A climbing rope is one of the most important pieces of gear you can buy. It is literally your lifeline, and can also make or break your experience climbing outdoors. There are a few important factors to look for when deciding which rope to buy, such as diameter, weight, performance, and feel, and you can’t discern all of these things behind the counter of a gear shop. That’s where we come in.

　　Our expert gear testers scoured the web for the best ropes on the market today and bought and tested seven ropes to see which stood out from the pack. We coiled, packed, hiked, climbed, belayed, whipped, and hang-dogged all over with six ropes, seeing how soft their catches were and how smooth they ran through belay devices. We evaluated one based on their weight and handling to their stretch and performance.

　　We lent them to friends to put them through the wringer and give us their notes to make sure were bringing you the most thorough review on the internet. Whether you’re buying your first rope, or are a seasoned climber looking for something skinny and sendy, read on to find out what ropes we think rise to the top today.

　　Down below you’ll also find our extensive climbing ropes buyer’s guide, as well as our handy comparison chart and FAQ sections for all the info you need to get out and start sending.

　　The Best Climbing Ropes of 2024 Best Overall Climbing Rope:Sterling Ion 9.4 BiColor XEROS Best Budget Climbing Rope: Mammut Crag We Care Classic 9.5 Best Workhorse Climbing Rope: Edelrid Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry DuoTec 9.6 Best Redpointing Climbing Rope: Sterling Aero 9.2 XEROS Best Overall Climbing Rope Sterling IonR 9.4 XEROS Specs Diameter 9.4 mm Weight 57 g/m Dry Treatment Yes Good for All-around climbing

　　Pros Dry treatment treats both core and sheath for superior performance Lightweight Bi-pattern enhances safety Tight sheath weave Cons Expensive Maybe overkill for the gym climber Miya Tsudome Sterling, one of the top rope manufacturers in the U.S., continues to impress with the Sterling IonR 9.4 BiColor XEROS Rope ($350 70m). This svelte line strikes the optimal balance between a crag workhorse and a lightweight redpointer. At 9.4 mm, it’s not so thin that it will wear out after a season of sport climbing, and not too thick that it will weigh you down on long routes. This makes it a great choice for the all-around climber.

　　At first use, we were impressed by the tight weave of the sheath and the rope’s supple feel. It glides through a GriGri with ease, but doesn’t slip like thinner ropes will. Its bi-pattern design is clear and easy to decipher, which gives it an increased safety margin over ropes with middle markers that will most likely fade. If you find yourself often doing multi-pitches that require rappelling, having a bi-pattern rope will be a game changer. We used it on granite multi-pitches at our local crag that features mussy hooks for anchors, which we happily clipped the middle of the rope quickly and easily through. But the bi-pattern does cost a pretty penny more, and if that’s not in your budget, you can get the solid-colored IonR for $284 instead. 

　　Sterling’s dry-treatment technology really stands out from the competition. Typically, when ropes are dry-treated, they are doused in a chemical bath that coats the outside of the sheath with a thick, water-resistant layer. Sterling uses a new dry technology, treating the individual filaments inside the core of the rope and in the sheath, making for an overall more robust dry rope. This means that although the price tag is quite high for the IonR 9.4 BiColor XEROS, its dry treatment will increase its lifespan, making it worth the extra cost over time. 

　　And with a relatively low weight of 57 grams per meter, there’s not a lot to not love about this rope, earning it the top spot on our list.

　　$305 at REI Best Budget Climbing Rope Mammut Crag We Care Classic 9.5 Specs Diameter 9.5 mm Weight 58 g/m Dry Treatment No Good for All-around climbing

　　Pros Affordable Eco-friendly Lightweight Cons Not dry-treated Miya Tsudome Let’s face it: climbing gear is expensive. But it doesn’t all have to be, and that’s where the Mammut Crag We Care Classic 9.5 ($199 70m) comes in. Not only is this rope cost-effective, but it is also eco-friendly, making it a product that feels good on your conscience and your wallet. The sheath is made with 100% residual yarn left over from the production of other ropes, combined into unique colors and patterns and providing an overall reduced environmental footprint. 

