Climbing ropes are tough and durable pieces of equipment that are an essential part of any climber's gear. Proper care and maintenance of these ropes is important to keep them in good condition. This includes correctly storing them. Over time, improperly stored ropes can degrade more quickly and may need replacing sooner. On the other hand, proper rope storage can significantly improve the lifespan of your climbing ropes and will help to ensure that they are ready for climbing when you are.
Step 1
Allow the climbing rope to hang freely to remove any twists in the rope before coiling it. Place the rope end you will finish with, when done coiling, on the floor. Stack the rope on the floor so it will coil smoothly and easily.
Step 2
Use the "butterfly" method to coil the rope. Hold the end of the rope between your fingers. Let a 3-oot loop of the rope hang over your palm on one side, then form another equally long loop of rope on the other side of your palm. Continue to form alternating loops until almost all but a few feet of the rope are coiled. Wrap the end of the climbing rope around the coil just below your hand, and tie off the end of the rope.
Step 3
Hang climbing ropes using an accessory cord or webbing strap. Avoid hanging climbing ropes from their coils, as this can stretch the rope and damage it over time.
Step 4
Store climbing ropes in a cool, dry place, away from exposure to heat or sunlight, which can degrade rope fibers. For best results, place the coiled rope in a rope bag.
Tips and Warnings
- Ensure the rope is completely dry before storing it.
- Keep climbing ropes away from bleach, acids, solvents or strong chemicals that may damage and weaken them.
Things You'll Need
- Climbing rope
- Storage bag
- Accessory rope or webbing strap
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