Buying climbing rope: everything you need to know

This article is not intended to be exhaustive and is no substitute for professional training.

Climbing rope construction

All climbing ropes have the same construction: they consist of a core and a sheath. The core holds the actual load – around two-thirds – in the event of a fall. The sheath protects the core from abrasion and makes the rope easy to handle. The sheath bears around one-third of the load. These ‘dynamic ropes’ with a core-sheath construction are made of polyamide-6 (nylon); they act like a spring and brake a fall more gently.

Climbing ropes – different types

Waterproofing

A rope doesn’t need to be waterproofed for climbing in a gym. But if you climb outdoors, make sure that the rope sheath is waterproofed to repel dirt and moisture. If your rope gets wet (glacier, ice), it’s important that the sheath and core are waterproofed. Why? A wet rope loses up to half its strength. After climbing, dry wet ropes thoroughly at room temperature. Do not place the rope in front of heaters, near an oven or in the sun, as this can damage the rope.

The waterproofing is applied directly during production, so climbing ropes can’t be waterproofed after purchase.

In thermally treated climbing ropes, the fibres in the sheath and core are relaxed, shrunk and smoothed. This prevents the rope from becoming stiff or contracting over time.

Climbing rope length

The climbing rope should be at least twice as long as the route plus a few meters for knots and belaying. A single rope of 40 to 50 metres in length is usually sufficient for climbing in a gym. For most outdoor climbing routes, you’ll need a rope of 60 to 80 meters in length. Climbing guides will contain information on how long your planned route is.

For multi-pitch routes outdoors, 50 or 60 metre-long half ropes have proven effective. Both outdoors and inside a climbing gym, however, the length depends on the chosen route. Find out about this in advance. It makes no sense to simply take the longest rope with you, as a rope that’s too long means extra weight and increases the likelihood of tangled ropes.

Climbing rope diameter

Thick climbing ropes are more durable and safer, but also heavier. They also make climbing more strenuous because they cause higher friction in the interim belay points and in the safety device than thinner ropes. It’s essential that the thickness of the rope matches the safety device, otherwise, in the event of a fall, the device may not brake or lock, but simply let the rope run through.

The right rope for different climbing activities

Taking care of climbing ropes properly

Proper care ensures that your equipment stays intact for as long as possible. The following tips will help you keep your climbing rope in good shape:

• Cleaning: After climbing, especially outdoors, remove dirt and dust with a soft brush, ideally a rope brush. If the rope is heavily soiled, you can also wash it in the washing machine with a special washing agent: at 30 degrees on a gentle cycle. Tip: Tie the ends of the rope together and use a washing bag.

• Drying: Leave the climbing rope to dry in a shady, well-ventilated place. Do not place it near a heater/oven or in the sun and do not hang it up – lay it flat instead.

• Storage: Store in a cool and dry place. Wind the rope loosely so there are no kinks. A rope bag is ideal for storage: attach the ends of the rope using the two designated loops. This way, it doesn’t get tangled as easily and is ready to go for your next climb.

• Checking: Check regularly for visible damage such as abrasion, cuts (e.g. from crampons) or deformations. Be sure to inspect the entire rope carefully, as climbing ropes wear very unevenly.

• Replacing: Replace the rope if there is any visible damage or after a severe fall.

Identifying damaged climbing rope

Damage to ropes can be obvious, such as cuts. But even if the defects are less obvious, you should dispose of your climbing rope and get a new one – after all, your life depends on it.

Use these tips to assess whether your climbing rope is damaged:

• Age: Even if the rope has never been used and is stored correctly, the material ages. The manufacturer’s information on the instructions or packaging will tell you after how many years at the latest the rope no longer meets safety requirements. The more you climb with it, the more it wears out and the sooner it must be disposed of.

• Damaged sheath: If the outer part of the rope is damaged, for example due to cuts or cracks, the rope must be replaced – at the latest when the core is visible. This also applies if the rope becomes fuzzy due to abrasion.

• Bleaching: If the rope is discoloured in some places, you should replace it. It is probably faded due to sunlight or chemical contamination, which weaken the material.

• Rope tension: If you form a loop in the rope, it shouldn’t be possible to pinch it together completely – there should still be a gap at the bend. If it can be flattened, it indicates a weak spot on the rope.

• Sheath slip: Thickening and bulges indicate that the rope core and sheath are slipping. The rope then no longer slides through the safety device as easily and the sheath can no longer protect the core.

Certifications and standards for climbing ropes

When buying a climbing rope, be sure to check it has the necessary certifications. These ensure that the climbing rope has been tested under extreme conditions and meets the high demands of climbing. All climbing ropes in the Transa range meet the highest safety standards.

EN 892 is an important standard in Europe. It ensures that a high level of load-bearing capacity, elasticity and knot strength are guaranteed. Another certification is the UIAA label. This complies with international standards and offers additional safety.

Climbing ropes FAQ