　　But how does it perform, you ask? It has a slick sheath but handles well in multiple belay devices. Its 9.5 mm diameter is great for both casual cragging and harder redpoint attempts. Our lead tester, Miya, is partial to ropes of the 9.4-9.5 diameter because they tend to last longer than skinnier models but still won’t weigh you down. 

　　This rope isn’t dry-treated like the Sterling IonR, however, which means that it won’t last as long. Dry treatment protects the sheath from more than just water. It also protects the rope from dirt and grime that can infiltrate the sheath and cause abrasion over time. This rope feels stiff right off the bat, but since it lacks a dry treatment, it will likely soften nicely with use, which is a trade-off.

　　The fact that you can get a great all-around, 70-meter rope that’s eco-friendly and under $200 is too good a deal to pass up. Most 70-meter ropes today cost at least $250+, so even though the Crag We Care Classic isn’t dry-treated, it’s still a remarkable budget rope, especially if you take extra care to keep it clean and thus extend its lifespan. 

　　For more on this capable cord, check out our full review of the Mammut Crag We Care Classic.

　　$82 at REI Best Workhorse Climbing Rope Edelrid Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry DuoTec 9.6 Specs Diameter 9.6 mm Weight 62 g/m Dry Treatment Yes Good for All-day cragging, big walls, working routes

　　Pros High sheath proportion for durability DuoTec design for safety Designed with pro climber Tommy Caldwell Cons Heavy Gets stiff over time Miya Tsudome If you’re looking for a workhorse rope for long days at your local crag or climbing multi-pitches in Yosemite, the Edelrid Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry DuoTec 9.6 mm ($289 70m) is our top choice. Specially designed with pro climber Tommy Caldwell, this climbing rope can stand up to some abuse. 

　　A high sheath proportion makes it ideal for working routes or big wall climbing where your rope may be more susceptible to abrasion. The core and the sheath are dry-treated, allowing it to stay protected from the elements and giving it a longer lifespan. The 9.6 mm diameter is within the sweet spot of not too thick nor too thin, and the bi-pattern or, in Edelrid’s case, “DuoTec” design ensures that you’ll always know where the middle of the rope is — an essential safety feature for rappelling. 

　　Our testers have experience with this rope over several seasons, and can indeed confirm that it is a workhorse. Slick right out of the package, this rope gets quite stiff over time. While the sheath doesn’t get too soft or flat, the rope does significantly stiffen up, which is something to consider if you prefer a softer, smoother rope. But this feature attests to its longevity, as it remains a beast of a rope for a long time. 

　　Although advertised as weighing 62/g per meter, this rope feels heavier than the others we tested. When put on the scale, our 70-meter rope, advertised to weigh 9.5 pounds, weighed in at a surprising 11 pounds 6 ounces. This is a pretty big discrepancy, and definitely something to consider before buying.

　　But honestly, when we’re looking for a workhorse rope, we’re usually not so concerned with the weight. These ropes are expected to be a bit heavier as they are built burly and to last, which is what the Edelrid Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry DuoTec does. 

　　$260 at REI Best Redpointing Climbing Rope Sterling Aero 9.2 XEROS Specs Diameter 9.2 mm Weight 56 g/m Dry Treatment Yes Good for Sport climbing, trad climbing, alpine climbing

　　Pros Light Dry-treated Soft in hand Many lengths and bi-pattern available Cons Expensive Can easily slip through a GriGri when new. Be mindful and belay carefully! Miya Tsudome 9.2 is a diameter reserved for “sendy” ropes when you’re looking for a low grams-per-meter ratio for the hardest redpoints. Usually, durability is sacrificed to achieve a lighter weight. Not so with the Sterling Aero 9.2 XEROS ($280 70m, solid colored). Over two years and two ropes, our testers have top-roped, jugged, and taken many whippers on these skinny ropes and can attest to their excellent durability.

