Whether you're climbing the sheer face of a glacier or an unsteady rock outcropping, there are a number of climbing ropes to suit your needs. Available in a multitude of styles and configurations, climbing ropes are tested by the Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme and are graded on scales performance and resilience exhibited in test fall studies. With an accurate assessment of your climbing trip's needs and a willingness to research, practically anyone can find the best rope for their outdoor adventure.
Half Ropes
Commonly found in 8 mm. diameters, half ropes are a popular option for climbers undergoing long, wandering routes during their climbs. Used both on rock and ice, half ropes are generally utilized with alternating clips during the vertical portion of the climb so as to reduce the fall potential during clip changes. A common pick for outdoor enthusiasts who intend to do a lot of rappelling, single and paired half ropes allow you to rappel twice as far by tying the ends of two ropes together (though it is generally safer to have the two strands side-by-side). The most common complaint against using a half rope is the extra time and energy required by the extra bulk and coil--particularly when using two half-rope strands. Be careful when opting to use only one strand of half rope on your climb, however: the chances of having your life line damaged or cut are much higher than with thicker ropes.
Workhouse Singles
The polar opposite of the half rope when it comes to durability and sturdiness, the workhorse single is a considerably bulkier rope that is good for climbs with rough rocks and edges. With a diameter of 11 mm. and much heavier weight, workhorse singles contain a thick sheathe that allows climbers to easily grab and hold on to the rope during climbs. Ideal for big walls, top roping and extreme use, these ropes have been proven resilient under the Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme testing procedure: averaging 10 to 17 fall simulations before breaking. Unlike less bulkier ropes, the workhorse single is sometimes less used during casual ice climbs wherein the weak walls mean that every ounce of the climber counts.
All-Purpose Singles
Considered the "meat and potatoes" of rope options by Recreational Equipment Incorporated, all-purpose singles weight in at 60 grams per meter with an average diameter of 9.5 mm. Often the most common rope choice for climbers seeking versatility and reliability, all-purpose singles saddle the line between size and weight while upholding full fall ratings under drop fall tests. Useful in all rock, ice and snow environments, all-purpose singles are a good choice for individuals who are new to climbing or who aren't intending to do any specialized climbs that require fast and light climbing equipment.
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