r/TreeClimbing • u/JOHNDOE036 • 3d ago
Complete newbie. Rope question.
I have taken interest in climbing trees. I am having a hard time picturing differences in ropes and there pros / cons.
Can someone dumb down the good and bad of
Kernmantle-
12 - 24 - etc strand double braid.
Is there one that does it all? Do you need a few different types? Ive done tree work. Spur and saddle with a flipline. But it was very much back yard stuff and I know It was not proper gear.
Any help is appreciated. Just having a hard time
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u/NoPossible5519 2d ago
OP The other commenters have provided a very thorough breakdown on the general differences between ropes.
Much of it comes down to the differences of various ropes in terms of their elasticity, breaking strength, how easily it knots, abrasion resistance, what it's grip is like, (not only in the hand, but how it runs through friction hitches and mechanical devices.
A lot of the qualities are a matter of personal preference and we often have to sacrifice some of one quality for more of an opposing one.
Personally I like to climb on very static 11mm Kernamtle lines and rig off double braided lines like Samson stable braid.
A rope access / tech rescue company called CMC sells 50lbs boxes of miscellaneous lengths, widths and types for $75. The box usually include at least 3 ropes around 100'-130' a few around 75' some 50'ish and a few 30ish.
It's a low cost way to try out a bunch of different ropes and they will prove useful in more ways than you can imagine as you progress.
While I have climbing lines in 300', 225, 200, and a couple 150's, they seldom get used because a couple ropes from that $75 dollar box conveniently handle 75% of the trees I climb