　　Our test models were the 80-meter bi-color versions, treated with the Sterling XEROS dry treatment. Sterling doesn’t offer a non-dry version, and while this feature adds to the price, it also makes the rope more durable and resistant to small dust particles that can damage the sheath over time. After a year of use, we needed to chop a meter off one end. This was due to climbing on grooved-out fixed carabiners that needed to be replaced. The other 76 meters of rope remain perfectly useable, albeit a bit fuzzier than when we first uncoiled it.

　　The Aero feels soft in the hand right out of the packaging and feeds very easily through a GriGri. It requires a careful and attentive belay but allows the belayer to pull out and take in slack very quickly. As with any skinny rope, you need to be especially careful, as the rope can slip through a GriGri. This is less of an issue as the rope fuzzes up over time, but you should remain vigilant and remember that the GriGri is not a hands-free device.

　　A lightweight rope is great on the sharp end, and it’s also great in the pack. Depending on the rappel situation, length of pitches, and pitch-linking options, a long, lightweight cord can be a great option in the mountains. We’ve used the Aero for alpine missions to the Incredible Hulk and a few other High Sierra objectives, and it has faired well. We’ve also fixed and jugged a few pitches on the Aero, and while we do not recommend it for this, the fact that it still handles well and didn’t see any extra damage is a testament to its durability.

　　This is a top-of-the-line, expensive rope, and there is no getting around that, but choosing a non-bicolor option knocks almost $100 off the price of any length. We feel the durability factor alone really ramps up the value. New climbers or folks who do a lot of top roping should go with a thicker rope that won’t slip through a belay device as easily and has a thicker sheath. Seasoned red pointers and multi-pitch aficionados will love the Aero 9.2.

　　Check Price at Sterling Best of the Rest Trango Agility Duo Dry 9.1 Specs Diameter 9.1 mm Weight 56 g/m Dry Treatment Yes Good for Sport climbing, trad climbing, alpine climbing

　　Pros “Red Flag” treatment has bright colors to identify ends for safety Triple rated for single, half and twin rope use Tighter 11 weave for durability Cons No permanent middle marker Expensive Miya Tsudome The Trango Agility Duo Dry 9.1 ($449 70m) is an innovative rope with safety features not found on any other rope in our guide, plus a slim diameter of 9.1 mm and a tight 11 weave to make it an impressive overall package. While most ropes that feature two different colors do so to indicate where the middle of the rope is, the Trango Agility changes colors to indicate the ends of the rope. Or, the last 5 meters to be precise.

　　This unique feature helps to prevent common accidents in rappelling or lowering off the end of a rope, with a bright color change to alert the climber and belayer. Trango calls this its “Red Flag” treatment, and though you’ll pay a pretty price for it, it could be well worth the peace of mind. 

　　This thin line is also triple-rated as a single, half, and twin rope, which means it is useful in three different configurations. However, we think that it is a bit too heavy to be used as a double or twin rope, which usually has diameters of at least 9.0 and under. With a diameter of 9.1 mm, this rope is great for getting sendy on single-pitch sport routes, though the Sterling Aero 9.2 XEROS Rope is our top pick for this specifically because even though the Trango Agility is .01 mm thinner, it is the same weight as the Aero which makes its thinner diameter a bit moot. A 11 weave makes for a tighter sheath, which is supposed to enhance durability. Most ropes have a more standard 22 weave, but it’s nice that this thin line has some extra protection to withstand some abuse.  

　　This rope falls short in a couple of areas, however, firstly because its middle marker is the same as most ropes in that it will fade over time. For a rope that pays such care to make the ends permanently marked for safety, and at such a high cost to the consumer, you would think they would make a permanent middle marker, which is equally important for safety. 

