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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 including the Longhorn Agile, JRB Ascender and Kraken. However, the Longhorn Zenith hitch 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. For example, Sterling 7mm cord is so flexible that it works fairly well on 8mm ropes, even at an 87% ratio.
| 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 | 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″) | 7 mm | 74% |
| 10 mm | 6 mm | 60% |
| 10 mm | 6.5 mm | 65% |
| 10 mm | 7 mm | 70% |
| 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.
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
8mm Ocean
Teufelberger Ocean 8mm cord is very bendable and has a course sheath which grips well:
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/teufelberger-8mm-ocean-polyester/
8mm Sterling Flex
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/sterling-8mm-flex-hitch-cord/
7 mm Sterling Nylon
Sterling 7mm Accessory Cord has a Nylon core and sheath, with MBS of 12.3 kN or 2765 lb. It bends extremely well but is not as durable as ideal. There are plenty of applications for it, but JRB prefers 6.8mm TVAC for friction hitches. Consider getting a 50′ length, as there are many utility applications for it as well.
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/sterling-7-mm-accessory-cord
7mm Sterling Cord is also available on Amazon:
6.8 mm Sterling TVAC
This 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 to 11mm. 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 or thicker 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 Dynamic
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 Sterling 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 Nylon cord
This 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
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 makes a great retrieval cord. 30-35 feet is a good length recommendation. Remember, we want a little extra so that we can get a good angle when walking 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