5 Ways To Make Your Climbing Rope Last Longer
1. Start well
After buying a new rope make sure to uncoil it following the manufacturer's guidelines. This will not only prevent kinks that might cause knots and tangles, but it will also reduce the risk of future damage.
2. Correct storage
Although we all would like to use our ropes every day, the reality is often a little different and ropes are sometimes stored for weeks at a time. An ideal storage spot for your rope should be shady, with low humidity, and away from any chemicals. A wet cellar won’t do but the bottom of a closet works just fine.
Always coil your rope before storing, but not too tightly and you might want to avoid tying any knots on the coil.
It’s also important to remember that UV rays can cause dangerous deterioration in ropes, so if possible avoid leaving your rope in direct sunlight, even for short periods of time.
Classic Rope Bag
3. Protection
We would like to officially confirm that the era of Ikea bags is over and these days rope bags with comfortable shoulder straps come in a myriad of designs.
An important part of any rope bag is an integrated sheet of material that protects your rope from dirt, sand, mud, etc. So be sure to use it rather than just dumping out your rope once you get to the crag!
If you need to wash your rope, (a necessity after sea cliff climbing), do so in lukewarm water without any cleaning agents and allow it to dry hanging up uncoiled in a well-ventilated place - but again, away from direct sunlight.
4. Use both ends
Every fall puts a kink in your rope and with time those kinks are what add up to cause serious wear in your rope. By changing ends regularly you will extend the time before shortening your rope becomes inevitable.
If you’ve been forced to chop your rope due to damage, it may no longer be suitable for long outdoor routes, but it may well be ideal for indoor climbing, top roping or even rigging. However make sure not to go beyond manufacturer’s recommendations and to continue checking your rope in accordance with their guidelines.
5. Always check
The last tip is not so much about prolonging the life of your rope as it is about prolonging yours. It is good practice to carefully run the whole length of the rope through your hands before or after every use. Search for tears in the sheath as well as changes in the shape of your rope’s core. Any bulkiness or soft patches can be a sign of potentially fatal damage. If you’re ever uncertain about the condition of your rope, don’t use it. A day’s climbing isn’t worth your life.
