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Page Contents:
All About Ropes
Your life is literally on the line, so take time to educate yourself before making a purchase. Rope used for climbing must be designed for the application, and from a reputable brand and supplier. Be wary of online deals for “climbing rope” with unknown (or possibly counterfeit) branding. Ape Canyon is a premier supplier and you get a 15% discount with the JRB15 coupon code.
Rope vs Cord
Cord and rope are similar but different. Don’t use cord as a rope. This article summarizes it well: Rope vs Cord. See dedicated page for cord, which is typically used to form friction hitches on our rope.
Rope Designs
Most ropes and many cords are constructed of a “kernmantle” design, with a distinct and separate inner core (kern) and outer sheath (mantle). The braiding on the sheath is also variable: The more strands/plaits, the smoother the outside of the sheath. A product described as a “double braid” indicates that the core is also braided. Dynamic ropes tend to be Kernmantle double braids and Static ropes tend to be Kernmantle Single Braids. See this page from Marlow for images and more detail:
marlowropes.com/innovation/rope-constructions
Rope Fibers
See dedicated page to understand the properties of the various fibers used in rope construction:
A Tether is Too Short
Although a “tether” is a popular device in saddle hunting, JRB does not use nor recommend a tether; use a LIFELINE instead. Think of a LIFELINE as an extra long tether. Once we are at hunting height, it’s simple to draw up our rope and stuff it in a pouch or drape it wherever convenient. Why not a tether?
- Because we could get STUCK on a tether, in a situation where we have no footing after a stick or platform malfunction. This is a life threatening situation, typically requiring a rescue.
- We can’t rappel off a tether, and that’s the fastest and safest way out of a tree.
Static vs Dynamic
JRB recommends static ropes (low stretch / low elongation) for tree climbing applications, which should be executed with minimal slack.
In contrast, in the rock climbing industry, it is typical for a rope is to absorb a fall, and therefore, a dynamic (high stretch) are preferred, because they deliver less ‘impact force’ to the climber. Here’s a great reference from the Rock Climbing industry about dynamic Rock Climbing Ropes and ratings: LINK
Half / Twin Ropes
The Rock Climbing industry distinguishes between Single Ropes, Half Ropes and Twin Ropes. Note that these ropes are dynamic ropes and not designed for tree climbing. However, JRB has found no evidence stating that they ropes cannot be safely used for tree climbing applications provided that the system is properly designed. See article:
coloradomountainschool.com/single-half-twin-ropes-mean
Selection Criteria
When selecting your rope, besides obvious things like color, consider:
1. Single vs Doubled Application
- Single rope applications are those where the climber is supported by single strand of rope, such as a Lifeline (tether), SRT, JRB Hitch Climbing and Single Rope Rappel.
- Doubled rope applications are those where the climber is supported by a balanced set of two strands, formed by a doubled rope (a rope folded over a crotch in the canopy). DSRT and MRS(DRT or DdRT) are Doubled Rope Applications. Because the load is halved, an equivalent safety factor can be achieved with a rope which is half the strength.
- Some ropes (typically dynamic ropes) are rated as half/twin and are not adequate for Single Rope applications, but can be used for Doubled Rope applications. As a rule of thumb, if it’s adequate for single rope applications, it’s more than adequate for doubled rope applications, but the opposite isn’t true.
2. MBS / Safety Factor
For climbing systems with zero or minimal slack (less than a foot) JRB recommends a Safety Factor of 20, indicating that the Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) is greater than 20 times the load on the line, considering the weight of the climber plus any gear being carried. Examples:
- For a single rope application, a 200lb climber needs a rope with an MBS of at least: 200 x 20 = 4000lb
- For a doubled rope application, a 200lb climber needs a rope with an MBS of at least: 100 x 20 = 2000lb
3. Stiffness
Stiffer ropes don’t bend as well and stiffness inhibits their use in coiling the rope, in forming some knots, and their ability to flow through devices such as the Garda Hitch and Munter Friction Hitch. The bend radius of the rope can be used to measure its stiffness: just pinch a bight with our fingers and see how flat it bends with a moderate squeeze.
