How to choose a climbing or mountaineering rope
Length, diameter, treatment... Choosing the right climbing rope is important for your safety and the lifespan of your gear. We’re here to guide you!
Should you be using semi-static, dynamic, single, or double ropes? With so many options, we’re here to help find the right rope for your needs!
Anatomy of a rope
At the heart of a rope is a set of nylon filaments (white strands) known as the core. These filaments stretch to absorb shocks. The core is protected by a sheath, which is composed of colourful braided strings. The rope’s strength and rigidity depends on the thickness of the sheath. It’s important to replace your rope as soon as the sheath begins to show signs of wear.
Canyoning, spelunking, etc.
You’ll need a semi-static rope. For climbing and mountaineering, however, you’ll need a dynamic rope.
Indoor climbing
If you’re a beginner, we recommend that you use thicker ropes (10 mm diameter) for two reasons: You’ll have better grip, and you’ll be able to brake more easily using your belay system.
Their reinforced sheath ensures optimal durability, even if you regularly go toproping, which stresses the rope more.
Single-pitch cliff climbing
If you’re a beginner, we recommend that you use thicker ropes (10 mm diameter) for two reasons: You’ll have better grip, and you’ll be able to brake more easily using your belay system.
You’re gaining experience and starting to lead climb, so you’ll need more fluidity to avoid wasting energy when clipping, but still a reasonably thick rope to ensure good braking and durability. Choose a diameter of 9.5 mm.
You’re finally ready to tackle tougher climbs. You’ll need the lightest and most fluid rope. You can switch to an 8.9 mm diameter.
This thinner rope will be less durable if used to toprope frequently.
Choosing a rope length
The length of rope you should use depends on where you’re going climbing. Ask for advice at your gym or consult available maps beforehand.
Always allow for a safety margin and tie a knot at the end of your rope! Simond ropes also have a middle mark, so you can tell when you’ve used half the length of your rope.
On a cliff, points may zigzag rather than being in a straight line, which will require using a longer rope.
All dynamic ropes shrink as they age. Shrinkage usually ranges from 2 to 5 percent, but can reach 10 percent depending on humidity, heat, falls, washing, etc.
To reduce this effect, our ropes are always produced with an additional margin. We still recommend that you regularly measure your rope and check the location of the middle mark.
Multi-pitch climbing
If you’ll be rappelling on your climb, you’ll need a double rope.
Important: the term “double rope” can be misleading. This type of rope should always be used in pairs, but they’re sold individually, so remember to buy two.
Cliff climbing
Whether you climb competitively or just for the thrill, dry, rocky terrain calls for an 8.6 mm rappel rope to ensure durability in abrasive conditions.
Mountain climbing
Lighter gear is important when mountain climbing, and your rope may come into contact with water or snow in mixed terrain or amid glaciers.
We therefore recommend the 8.1 mm rappel rope, which features a dry-treated (hydrophobic) core and sheath.
If you’ll be descending on foot via a hiking trail, you don’t need to take a double rope and can make do with an Edge Dry.
Icefalls/gullies or mixed routes
You’ll need a dry (hydrophobic) rope treated for snow or ice.
Good to know: Simond’s dry treatment protects both the sheath and the core of your rope and meets UIAA label requirements.
Your climb won’t involve rappelling
You can opt for the Edge Dry rope. With a diameter of 8.9 mm, it’s our thinnest single rope and guarantees optimal lightness.
This rope also meets double and twin standards.
Your climb will involve rappelling
Use a double rope. Double ropes are sold separately, but they must always be used in pairs.
Important: the term “double rope” can be misleading. This type of rope should always be used in pairs, but they’re sold individually, so remember to buy two.
For multi-pitch mountain climbing, choose the 8.1 mm rappel rope for a solid compromise between lightness and durability.
Want to go even lighter? If your route is purely on snow or ice, use the ultralight 7.5 mm
rappel rope. It’s less resistant to abrasion, so it’s not recommended for rocky routes.
This rope has the lowest impact force in the collection. It will absorb the most energy in the event of a fall, thus preventing your anchors (ice screws) from being subjected to excessive stress.
Classic mountaineering
If you’ll be climbing in an area with snow or ice, you’ll need a rope that’s specially treated to prevent it from getting waterlogged. Simply look for products with the word “dry” in their name! Dry treatment prevents ropes that are lying in snow or ice from getting soaked and therefore becoming heavier or frozen.
Good to know: Simond’s dry treatment protects both the sheath and the core of your rope and meets UIAA label requirements.
You can opt for the Edge Dry rope. With a diameter of 8.9 mm, it’s our thinnest single rope and guarantees optimal lightness.
This rope also meets double and twin standards.
Available in 50 or 60 m, this rope is suitable for 25 to 30 m rappels, perfect for most classic routes.
However, if you’ll be participating in a race with longer rappels, go for the 8.1 mm rappel rope. It’s the most versatile double rope in the collection.
You’re going glacier hiking
Once again, you’ll need a dry (hydrophobic) rope treated for snow or ice.
Good to know: Simond’s dry treatment protects both the sheath and the core of your rope and meets UIAA label requirements.
You can use very thin ropes when glacier hiking to lighten your load. We recommend the dry-treated 7.5 mm double hiking rope, adapted to a variety of glacier roping techniques.
Important: If you’re glacier hiking using a taut rope, you can rope up on a single strand. Be careful—using this rope for other disciplines requires two strands.
100% Eco-designed
All Simond ropes are made in France and designed to limit their impact on the environment.
Our ropes are manufactured in northern France by a partner company that has been a leader in innovative rope braiding for more than 170 years. The ropes are mass dyed using the dope dying technique, which saves water.
Buying a rope is an important investment. You may even have to buy several if you practise a variety of climbing disciplines.
That’s why it’s important to properly maintain your product so that it lasts as long as possible and can be used safely.