　　This is the most expensive rope in our lineup and, therefore, can be hard to justify for the everyday climber, especially at such a thin diameter. We would love to see a rope like this in a 9.4-9.5 mm size so that when you spend almost $500 on a rope, you can rest assured it will last a few seasons.

　　However, most climbers will have multiple ropes for multiple purposes, and if you just take the Trango Agility out when you know you’ll need a thin line with extra safety measures, you can extend its lifespan by using other ropes as your main workhorses. And if you want to save a bit of money, you can get the same rope without the dry treatment for $375.

　　Check Price at Backcountry Edelrid Boa Eco 9.8 Specs Diameter 9.8 mm Weight 62 g/m Dry Treatment No Good for All-around climbing

　　Pros Made of eco-friendly materials Thermo shield treatment helps to retain a supple feel Affordable Cons Not dry treated Miya Tsudome More and more rope manufacturers are making eco-friendly ropes with recycled materials, like the Boa Eco 9.8 ($199 70m) from Edelrid. Not only is this rope a great value, it’s also made with high-quality yarns left over from production giving each rope a unique, multi-colored look. As a Bluesign-approved product, it uses, on average, 62% less CO2, 89% less water, 63% less energy consumption, and 63% fewer chemicals. Now that’s a product we can get behind.

　　At 9.8 mm, this rope is a great crag workhorse. The middle-of-the-road diameter will stand up longer to wear and tear but is still light enough that it won’t weigh you down. However, because the Edelrid Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry DuoTec is eco-friendly and dry-treated, it earns our top choice for the workhorse category. 

　　Edelrid has a Thermo Shield treatment they use on all their ropes, which relaxes and shrinks the rope’s core and sheath yarns, making them perfectly aligned and thus enabling each rope to retain suppleness over time. 

　　Our testers loved the unraveling innovation that allows you to pull the rope through a hole in the packaging for a clean initial flake that won’t have the rope twisting and kinking when you take it out on its first climbing day. We can verify that the rope performed great straight “out of the box,” and indeed felt extraordinarily supple, handling pitch after pitch of granite sport climbing without getting tangled. 

　　Unfortunately, this rope is not dry-treated, which means it is more susceptible to dirt and grime getting into the sheath and slowly wearing it down over time. Therefore, it is essential to use a rope bag or tarp to increase its lifespan. But for the price, the Edelrid Boa Eco 9.8 is a great, all-around workhorse of a rope that will be a purchase you can feel good about. 

　　$110 at REI Black Diamond 8.9 Dry Climbing Rope Specs Diameter 8.9 mm Weight 52 g/m Dry Treatment Yes Good for Sport climbing, ice climbing, alpine climbing

　　Pros Thin and light Good value Dry-treated Soft handling Cons Not as durable as other models Middle marker fades quickly Miya Tsudome Admittedly, our testers abused the Black Diamond 8.9 ($300) and used it for many applications that should be reserved for thicker, burlier ropes. We dragged it over feldspar crystals in Tuolumne, set up top ropes on coarse slabs, and subjected it to many laps with Mini Traxions. After a prolific summer, this rope was pretty fuzzy, though there were no points of real concern on the sheath. For an 8.9, this rope holds up OK. 

　　We also brought one of these ropes on a month-long trip to Siurana, where we subjected it to many, many whips on fixed, grooved-out quick draws and a few marathon hang-dogging sessions. In that arena, the ends of the rope became alarmingly soft very quickly, and we core shot the rope at one end. Again, you should probably be more gentle with your high-end skinny rope, but it goes to show what these conditions can do to a cord. We used a Sterling Aero under very similar conditions and it held up quite a bit better, though it does have a few more grams per square meter. For sport climbing applications, we’ll trade just a little more weight for extra durability, especially at the higher price points.

