Use JRB10 Coupon Code for 10% off purchases at RockNArbor.com! See the entire selection here, including climbing ropes, rappel ropes, tethers, lineman’s ropes, etc: ROPE
About “Climbing Ropes“
Your life is literally on the line, so do not skimp. Rope used for climbing must be designed for the application, and from a reputable brand and supplier. Rated, reputable Arborist, Tactical, Canyoning and Mountaineering ropes can potentially be used, but don’t buy a rope advertised as “Climbing Rope” unless you have done your homework.
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
Static vs Dynamic
Tree climbing applications are typically performed with minimal slack and therefore, static (low stretch / low elongation) ropes are preferred. 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. Dynamic ropes can be used to climb trees, however, the climber will need to deal with the stretch and ‘bouncy’ feeling. Here’s a great reference from the Rock Climbing industry about dynamic Rock Climbing Ropes and ratings: LINK
Rope Ratings & Standards
This article describes the rating system used in the ropes used in Rock Climbing, which are typically dynamic ropes: Vertical Addition: Climbing Rope Rating System
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
In summary, there are multiple potential standards and ratings which could be relevant to the rope we wish to choose. Do not let that obscure the recommendation that the rope should have evidence of a relevant rating.
Half / Twin Ropes
If a dynamic Rock Climbing Rope is used in climbing a tree, note that ropes rated as half/twin are only supposed to be used in pairs. A doubled rope system meets this description. A single rope system does not; therefore, ropes rated as half or twin should not be used in Single Rope Applications. (see reference links below)
Brand, Supplier
It is the responsibility of the climber to ensure that they are using a rope of a reputable brand and from a reputable supplier. Be wary of online deals for “climbing rope” with unknown (or questionably counterfeit) branding. Rock-N-Arbor is JRB’s choice of suppliers, and you get a discount.
Selecting a Rope
Consider:
1. Application
In no-slack Saddle Hunting, the primary consideration is Single vs Doubled Rope applications. Single rope applications are those where the climber is supported by single strand, such as a Lifeline, 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, which is typically a rope folded over a crotch in the canopy. DSRT and MRS(DRT or DdRT) are Doubled Rope Applications. Some ropes are rated and adequate only 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. If you are buying your FIRST rope, JRB recommends getting a rope suitable for SRT. You can always get a thinner rope later if you want to build a system just for DSRT.
2. Length
For any system which will be used with a Doubled Rope application (like DSRT), the rope should be at least double the height of the highest crotch you will climb. For saddle hunting applications, JRB typically uses a system with 80ft of rope which allows rigging into a crotch about 40 ft. JRB recommends buying at least 65 feet, 75-80 is ideal. Rationale: even if we only want to climb to 20 feet, the crotch might be much higher. Don’t limit your opportunities. For a system which will be used for SRT methods including Hitch Climbing, 50ft is recommended, at least 40. Consider that if 5ft is consumed going around the trunk and 5ft is consumed for a Maverick Hitch, 40ft allows a maximum tie in of 30ft.
3. Elongation
See details above. Static Ropes are generally preferred over Dynamic Ropes. However, if the climber is not managing slack and capable of a fall of more than a few inches, Dynamic rope should be employed. JRB Recommends static rope and a well-managed slack management regime in all styles of climbing.
4. Strength
For climbing systems with zero or minimal slack (always less than a foot) JRB recommends a Safety Factor of 20 (Rope MBS is greater than 20 times the total weight of the climber and any gear being carried). Note that a doubled rope application distributes the climber’s weight on 2 strands, which enables the possibility that a rope may be considered adequate for DSRT but not for SRT.
5. Color
For hunting applications, it is best to avoid ropes with colors which don’t naturally appear in the forest and are more easily noticed by deer, particularly Blue and White (or particularly bright colors).
6. Diameter
Suggested rope diameters are contained in the table below, based on the technique(s) under consideration and the climber’s weight. Although thin ropes can be adequately strong for any climber, the hold characteristics and the ability to break a hitch under load can vary based on numerous factors, particularly the climber’s weight. Simply put, ‘thicker’ climbers prefer thicker ropes. The climber is responsible for the consideration of the following:
- The specified weight represents the climber with all of their gear, including clothing, saddle, and anything they are carrying.
- A recommended and performant friction hitch and cord with an optimal number of wraps is in use. Hitch cord diameter should be approximately 75% that of the rope.
- The Safety Factor of the produced system has been calculated by the climber and determined to be adequate.
- The performance of the system created can vary based on materials used, age, and conditions, particularly wet vs dry.
- Climbers assume responsibility for their safety as it pertains to all aspects of their climbing system, including the rope chosen.
Rope Diameter / Weight / Application Guideline
Notes: 1) The following recommendations are merely a guide for non-mechanical climbing systems. 2) SRT includes Hitch Climbing, single rope rappel, and Universal system. 3) This information is subject to change.
| Total Weight: | 8mm | 9mm | 10mm | 11mm |
| < 200 lbs | DSRT, SRT | DSRT, SRT | DSRT, SRT | DSRT, SRT |
| 200 – 250 lbs | DSRT | DSRT, SRT | DSRT, SRT | DSRT, SRT |
| 250 – 300 lbs | DSRT | DSRT | DSRT, SRT | DSRT, SRT |
| > 300 lbs | — | DSRT | DSRT | DSRT, SRT |
8mm Static Ropes
Coming Soon: 8mm Ape Canyon Rougarou
8mm Teufelberger Resc Tech – This is a great rope for a DSRT system, with minimal bulk. Non-mechanical SRT performance was less than ideal, particularly when wet. After significant use, the sheath will stretch and become longer than the core, requiring maintenance (milking).
8mm 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.
9.5mm Static Ropes
9.5mm, Ape Canyon Rogue – This 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.
9+mm Canyon Elite is a high quality static rope, popular with Saddle Hunters. Advertised as 9mm, but at least 9.5 on JRB’s caliper. Great for SRT, DSRT or a Universal System.
9.5mm, Ape Canyon Ghillie or Raven – These are effectively the same rope in different colors. Great for SRT or a Universal System. Rugged and stiffer than the other ropes. In DSRT, of course it works fine, but these stiffer ropes require more effort to get 2 strands flowing through a Garda Hitch in ascent.
10mm Static Ropes
Coming soon: 10mm Ape Canyon Rougarou
11+mm Static Ropes
JRB owns a few 11mm ropes, but none are currently available. Refer to the RockNArbor Climbing rope selection: 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.
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 year round. 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.
References
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/
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