How To Choose Rock Climbing Ropes

You are ready to start rock climbing and want to know how to choose rock climbing ropes. There are many different types of rock climbing ropes to choose from, but you want to make sure to choose the best kind of ropes that works best for you. Choosing the right rock climbing ropes can be determined by where you will be doing the climbing and how often you will climb. The functions of rock climbing varies, and in order to choose the right climbing rope for yourself, there are some things to consider to help you make your decision.

1. Determine the appropriate diameter that best meets your needs. The best rope diameter range to choose from is approximately 10 mm to 11 mm. The diameter for thicker rope makes for a more durable and stronger rope, which will make the climbing rope that much more safer. This range diameter of a rope is ideal for rock and glacier travel. Smaller diameter ropes are more light weight, which makes them a little more popular for glacier travel. The smaller ropes can be a little too thin to support falls on rocks.
2. Determine the correct length of the climbing ropes. The length should be determined based on the type of climbing you will do. The average length of rock climbing ropes range from 50 meters to 60 meters long. Longer ropes allow for more coil and longer pitches. Shorter ropes are not as heavy and take up less space.
3. Choose between dry or non-dry ropes. Choose your rock climbing ropes based upon where you anticipate using the rope, either in wet or damp conditions. If a rock climbing rope absorbs water, it gets heavier, and this can affect the forces generated in a fall. In cold conditions, absorbed water can freeze. Dry ropes are made to reduce water absorption because they have a water repellent coating. Be aware that overtime the water absorption can wear off.
4. Decide if you need a single or double rope. Single ropes are the most common choice for climbers in the United States. It is the climber's only connection to their protection system. Single ropes work well for straight up routes. Double ropes are made to be used in pairs because of the way they can be clipped through the protection pieces on difficult routes. You can do longer repels using double ropes.