　　At 52 g/m, the BD 8.9 is a great choice for alpine objectives. You can buy one in a 40-meter length for alpine scrambles when the rope may only need to come out for a short pitch or two or haul an 80-meter for linking mega pitches and making long rappels. Our testers were able to greatly reduce their pitch count on Dark Star with a lot of runners and just a little simul-climbing and were grateful for 8.9s light weight when carrying it up the unroped slog to the summit.

　　This rope is very pink and will elicit its fair share of comments, especially when its new. It has a black middle marker that faded quickly after one season, so pay close attention when rappelling. Silver lining? You won’t have an inaccurate middle marker after you’ve chopped it at the ends.

　　With care and consideration, the BD 8.9 makes for an excellent sending cord or a lightweight option in the mountains. The dry-treated core and sheath also make it a solid choice for ice climbing. If you top-rope a lot or are an infrequent climber, go with something more durable like the Edelrid Boa, as it will last you many seasons. 

　　$225 at Black Diamond EquipmentCheck Price at Backcountry Climbing Ropes Comparison Chart

　　We climbed many days on all of these ropes at our local crags in the world-class climbing destination of Bishop, California; (photo/Miya Tsudome) How We Tested Climbing Ropes Our GearJunkie testers and writers are avid climbers, with decades of combined experience climbing in all disciplines — sport, trad, big wall, ice, and alpine climbing. We’ve climbed all over the world, from Mexico to South America, France, Canada, and beyond. We’ve climbed on and retired dozens of ropes, taken hundreds of whips, belayed hundreds of partners, and we know that it’s the best feeling to buy a rope that actually lives up to the hype. 

　　Our lead tester, Miya Tsudome, spent years working and climbing in Yosemite Valley as a climbing guide, eventually making her way to the high desert of Bishop, California where she can climb year-round. As a more experienced climber, she owns several ropes that all serve different purposes and thus knows the small details that make a good climbing rope.

　　Miya tested this lineup of ropes over the course of a spring season, taking them out to her local crags of the Owens River Gorge and Pine Creek Canyon and evaluating them based on a series of metrics such as length, diameter, feel, durability, and design. She examined the feel of their sheath, tested each of them with lead and top rope falls, and observed how they handled through various belay devices to bring you an unbiased review of each of their strengths and weaknesses.

　　Whether you’re looking for an all-around workhorse of a rope that will last more than a season, or you want a thin line for sending your hardest sport climbing projects, we’ve got you covered in our extensive review. Be sure to compliment your kit with a reliable harness and a solid climbing helmet.

　　We spent a whole spring climbing and coiling to find the right rope for the job; (photo/Miya Tsudome) Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Climbing Rope Most likely the first thing you’re going to consider when buying a climbing rope is its length and diameter. The size of your climbing rope matters for many reasons. Firstly, what the average pitch length is at the crag where you plan on climbing? And secondly, what type of climbing do you plan on doing most?

　　Length Whether you’re climbing at your gym or on the infamously long sport routes of Spain, the length of the rope you buy is important. If you only climb in the gym, or want a dedicated rope just for that, you’ll want to buy a 40-meter rope. Many manufacturers will make their popular ropes in this length, but the more specialized ropes will usually only come in 60, 70, and 80-meter lengths. 

　　60 meters used to be the gold standard, as many of the classic climbing routes are typically no longer than 100 feet, or 30 meters long. But this depends greatly on the climbing area, and how modern the routes are. 70 meters, or 230 feet, seems to be the new standard and is an especially good rope length to have if you are climbing multi-pitches that require rappelling.

　　80-meter ropes are more specialized and, of course, more expensive. We would only recommend buying this rope length if you are climbing someplace where it is specifically required or nice to have. And it’s nice to have this length rope in a smaller diameter to cut down on weight, which is why the Black Diamond 8.9 Dry or the Sterling Aero 9.2 are great choices for this rope length.

