Single Rope: Best for trad, sport, and top rope climbing. The name single indicates that the rope in meant to be used by itself, and not in coordination with other ropes (such as twin ropes).

Half Rope: Best for trad climbing, on wandering routes, mountaineering and ice climbing. Half ropes reduce the amount of rope drag on wandering routes, and overhangs. Half ropes also provide redundancy in the event that one rope is damaged during the climb. Half ropes are always meant to be used in twos, clipping to your left and right while ascending.

Twin Rope: Best for trad climbing on non-wandering multi-pitch rock routes, mountaineering and ice climbing. Twin ropes are another two rope system, however you always clip both ropes through the same clip, unlike the half rope system. These ropes also provide redundancy in the event that one rope is damaged.

Static Rope: Best for rescues, climbing fixed lines with ascenders and hauling loads. Static ropes excel in situations where you don’t want the rope to stretch, such as when you are lowering an injured climber, ascending a rope, or hauling a load up with the rope. You should never lead or top rope with a static line.

Dry Treated Rope: Dry treating a rope provides moisture protection, which can prevent the rope from becoming heavier, and less able to withstand falls. Dry treated ropes are more expensive, and often not necessary in most top rope, or sport climbing situations.

For more information on rope types, here are two great articles that offer more details about each kind of rope, as well as differences in diameter, rating, and more. These articles are what we used to educate ourselves for both this article, as well as to make our own rope buying decisions. If you have any other articles that provide good information of the differences between ropes, or how to pick a rope, feel free to leave a link to it in the comments!

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ropes.html
https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/about-climbing-ropes

The post How To Know What Rope Is Right For You appeared first on Reclaimed Adventures.

Many climbers around the world trust their lives with their gear. From ropes to harnesses, and carabiners, every piece of equipment plays a crucial role in a climber’s activity. With every piece of equipment being so important, we believe that every climber should know when to retire their gear, and be inspecting it regularly.

We have provided some links to articles that details how to inspect your gear, and when some pieces of equipment should be retired. If you don’t already have a solid knowledge of when you should be saying goodbye to you favourite rope (and sending it to us!), we highly encourage you read through some of these articles. If you have any other articles you think other people should read about when to retire gear, please put them in the comments!

Rope:

This article from Montana Alpine Guides looks at different things to look out for, as well as the approximate lifespan of your rope, depending on how often you use it.

https://www.mtalpine.com/uncategorized/when-to-retire-a-climbing-rope/

Petzl’s notes for inspecting ropes. How to inspect your rope, as well as things to look out for. Pictures included!

https://www.petzl.com/US/en/Sport/News/2016-6-29/PPE—INSPECTION-ROPES

Harnesses:

A well rounded article looking at harness care and maintenance, as well as notes on when to retire it.

https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_CA/qc-lab-strength-of-worn-belay-loops.html

Petzl’s notes for inspecting your harness. How to inspect, as well as things to look out for. Pictures included!

https://www.petzl.com/US/en/Sport/News/2018-1-24/How-to-inspect-your-climbing-harness

Ropes, harnesses, and more:

Notes on ropes, harnesses, carabiners, and helmets.

https://gripped.com/profiles/tech-tuesday-spring-clean-and-when-to-replace-your-gear-rack-and-rope/

The post “When Should I Retire My Gear?” The Classic Question… appeared first on Reclaimed Adventures.

Sarah here! I know some of you may be wondering, “How the heck are you guys making all this stuff?!”. Well, it may not look like it, but the process is very simple. For most products we separate the core and the sheath of the rope, and then sew the materials together! For some products like the belt and dog collar, we are using only the sheath of the rope. But don’t worry! Kristen and I are people who aim to be resourceful, and not waste any of our precious rope. That’s why we will be using the rope cores for other projects coming soon, such as: chalk bags, mini bowls, and coasters!

While we are on the topic of not wasting anything, if you (a very awesome climber) have any retired ropes, biners, draws, or other equipment that needs to retire but you don’t want to throw away, send us a message! Kristen and I would be happy to acquire your old gear, and turn it into something new.

We are also always in the market for new ideas! Right now, we are in need for some ideas on how to reuse old harnesses and climbing shoes. Also, if you have a super cool idea for something to be made out of an old rope and you want us to make it for you, we would love to! Just send us an email with your special request at: info@reclaimedadventures.ca.

Can’t wait to hear from you guys!

The post Belts, Collars, and Leashes, Oh My! appeared first on Reclaimed Adventures.