4. Length
The ideal length for a rope climbing system is determined based on multiple factors:
- The the highest available tree crotch height, not our ideal hunting height. For example, if we want our platform at 20′, the TREE might not offer a crotch at a perfect height; it might be much higher. JRB recommends being prepared for a tree crotch of at least 35′.
- If we plan to use our rope to draw up our bow or gear (recommended), we need a few extra feet given that we raise the Garda hitch footloop up, creating a temporary S in the rope.
- The System that we are constructing. See the following pages for the details on each system and the anchor (some need more rope than others):
Length Recommendations:
- Rappel / lifeline systems: 40- 50‘, dependent on the anchor:
- SRT Systems: 40′ minimum. See:
- JRB Cinch System: 50′ minimum. See:
- Universal/Hybrid System: 60′ minimum. See:
- DSRT System: 80′ recommended. See:
5. Diameter
In the table below, JRB has made SUGGESTIONS for rope diameters for non-mechanical climbing systems across two dimensions: 1) single (SRT) vs doubled (DSRT & MRS) rope methods 2) the climber’s weight, including gear.
These recommendations are not just about strength, and consider that the ability to break a friction hitch under load can vary based on the weight of the climber along with:
- surface area of contact between the rope & cord
- how soft the rope and cord are
- the construction and materials
- wet vs dry conditions (see video at bottom of page)
- how worn the rope/cord are
| Rope Diameter vs Total Weight | 8mm | 9.5 mm | 11mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 180 lb | DSRT, SRT | DSRT, SRT | DSRT, SRT |
| 180 – 260 lb | DSRT | DSRT, SRT | DSRT, SRT |
| 260 – 320 lb | — | DSRT | DSRT, SRT |
Note:
- This information is subjective and subject to change.
- Climbers assume responsibility for their choices and safety.
Recommended Ropes
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| Save 10% with JRB10 Coupon Code: https://www.rocknarbor.com/ |
8mm Static Ropes
Teufelberger Resc Tech
This is a fantastic 8mm rope for a DSRT system, with minimal bulk, and great flexibility; easy to tie knots. After significant use, the sheath will stretch and become longer than the core, requiring maintenance (milking).
- Construction: Technora®/Poly blend sheath over UHMWPE / Polypropylene core
- Strength: 29 kN or 6525 lb
- Weight: 2.8 lb / 100ft
- Sheath braid: 32 plait
Sterling Oplux
Very similar to Resc Tech; good choice for DSRT. Slightly softer and more sheath stretch. Color is brighter than ideal for a hunter.
- Construction: Technora®/Poly blend sheath over Spectra® core
- Strength: 24.3 kN or 5440 lb
- Weight: 2.8 lb / 100ft
- Sheath braid: 32 plait
9.5mm Static Ropes
Ape Canyon Rogue
This 9.5 mm rope is more expensive, but also more bendable. Great for SRT, DSRT or a Universal System. It’s JRB’s favorite all-around 9.5mm rope.
- Construction: Technora® sheath over Nylon core
- Strength: 30 kN or 6744 lb
- Weight: 4.2 lb / 100ft
Canyon Elite
This is a high quality static rope, but did not hold up to wear as well as the other ropes, showing more fraying in the sheath after an active season of use. It is advertised as 9mm, but at least 9.5 on JRB’s caliper. It performs well in SRT, DSRT or a Universal System. Color is brighter than ideal.
- Construction: Technora® and Polyester cover over a dry treated Nylon core
- Strength: 30.1 kN or 6770 lb
- Weight: 4.4 lb / 100ft
- Sheath braid: 32 plait
Ape Canyon Ghillie
This 9.5 mm rope has a fantastic color scheme for a hunter and works well as a rappel rope, or SRT or a Universal System. However, it is stiffer than ideal. This is noticed particularly in DSRT, requiring more effort to get 2 strands flowing through a Garda Hitch in ascent.