　　Length is a very important feature to consider, and it’s best to double-check the route lengths of the places you’ll be climbing at most before deciding; (photo/Miya Tsudome) Diameter The ropes in our review vary from 8.9 mm for the Black Diamond 8.9 Dry to 9.8 mm for the Edelrid Boa Eco 9.8, but the range for single ropes on the market can be as thin as 8.5 or as thick as 11 mm. Thinner ropes will offer a lighter climbing experience and a softer catch, which is ideal for climbing hard sport routes where falls are inevitable and weight matters. Thicker ropes will be more durable and easier to handle while belaying because of the friction, making them more suitable for top rope or gym climbing, where handling and durability are more important. 

　　It’s also essential to double-check the minimum diameter your belay device can handle. For example, the popular (though no longer in circulation) GriGri 2 works best on ropes from 9.4 to 10.3 mm, while the newer GriGri can handle ropes as thin as 8.5 mm. This information will always be printed on a belay device.

　　It’s also important to mention that rope diameter certifications have a tolerance of +/- 0.3 mm, which is why some ropes of the same diameter can feel thinner or thicker than one another, and weigh substantially more or less. With first use, ropes will always feel thinner and slicker before they give way to abrasion, where the sheath inevitably fuzzes up and thickens over time. 

　　Always check the minimum and maximum diameter your belay device can handle before purchasing a new rope; (photo/Miya Tsudome) Rope Types Twin and Half Ropes For mountaineering, ice climbing, and some alpine climbing, you’ll see folks using twin or half ropes. Twin ropes involve climbing with two thinner ropes, usually between 7-8 mm in diameter, whereby the climber clips both ropes into each piece of protection. This allows the climbers to each carry a rope, provides some redundancy, and allows them to rappel using two ropes instead of one. Every rope will have an indicator on its end to show what type of rope it is. The symbol for a twin rope is:

　　A thinner, lighter rope like the Sterling Aero 9.2 also makes for easier, smoother clipping for sport climbing redpoints; (photo/Miya Tsudome) Sheath Construction The sheath construction also gives a rope its own individual “feel.” This comes down to many specific variables in the manufacturing process, but to simplify things a bit, the sheath-to-core ratio significantly influences a rope’s feel. A thicker sheath-to-core ratio will typically cause a rope to feel stiffer but will increase its durability, like with the Edelrid Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry DuoTec 9.6. A thinner sheath-to-core ratio will cause a rope to feel more smooth and supple but will be more susceptible to wear and tear over time. 

　　Whether or not a rope has a dry treatment will also affect its feel. A typical dry treatment involves dipping the whole rope in a chemical bath. This causes the sheath to have a slick, somewhat “gummy” feel to it. However, rope manufacturers are now treating the individual filaments of the core and sheath, as found on the Sterling IonR 9.4 BiColor XEROS and the Trango Agility Duo Dry 9.1, which creates a more supple product overall.

　　The Sterling Ion 9.4 BiColor XEROS has a special dry treatment and a tight weave that makes this rope great to handle; (photo/Miya Tsudome) The feel of a rope will also change significantly over its lifespan. A fresh rope will always feel slick out of the package, but as the sheath gets worn and abraded over time, it will fuzz up and thicken. We find this happens the most significantly with the Black Diamond ropes. In our experience, Sterling ropes, such as the Sterling Aero 9.2 XEROS Rope, maintain its size and feel quite well over time, remaining soft and not thickening too much with use.

　　Depending on its design and construction, each rope will have its own “feel”; (photo/Miya Tsudome) Durability Several factors play into how durable a climbing rope will prove to be over time. This category has some objective components, like the aforementioned total diameter of the rope, or the core-to-sheath ratio, but there are less easily measured factors that come into play as well, such as how the rope is used and what types of falls it catches. Here are some aspects that contribute to the durability of your rope:

　　Diameter: Generally, the thicker the rope, the more durable.

