Rope, Cord, and Webbing
Top Picks
How we choose: The best rope, cord, and webbing highlighted here were selected based on 39 reviews of 33 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.
How we test: Trailspace is powered entirely by our community of readers. The reviews posted here reflect the real-world experiences of outdoor enthusiasts just like you.
If you've used a rope/cord/webbing that you think should be listed here, please share your experience.
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Beal Joker 9.1 mm
(1 review)
Reviewed
by FromSagetoSnow
Light is right. A very versatile rope.
Reasons to Buy
- Certified as single, double or twin
- Thin
- Light
- Dry treated sheath
Reasons to Avoid
- Core not dry treated
- Lots of stretch
- Might not work in some devices
Recently I lost 30 or so pounds, so you may ask, “Why do you care what your rope weighs? Now you can carry more stuff easier.” The answer is, “Because I can.” Would Mallory have worn hobnailed boots and wool if he had been able to wear fleece and nylon? Of course not, light is right. My main workhorse climbing rope is a 10.2mm monster that is fantastic till I need to carry it. I saw that Beal was making a thin rope that works in single, half or twin configurations and is only 9.1 mm and happened to be on sale so what is a man to do? Can you locate the middle mark? 9.1 is pretty thin and I was worried that it may not work in my belay device, but no worries, I use an ATC (I have all three styles) so I am good down to 8.0mm or so. ...
Read more: Beal Joker 9.1 mm review (1)
BlueWater Ropes 9.7mm Lightning Pro
(2 reviews)
Featured review
by Tommy G 
Climbs well, lightweight at 61g / m, nice looking color (especially the bi-pattern), but sheath wears quickly.
Reasons to Buy
- Climbs well
- Lightweight
- Good colors
- Available in bi-pattern
Reasons to Avoid
- Sheath wears quickly
Almost everything about this rope is great for backcountry climbing. Lightweight, easy to handle, good color. However, the sheath has worn faster than expected in a couple places, to the point where it is ready to be retired after only having been climbed on <50 times over two years. Fortunately the sheath wear is close to one end of the rope so I can trim ~10m off and still have a 60m rope, but that means that the bi-pattern will no longer mark the new middle point of the rope.
Read more: BlueWater Ropes 9.7mm Lightning Pro reviews (2)
Maxim Equinox 10.2mm
(1 review)
Reviewed
by FromSagetoSnow
After a year of weekend climbing I still like this rope.
Reasons to Buy
- Washes easily
- Resistant to kinking
- Durable sheath
- Inexpensive
Reasons to Avoid
- White color shows dirt easily
- Fairly heavy
- No middle mark
I didn't expect a lot from a rope in this price range, yet I was pleasantly surprised. The rope, after a year of weekend sport climbing during nice weather, shows very few signs of wear; one broken strand in the whole rope. I saw a lot of other climbers using this rope right after I bought it so evidently I was not the only one who jumped on the clearance deal at REI. It started out stiff and it has softened up in this time, but it will never be butter smooth and I am fine with that. When it was new it was a tad hard for my kids to feed into an ATC, but not excessively so. I took a small (5-6 foot) leader fall and the rope stopped me very smoothly and I hardly felt any force at all.
Read more: Maxim Equinox 10.2mm review (1)
More Reviews of Rope, Cord, and Webbing
Trailspace reviewers have shared 39 reviews of 33 different rope, cord, and webbing.
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Other Types of Climbing Gear
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