Climbing Rope RequirementsBuying a rope designed for climbing is very important. Balance the relative importance of various features according to the type of climbing activity the rope will be used for. Ropes that are rated at thousands of pounds (but not designed for climbing) may not be adequate. When shopping for a new rope, keep in mind the following demands that climbing has on ropes:
- dynamic (stretch) characteristics reducing forces on the climber during a fall
- the importance of diameter, weight and length relative to what the rope will be used for
- durability from intense abrasion, heavy loads and the elements (sun, rain, etc.)
- rated at greater than 2000 pounds (humans that are falling can create forces greater than 2000 pounds)
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