Rope - suggestions.

[TeeDee]

Looking for some advice on Rope - strong enough to support a couple of people. More for 'what if' then regular climbing.
I seem to use 2nd hand rope I've purchased from Tree surgeons alot but wondering if I should just buy something new in the 50-100m length to keep in the car.

Cost I guess will be a major factor.

 

[William_Montgomery]

Not really an answer to your question as such, but Ropes Direct is quite a good website and could be worth a look. I bought some 8mm double braid polyester rope from them recently and it's pretty tough, not sure exactly how much weight it can handle though.

 

[FerlasDave]

Most climbers struggle to get rid of old ropes. I have about 4 kicking about atm, if you were close by I would let you have a couple.

 

[nigelp]

This is the sort of thing I’d carry as a mountain leader. The prices have certain increased since I bought some!

https://www.needlesports.com/Catalo...nfidence-Rope-Golden-Dry-Yellow-BEA-RANDGD30Y

 

[Falstaff]

Depends on what it is envisaged to be used for? That is a big length and weight for a just-in-case scenario. If that much is needed, it's a call out job for the mountain rescue/emergency rescue folk, with all the training, bodies and kit. Trying to do something like that solo is too risky.

The other thing about intended use is the diameter/surface, e.g. if hand grip is needed. Proper paracord would probably have the strength to hold 2 people but is too small and slippery for climbing/abseiling. Stretch is also important - e.g. as a tow rope or mooring line it's pretty essential.
For general use an old climbing rope takes some beating, as you shouldn't ever be geting near its breaking strain, even in it's older state (UV damage excepted).

 

[Broch]

I confess I'm having difficulty envisaging the 'just in case' rescue situation that needs a 50 to 100m rope in the car. My white water rescue rope is only 25m and the rescue sling only 10m and, around here at least, water rescue is the most likely emergency I will come across in the car.

When I used to take people out into the hills in winter I carried a 'walker's rope' (Field and Trek used to sell a good range) but, again, it was only about 30m long. I used it twice

 

[Nice65]

50m was the maximum length of any tree climbing rope I or other climbers ever used. Too long really.

What are you thinking it might get used for? A climbing rope sits around 30kn breaking strain, which kind of converts to 3 tonnes. Climbing rope is designed with a lot of stretch in it, like paracord, it's not ideal for pulling, winching etc

 

[Glow_worm]

I thought damsels in distress were supposed to let down their hair in order to be rescued?

 

[FerlasDave]

I confess I'm having difficulty envisaging the 'just in case' rescue situation that needs a 50 to 100m rope in the car. My white water rescue rope is only 25m and the rescue sling only 10m and, around here at least, water rescue is the most likely emergency I will come across in the car.

When I used to take people out into the hills in winter I carried a 'walker's rope' (Field and Trek used to sell a good range) but, again, it was only about 30m long. I used it twice

Yep. Other than hand lining down a steep slope or similar but I’d still suggest an alternative route would be a safer option. A throw line wouldn’t be a bad call if you were super keen on taking something.

 

[Herman30]

Only use I can think of when a rope is needed is fording a river; one person standing on the bank holding one end and person fording holding the other end in case he/she will fall and not be carried downstream.
I have 2x7m of Atwood battlecord. https://atwoodrope.com/collections/battle-cord/products/battle-cord-olive-drab

 

[demographic]

If you plan on climbing with it, don't get secondhand rope. You want to know its history.
If its to be used as a towrope, never climb on it afterwards.

 

[slaine_23]

Most climbers struggle to get rid of old ropes. I have about 4 kicking about atm, if you were close by I would let you have a couple.

Sure who’s going to pay money for them?

 

[Falstaff]

I have a rescued long climbing rope, with a big joining knot in the middle of it! But I'm not using it for anything serious. Its for hauling lightweight items up onto roofs and for chucking down chimneys.

 

[nigelp]

Only use I can think of when a rope is needed is fording a river; one person standing on the bank holding one end and person fording holding the other end in case he/she will fall and not be carried downstream.
I have 2x7m of Atwood battlecord. https://atwoodrope.com/collections/battle-cord/products/battle-cord-olive-drab

They used to use ropes for river crossings in the mountain leader syllabus but removed it due to dangers of the person on the end of the line drowning. They basically get either swung into the bank and then go under water as the force of the water pushes them under, or same in middle of the river. Tie a rope on a 70/100KG ‘mass’ and chuck it in a fast moving stream; you won’t be able to hold it in you hands for long anyway and even buoyant log will duck under water periodically as the force of tons of water hits it.

First rule of crossings fast flowing rivers - don’t cross them!

 

[Chris]

I have a rescued long climbing rope, with a big joining knot in the middle of it! But I'm not using it for anything serious. Its for hauling lightweight items up onto roofs and for chucking down chimneys.

It’s a great honour to have you here on the forum, Mr Claus.

 

[Herman30]

@nigelp
What I had in mind is slow flowing rivers like we have in Lapland. Like in this photo.

 

[demographic]

Also it's worth bearing in mind the difference between static and dynamic ropes.
Static being good for abseiling and especially ascending with... erm... ascenders as theres much less bounce in the rope to sap your energy.
Good for caving and so on.
Dynamic ropes have more stretch so if you fall while lead climbing it absorbs the energy more gently instead of stopping the fall suddenly. Thats generally regarded to be a very bad thing.