　　Sheath-to-Core ratio: The sheath ratio of a climbing rope is typically between 35-45%. Ropes that are used frequently such as gym top ropes, will want to have a sheath of at least 45% to increase their lifespan. The sheath percentage of a rope is a good indicator of its durability, and the Edelrid Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry DuoTec is a rope marketed specifically for its higher sheath-to-core ratio. However, a thicker sheath will make a rope feel more stiff.

　　Usage: How frequently and in what conditions the rope is used greatly impacts its durability. Frequent falls, lots of top roping, sharp edges, and exposure to dirt and moisture all contribute to wear and tear. It’s good practice to make sure your rope doesn’t run over sharp edges that could cause dangerous abrasion. Always inspect your hardware and a route’s hardware for any sharp grooves, and frequently change which side of the rope you use to balance out its wear.

　　Environmental Factors: Exposure to UV radiation from sunlight can degrade the ropes fibers over time. Extreme temperatures can also weaken the material. Storing the rope properly when not in use helps mitigate these effects. Never put your rope on surfaces where it could pick up dirt or chemicals, like parking lots where oil could seep into the rope.

　　It’s a great idea to switch which end of the rope you climb on to increase its longevity; (photo/Miya Tsudome) Dry vs. Non-dry Treatment: If you’re like us, you might have thought that dry-treated ropes were only for those into ice climbing and mountaineering. But they actually serve a purpose beyond just defending your rope from getting soaked and can be a great option for the everyday climber who wants a more durable rope.

　　Having a dry-treated rope will also protect the sheath and core from grit and dirt, which will quickly shorten the lifespan of your rope through mico-abrasions over time. The Mammut Crag We Care Classic 9.5 and the Edelrid Boa Eco 9.8 are the two ropes we reviewed that are not dry-treated but are also significantly less expensive as a result.

　　Types of Climbing and Falls: Lastly, the type of climbing you do will also affect the durability of your rope. If you plan on doing a lot of top roping, your rope will be susceptible to more external wear as it rubs continuously through anchor hardware. If you do a lot of projecting, your rope will also be susceptible to wear from hang-dogging and working moves, plus inevitably taking decent lead falls. It’s important to switch the ends of the rope you climb on often during this type of climbing to disperse the wear.

　　It’s important to take care that your rope doesn’t run over sharp edges to enhance its lifespan; (photo/Miya Tsudome) Proper Care and Maintenance Regular inspection and proper care can greatly extend the lifespan of a climbing rope. This includes using a rope tarp, avoiding stepping on the rope, keeping it clean, storing it away from sunlight and chemicals, and even giving it a bath and a scrub every once in a while if you’re really dedicated. Additionally, always inspect the rope for any soft or flat spots that might indicate a torn core. If this happens close enough to the end of your rope, you can always take it to a gear shop and get it cut, making sure to note how long your rope is afterward.

　　UIAA Fall Rating This is actually not a direct measure of durability, but it is important to note as there is some confusion around what a fall rating for a rope means. The UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation) fall rating is a standardized measure used to indicate the number of simulated falls a climbing rope can sustain under controlled laboratory conditions before it fails to meet safety standards. All single ropes must withstand a minimum of 5 UIAA falls to be certified. 

　　But these falls are not normal top rope or lead falls. These simulated falls are extremely bad falls with a fall factor of 1.7, which rarely occurs in climbing and would mean that you would be falling 2x the distance of the length of the rope in the system. The UIAA test involves doing a drop test with a weight on a rope to create a fall factor of 1.7, and is repeated every 5 minutes until the rope fails, which would be next to impossible to happen in a real-world climbing scenario.

　　While all climbing ropes have to go through this testing and certification process, the only thing this tells us is that each rope has passed an intensive testing process in a controlled setting and has a safety margin way beyond what would occur in the real world. And though some ropes we tested, such as the Trango Agility Duo Dry, have a fall rating of 8 while the Sterling IonR 9.4 BiColor XEROS has a fall rating of 5, there are so many other factors that contribute to the durability of a rope, such as the ones listed above that the fall rating is not one we really look for in relation to this metric.  

