While rock climbers and mountaineers use climbing ropes to ascend vertical rock walls and ice, summit difficult peaks, and safely cross glaciers, climbers move under their own power without assistance from the rope. Climbing ropes are specifically manufactured to absorb the power of a fall without causing additional injury to a climber as well as prevent a climber from falling farther than the rope's length. Because climbing is a hazardous sport, climbers should have a basic understanding of climbing ropes.
Types
Two types of climbing ropes are available—dynamic and static. Dynamic ropes are designed to stretch. Because climbing ropes are used to protect climbers, stretch in a rope absorbs the impact of a falling climber. Because dynamic ropes stretch, they are used for all types of climbing, including rock and ice climbing, mountaineering and glacier travel. Static ropes, on the other hand, do not stretch and should be used only for climbing activities that do not place significant force on the rope, such as rappelling.
Construction
Climbing ropes are made of thin twisted cords, or the core, and protected by a sheath. The core, or interior of the rope, provides strength and absorbs the forces placed on ropes during a fall. The sheath is the exterior of the rope and protects the core from dirt and abrasion. Climbing rope construction is also referred to as kernmantle. The term "kern" means core and "mantle" means sheath.
Size
Climbing rope dimensions are measured by diameter and length. Rope diameters vary from 7.5 mm to 11 mm. Thicker ropes are stronger and heavier. Rock climbers favor 10 mm diameter ropes because they are easy to manage on longer climbs and offer sufficient protection from falling. Climbing rope lengths vary as well and are typically 50 m to 70 m. Longer ropes are favored by multipitch climbers—those attempting routes longer than a single rope length—and climbers taking longer alpine routes. Shorter ropes are useful for a style of climbing called top-roping.
Dry versus Non-Dry
Climbing ropes are classified as either dry or nondry. Dry ropes are treated with a coating to keep them from absorbing water; ice climbers and mountaineers, who might encounter wet conditions, typically use this kind of rope. Non-dry ropes are not treated and are used by rock climbers.
Ratings
The International Union of Alpine Associations, UIAA, certifies ropes based on number of falls. The UIAA certifies ropes to allow a total of five falls without failure. Based on these ratings, it is important for climbers to track the number of falls they take on a particular rope.
Care
The primary rule for the care of climbing rope is not to step on the rope. Stepping on the rope causes dirt to penetrate the sheath and compromises the strength of the rope’s core. It is important to check a rope every time you climb, a process referred to as flaking the rope. To flake a rope, run the rope through your hand. Feel for soft spots and review the integrity of the sheath. A rope with soft spots or a compromised sheath should be retired. Also, keep climbing ropes clean by washing them in cold water and allowing them to dry over a period of several days. If possible, store climbing ropes in a bag.
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