6 mm Sterling TRC is a very rugged cord, JRB’s all around preference in his own systems on both 8 and 9mm ropes. It is constructed with a Technora® sheath over a nylon core. It has a 15.5kN (3484lb) MBS! It works great for hitches on 8 – 9.5 mm ropes.
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/sterling-6mm-trc/
6 mm Wilderness
Ape Canyon 6mm Wilderness cord is not recommend for life safety applications, particularly in traditional friction hitches where only 2 strands are supporting the climber. The MBS is 8.8 kN or 1978 lbs. Consider your application carefully and use at your own risk.
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/ape-canyon-outfitters-6mm-nylon-wilderness-cord
Amazon product: Sterling 6mm Cord, on Amazon
5 mm Teufelberger Tech
Tech Cord is a Polyester sheath over a Technora core. It is stiff and has a fair amount of ‘memory’ (holds its shape after removal), which is characteristic of Technora core. A caliper measurement by JRB came out at approximately 5.5 mm. It has an amazing 20.9 kN (4700 lb) MBS. JRB has tested it with good results on 8mm ropes.
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/teufelberger-5mm-tech-cord/
Other 5mm cords
Bluewater Nylon Cord (from Amazon) This has a 6.1 kN (1371 lb) strength, bends well and easy to work with. This cord had good performance in testing, but had surprisingly even more ‘memory’ than the Teufelberger. Although JRB tested it in single rope applications, the strength profile is questionable, but adequate for DSRT.
Bluewater Titan 5mm Cord (from Amazon) It’s really strong, but is very stiff and too much memory. Not JRB’s favorite. Strength: 13.5 kN (3,035 lb)
Sterling Nylon cord has a 5.1 kN (1146 lb) strength. It is extremely flexible. Sterling does not recommend it for Life Safety applications.
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/sterling-5-mm-accessory-cord
Prusik Loops
When it comes to a backup, if you don’t feel comfortable tying your own loops, consider a Prusik Loop.
6 mm Sterling TRC Sewn Prusik Loops, for tying the Hedden Knot on 8-11 mm ropes. JRB recommends the 19″ length:
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/ape-canyon-outfitters-sewn-trc-prusik-loop/
Retrieval Cords
4mm static accessory cord (listed below) makes a great retrieval cord. 35 feet is a good length recommendation. Remember, we want a little extra so that we have enough to walk away from the tree, which helps in retrieving some anchors.
Accessory Cords
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/sterling-2-mm-accessory-cord
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/sterling-3-mm-accessory-cord
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/sterling-4-mm-accessory-cord
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/sterling-5-mm-accessory-cord
Paracord
Paracord is approximately 3mm in diameter, and stretches under load. The paracord and utility cords listed below are not for life safety applications; but can be used for utility applications including:
- Rigging a rope into a tree
- Constructing the JRB End Loop
- Creating “paracord presets” which are left in the tree
328′ – Green, Plastic Spool, w/Cutter