　　Overall, the durability of a climbing rope depends on a combination of all of these factors, and proper attention to care and maintenance can significantly extend your rope’s lifespan.

　　Design When considering buying a rope, there are some design features to certain ropes that can increase their margin of safety. Most ropes come with a middle marker, where the middle of the rope is marked with black ink. Unfortunately, this mark will fade over time and become harder and harder to locate as the sheath gets worn down. You can buy a rope marker, like the one made by Black Diamond, to safely darken the middle again, though you’ll likely have to keep applying this time and time again.

　　A typical middle mark, as seen on the Mammut Crag We Care Classic 9.5, which is already lightening with use; (photo/Miya Tsudome) This is where bi-pattern ropes come in. Ropes such as the Sterling IonR 9.4 BiColor XEROS or the Edelrid Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry DuoTec are half-solid, half-patterned so you can permanently identify the middle of the rope. These ropes are great for multi-pitch climbing, where you can quickly shout up to your climber when they are approaching halfway, and for when you’re making multiple rappels and need to consistently find the middle while threading the rope through rap rings.

　　Another design trend that we hope catches on can be found on the Trango Agility Duo Dry with its “Red Flag” treatment in which the last 5 meters of each end of the rope are colored bright red as a warning. Most climbing accidents occur while rappelling, and these rope designs significantly increase the likelihood that you won’t make as many mistakes during this dangerous process. It’s still a very good idea to always tie knots at the ends of your rope for extra precaution while rappelling or lowering someone, but we are a big fan of ropes that integrate safety into their designs.

　　Bi-pattern ropes cost a pretty penny more than their solid counterparts because the manufacturing process takes longer. But the peace of mind and increased efficiency they provide can be well worth their extra cost.

　　FAQ What is the difference between dynamic and static ropes?

　　Dynamic ropes are designed to stretch to absorb the energy of a fall, reducing the impact force on the climber and gear. Static ropes, on the other hand, do not stretch significantly and are primarily used for rigging, rescue, and rappelling.

　　How do I choose the right diameter for a climbing rope? The diameter of a climbing rope affects its weight, durability, and handling characteristics. You’ll want to buy a thicker rope if you plan on doing a lot of gym or top-rope climbing, and you’ll prefer a thinner rope for performance-oriented sport or trad climbing, as well as alpine climbing where weight matters.

　　What do the UIAA and CE certifications mean? The UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation) and CE (Conformité Européenne) certifications ensure that climbing ropes meet certain safety and quality standards. These certifications indicate that the rope has been tested and approved for use in climbing applications.

　　How often should I replace my climbing rope? Climbing ropes have a limited lifespan and should be retired after a certain amount of use or if they show signs of damage or wear. The exact replacement interval depends on factors like frequency of use, type of climbing, and environmental conditions.

　　Manufacturers typically provide guidelines for rope retirement based on these factors. It’s always good to check your rope frequently for any soft or flat spots indicating that the core might be compromised. If this happens close to the ends where much of the wear on a rope occurs, you can always cut the rope and make careful note of its new length.

　　How should I care for and maintain my climbing rope? Proper care and maintenance are essential for prolonging the lifespan of a climbing rope. This includes avoiding contact with sharp edges and abrasive surfaces, keeping the rope clean and dry, using a rope tarp when belaying outside, storing it away from sunlight and chemicals, regular inspections, and if you’re really motivated, giving it a bath every once in a while.

　　The Best Climbing Shoes of 2024 Aside from the ice climbers, mountaineers, and Charles Albert, every climber needs a pair of reliable climbing shoes.

　　The Best Climbing Harnesses of 2024 We found the best climbing harnesses of 2024. Whether youre sport climbing or mountaineering, we have you covered.