Ropes for bushcraft survival

[BushTucker]

Hi all


Strange question I should imagine but here goes...

Which type of rope or recommended rope would be usefull for bushcraft use if for eg, you had to go up or down a small cliff face, or for use as a rescue rope etc.

I got asked the other day from an associate if I carry rope, on answering no, he questioned why as it would be a usefull bit of kit. So I am asking you experts....

Many Thanks

 

[big_swede]

if you want to go up a cliff you need more than just a piece of rope. The rope itself won't provide any safety, you'll need cams and nuts and whatnot. Not to mention harness, and a friend who belays.

A dynamic climbing rope would be the best for rappelling down IMO. But it is a bit on the dangerous side without harness and properly secured anchors.

For walking on glaciers I would also choose a dynamic rope.

 

[w00dsmoke]

I carry a floating rope in a throw bag aswell as some loose stuff with the canoe and also some gp purlon for anything else...

 

[BOD]

Hi all


Strange question I should imagine but here goes...

Which type of rope or recommended rope would be usefull for bushcraft use if for eg, you had to go up or down a small cliff face, or for use as a rescue rope etc.

I got asked the other day from an associate if I carry rope, on answering no, he questioned why as it would be a usefull bit of kit. So I am asking you experts....

Many Thanks

Strange question indeed Bush Tucker since going up and down a cliff face is climbing not bushcraft!

One should avoid cliffs unless ones bushcraft is in the Bear Grylls mould.

I carry a 7mm braided utility rope which comes in useful for many things. Only once was it used in a classic abseil down a short but steep pitch.

 

[BushTucker]

ok, so I did not word that one very well.....

Put another way, steep banks and the likes where I could if needed lower myself down on something strong enough not to snap and vice versa assist gear and others up. The cliffs I often clamber up and down in my area dont require a rope but thinking of safety and all that.

 

[andy_e]

I was going to suggest ditching the rope and outdoing BG by running down the cliff in your underpants - but that would be irresponsible of me.

If I have my larger pack with me, I usually keep 7mm purlon in there somewhere but I'd not use it for climbing with and it's only about 15m worth anyway.

Edit: missed your last post there, 7mm purlon would be plenty for what you described.

 

[BushTucker]

I dont think I would need a dynamic rope as I dont think the cenario would arise where I would fall in it, but would not have thought purlon would have been strong enough, hence the question.

 

[gregorach]

A dynamic climbing rope would be the best for rappelling down IMO. But it is a bit on the dangerous side without harness and properly secured anchors.

You want a static rope for rappelling, really. But it's not a big deal.

I guess the real question here is "twisted, braided or kernmantle?" For the described uses, I'd probably go for a kernmantle rope. As long as you've got a karabiner or two, you can (if absolutely necessary) rig an uncomfortable but useable harness from a sling, or your hammock tapes, and you can rappel on a Munter (or Italian) Hitch. But I really wouldn't recommend it unless it was absolutely necessary.

Rope is a useful thing to have, but it's bulky and heavy. And never long enough. Can't say I'd bother myself.

 

[andy_e]

It should take your weight if you slipped on a steep bank, but it's not a climbing rope so I seriously doubt it's strong enough to trust your life to. Would be fine for lowering your gear, or as a steadying rope for keeping you on your feet.

 

[w00dsmoke]

I dont think I would need a dynamic rope as I dont think the cenario would arise where I would fall in it, but would not have thought purlon would have been strong enough, hence the question.

As a static rope thick purlon is fine for pulling yourself up or down steep banks...
I've used it for years and it's not meant as climbing rope, it is a general purpose utility rope. I've towed stuff with it and if it can do that it is strong enough to hold onto when going up or down a steep bank!

 

[He' s left the building]

Mountain walking leaders (not climbing, but walking) are taught/advised to carry approx 30m of 8mm rope (often sold/described as a 'walkers rope') for the sole purpose of security if the group strays onto 'technical ground' or for use in winter conditions or above the snowline.

I think that's the type of rope you mean(?)

Obviously, as others have also said, this is not for climbing; nor for water-based activities when a throw-line (in a throw-bag) would be more applicable.

 

[big_swede]

You want a static rope for rappelling, really. But it's not a big deal.

Maybe, I just use a dynamic when climbing. And rapelling down from a route is the only rapelling I do, hence I guessed a dynamic would do the job. But I see your point, it does tend to flex when you're hanging in 20 meters of rope.

 

[EdS]

err this a bushcraft site. Shame on you you should be making your rope out in the field

 

[gregorach]

Maybe, I just use a dynamic when climbing. And rapelling down from a route is the only rapelling I do, hence I guessed a dynamic would do the job. But I see your point, it does tend to flex when you're hanging in 20 meters of rope.

Yeah, that's exactly what I used to do back when I was into climbing - who wants to carry another rope along with all that gear?

 

[Limaed]

BushTucker
I'rd seconed Boops from the information you gave, 30 meters of rope can be used for a geat many things in addition to climbing/absailing hence being reccommended equipment for a ML.
If you want to learn a bit more Mountaincraft and Leadership by Eric Langmuir provides some good information on these sort of techniques and is aimed at walkers as opposed to climbers.
It is possible to absail with only the rope using the classic absail of which thier are too types. When bringing others up often hand loops in the rope are enough or a bowline tied around the waist and the leader bringing in the rope on what is known as a body belay.
I dont wish to tell you to suck eggs but bear in mind climbing and absailing with limited experience is a dodgy buisness, I spent a week in hospital after a climbing accident which was mainly due to my lack of experience at the time.
Ta Ed

 

[WOKKA]

Hi Bushtucker,
for steep banks or small river crossings i use a n ex-army river crossing strap. its approx 10mm wide,double thickness o/g nylon approx 20m long. .it has a stitched hoop either end which has climbing carabineer s attached. Not a full on climbing rope, but better than trusting a few vines BG style.
cheers WOKKA.:BlueTeamE

 

[BushTucker]

Many Thanks to you all for your sound advice. I now have lots to research and learn further.

Cheers

Don

 

[bushscout1]

As far as the above question goes, I have a number of ropes suitable for various uses...

a 9mm x 50m dynamic rope for climbing & abseiling,
a 8mm x 30m rope for walking in mountainous areas,
a couple of floating ropes (in throw bags) for waterbased activities, and
a selection of purlon rope & paracord which I use for general purposes incl. bushcraft.

However, I would like to ask a slightly different question on the subject...

I have found that the purlon rope is prone to stretching, hence when I am using my heavyweight canvas tarp, even though I ensure the ridge-line is taught to start with, it ends up sagging and can be a right pain trying to tighten under load.

I have been looking for a static rope (preferably in OG or black), although I'd rather stick to 7mm rather than go up to a 10 / 11mm abseil rope due to the weight & cost.

Does anyone know of a supplier of these, or have any alternative suggestions?

Jon

 

[Limaed]

Jon
Marlow Ropes produce a great variety of LSK (Low Stretch Kernmantal) and im pretty sure would have the thickness and coulour you want. I dont know if they sell direct but check out your local specialist outdoor shop or ships chanliers(?) they maybe able so source some for you (or look on the net?)
If you only want a bit Woodlore do rigging lines for tarps (which are Marlow Ropes), alternatively re-vist your tension and prussic knots?
Hope this helps Ed

 

[stotRE]

I always carry an inch thick sisal rope, 97 3/4 fathoms long for when im out and about.

I waterproof it with grease that i make up from dead cats and it works a treat.

Don't bother with all that safety rubbish, its communism.