rope question - help!

[hiker wife]

Hello all.
I am after some assistance. My husband is into hiking/bushwalking, etc, and I am looking into buying him some rope for Christmas (exciting stuff huh), but I am so confused by my research, that I am going round in circles. Basically, I have it on good authority that what he needs it for, is just assisting in going down a steep hill, not for rock climbing, abseilling etc, purely something to hold onto when the gradient of a hill is a little scary face first. Not looking at getting a kit with carabeeners (spelling??) or anything, purely something he can tie to a tree and use as a guide. I do not want to spend big bucs on it, because, well, it's rope! However, I do want him to be safe. From my research I have gathered I need static rope, of around 10mm thickness, but this could be way wrong. Also, it needs to be fairly lightweight, something he can just pop in his pack whether he thinks he'll need it or not. I do not want it to be something he says 'it weighs too much, I'll leave it out'. I'm sure you know what I mean. Any advice would be great, places to buy it from etc. ANY comments welcome. Total dufus at this stuff and don't want to get it wrong.
Thanks heaps people!!

[GPSGuided]

A rope thread.

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=241&p=1354&hilit=rope#p1354

[hiker wife]

Thanks. Read all that. Didn't help a bit! But thanks anyway.

[FatCanyoner]

If all he wants is a hand line (i.e. he is not abseiling or climbing on it, just using it to assist with descent) then all he needs is cord, not rope. I use a 20m length of 6mm cord. It is fine for the job. An alternative, that is also quite cheap, at least as strong, quite light, and nicer on the hands is some tube tape. It is flat, 25mm wide, and also used by climbers / abseilers. You might want to check with him, but many people I know prefer to use a tape instead of a rope for a hand line. Again, about 20m is probably a good length. The 10mm rope you are looking at is not what he needs. I don't even use that thickness for abseiling on!
So the summary: find out if he wants tape or rope. If he wants rope, get 6mm or 7mm cord from a shop that sells climbing gear. If he wants tape get 25mm tube tape, also from a shop that sells climbing gear.

[matagi]

If you go for spectra rope, you can get away with 3mm diameter - which makes it lighter per metre than 10mm. Only downside is, it is a tad expensive.
Ships' chandlers are a good source. Has a breaking strain of around 470kg (depending on which website you look at).

[FatCanyoner]

Just remember, the thinner the rope, the more uncomfortable in your hands. I suppose it depends how daring you intend to be with it. I find the 6mm rope cuts into my hand on more extreme descents, so personally I wouldn't want to go any thinner. That said, I tend to use a hand line on some descents that probably should be abseils!

[nq111]

I think FatCanyoner is spot on.

I carry two 7m lengths of 7mm cord (perlon) tied into loops. It is more than strong enough and thick enough to hang onto and deal with a bit of abrasion. Gives me plenty of scope for those little hairy drops we always seem to find on our routes - 7m (and 14m as a one-off in an emergency) is a surprisingly long way down in a bushwalking context

Replace every year or two to be safe (more with heavy use).

I would stay away from thin spectra even if the specs are right. A bit of heat friction around a tree or something and the stuff will not hold up well.

[hiker wife]

You guys rock. Thanks so much. Lots of food for thought indeed! Your have helped me immensely. You have no idea!!¡ thank you thank you thank you *mwah*

[hiker wife]

An alternative, that is also quite cheap, at least as strong, quite light, and nicer on the hands is some tube tape. It is flat, 25mm wide, and also used by climbers / abseilers. You might want to check with him, but many people I know prefer to use a tape instead of a rope for a hand line. Again, about 20m is probably a good length.

Done! 20m x http://www.climbinganchors.com.au/produ ... -25mm-tape
Fingers crossed I did the right thing. At least get brownie points for trying!!

[legend]

I think you did the right thing.
I found it easy to handle, and was used as both a security line and a pack hauling line without cutting into your hands
Enjoy your browny points.

[hiker wife]

Thanks. Hopefully.......

[FatCanyoner]

Yeah, I think you will get some brownie points for that purchase. Tape is very easy on the hands.

[Strider]

Might I offer a man's perspective for future gift giving? Ask him. There is a reason I do not like receiving gear as gifts if I am unable to specify EXACTLY what I need. Getting the wrong thing isn't just a problem for you, it is him that potentially gets landed with a piece of unsuitable equipment.

[GPSGuided]

There is a reason I do not like receiving gear as gifts if I am unable to specify EXACTLY what I need.

How great minds think alike.

Well, not so much as "do not like", but a case of money being wasted. We are so practical on the issue of gift giving.

[Onestepmore]

There is a reason I do not like receiving gear as gifts if I am unable to specify EXACTLY what I need.

How great minds think alike.

Well, not so much as "do not like", but a case of money being wasted. We are so practical on the issue of gift giving.

Ehem, this is not a male exclusive.

I hate those movies where the guy produces an engagement ring, and the woman loves his choice so much she almost swoons. *cough* *splutter*
My hubby is well trained
No surprises
I'm not good at pretending I like something when I don't

[Strider]

Its not so much "do not like" as it is "not what I actually need".

[matagi]

Agree, when it comes to gear related stuff it is better to ask.

I have a couple of very precise items (down to brand, style, type) on hubby's chrissie present list. The surprise for him will be which ones(s) he gets.

[hiker wife]

Yep. Totally understand where everyone is coming from. I did think about the fact that it's my choice for him, not his choice, however, he hasn't had any experience with any different sort of rope, and since it's just an 'in case' item, I'm pretty sure it'll be fine. If he uses it a few times and hates it, so be it
But yes, major purchases, shoes for example, I wouldn't dare! Advice taken on board¡¡¡ thanks again everyone. x

[Moondog55]

I've always carried a toggle rope, when my kids started to come with me I started using something longer and lighter but just as strong. i now carry a length of Yachting cordage, 5mm polyester wrapped Spectra cored with a breaking strain of about 900 kilos was what I chose. Any bigger and it started to get too heavy and any thinner it hurt to use although wearing gloves is always a good idea when using rope and cordage. There are other options out there as well and modern coated fibres are both very strong and abrasion resistant