- Construction: Polyester core and sheath
- Strength: 25.95 kN or 5834 lb
Ape Canyon Raven
The specs for this 9.5 mm rope are the same as the Ghillie, but this rope is slightly more flexible. Good for a rappel rope, or SRT or a Universal System, but stiffer than the other ropes. In DSRT, stiffer ropes require more effort to get 2 strands flowing through a Garda Hitch in ascent.
- Construction: Polyester core and sheath
- Strength: 25.95 kN or 5834 lb
11+mm Static Ropes
Marlow Protec 500
This 11mm rope is surprisingly light but is also very stiff. It works well for SRT applications, but requiring more effort to coil and operate with a Garda Hitch footloop. Because of the stiff profile, it is not great for tying most knots. If attempting DSRT on this rope, larger carabiners are required.
- Construction: Technora® over a Nylon core
- Average Strength: 49.1 kN or 13423 lb
- Sheath braid: 32 plait
Also refer to the arborist collection at RockNArbor: Arborist Ropes
Dynamic Half/Twin Ropes
As per the rope rating system (referenced above), we should not used half/twin ropes in single rope (SRT) applications. However, JRB has built DSRT systems with Dynamic Half Ropes such as Mammut Aline Dry, Edelrid Skimmer and Petzl PASO Guide. Be aware that these ropes were not designed for a tree climbing application and so the climber must accept any risk associated with that. Note that dynamic ropes are often not specified with an MBS, and generally not available by the foot. Note: 30m = 98 ft. 50m =164 ft, enough for two systems.
More info
JRB End Loop
In order to be prepared for any rigging scenario, JRB recommends installing the JRB End Loop on one or both ends of the rope after purchase.
Coiling Rope
JRB uses a butterfly coil method. The rope is always ready for action and tangles are rare.
Cleaning the Rope
With the exception of tar or sap, a thorough washing with water does a good job of removing dirt from your rope. Use a standard washing machine cycle with no soap. Don’t use a dryer or the sun or an artificial heat source to dry it. Simply drape it over a branch in the shade or inside over a laundry rack or equivalent with adequate space between the strands. Depending on ventilation and humidity, it may take a couple of days to completely dry. Error on the side of giving it plenty of time. If you have pre-tied friction hitches on the rope, consider taking this opportunity to remove them, inspect them and either replace or re-tie them.
Confession: JRB has also added a small amount of unscented, hunter’s laundry soap to do a better job at removing “new rope smell” from a new rope. However, I can’t say if that affected the integrity of the rope and have no way of knowing for sure.
Rope Storage
JRB has many ropes and uses a large, antique crate to store them, ensuring that they are completely dry before putting them in storage. Given that hunters are scent-conscious, consider that if you leave a rope in a garage or basement or vehicle, it will absorb odor from that location, and any odor may be detected by a deer’s keen sense of smell. During hunting season, JRB keeps his rope and hunting clothes in a duffel in his vehicle, with the windows cracked to ensure fresh air circulation. Often, a natural scent source will be added to the bag such as some branches from a scented tree like pine, sassafras or viburnum. (Consider what is indigenous to your area.)
Rope Inspection
See the video. Ropes should be regularly inspected for damage, ideally before each climb. As we thread a rope up into a tree, we can feel the line as it passes through our fingers and detect anomalies that we might not see in a visible inspection simply because we cant look at the rope from both sides at the same time. Sunlight exposes a rope to UV which can affect its strength.
Wet Ropes
This video shows how a rope, cord and hitch combination that works great in dry conditions can slip in wet conditions. Always plan for the worst case scenario.
References
This article describes the international standards which apply to Climbing Ropes, including low stretch static ropes: UIAA Rope Standards
Ropes used in Rescue often adhere to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards. This cites and summarizes relevant info and standards: NFPA article
EN 564 is the standard which applies to Accessory Cord, but might also show up on some static ropes. EN564 Abstract
https://www.vertical-addiction.com/us/blogs/blog/climbing-rope-specs
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ropes.html
https://www.bartlettman.com/blogs/news/using-different-rope-for-different-kinds-of-climbing
https://treeclimbing.com/tree-climbing-ropes
https://www.theclimbingguy.com/ultimate-guide-climbing-ropes/