The climbing rope is the centerpiece of your safety system. Unless you'e bouldering, it's your most critical climbing equipment. You may buy a one-size-fits-all rope, or build a quiver of ropes that suit each type of climbing you do.
After months of testing on hundreds of routes, Climbing magazine's editors offer up their picks for the most innovative, useful, and just damn good gear of the year. The Singing Rock Crux, Mammut Smart Alpine, Black Diamond Gridlock Screwgate, Petzl Grigri 2, Five Ten Arrowhead, Arc'Teryx Squamish Hoody, Beal Joker 9.1, North Face Verto, and Salewa Rapace GTX all won high praises and took home the Editors' Choice Award.
By thinking eco, French company Millet has raised the bar on their already top-notch Triaxiale climbing rope line.
Millet’s Cristal climbing rope buffs out the popular 9.8mm-diameter category with this addition to the French manufacturer’s cabled-core line (the threads are twisted and assembled, not braided). The Cristal is an excellent all-around rope with an angle toward sport climbing.
If you’re looking for a skinny rope that can take a beating on abrasive multi-pitch granite or sandstone, the Roca Minus is an ideal candidate. This cord holds the most UIAA falls of any rope in the group, and was the only rope tested that passes the UIAA sharp-edge standard. You will want to pay special attention during your first few days using the cord, as the dry treatment had a very slick feel.
Weighing in at a scant 57 grams per meter, the PMI Elite was one of the lightest ropes in the test. It also provided the cushiest catch due to its 35-percent dynamic elongation. That cush comes at a cost, though, as the rope tended to flatten out during extended work sessions, regaining its shape overnight.
For those looking to make their first sub-10mm rope purchase, the Edelrid Livewire fits the bill well, without that bill being too high. This cord stood up to workhorse wear with aplomb, easily handling any abuse we threw at it. Our one complaint is that the rope softened up within a few days, which complicated clipping and belaying to a minor degree.
Mammut’s Infinity strikes a balance between light weight, durability, and handling. Virtually kink-free right out of the factory coil, this cord clipped well, held up to extended working sessions, and fed smoothly through all belay devices. Those with tender hands should opt for belay gloves, as a few testers found the sheath to be a bit coarse.
Currently the world’s lightest and skinniest single rope for rock climbing, the BlueWater Dominator weighs two grams less per meter than its closest competition.
The Beal Stinger, imported by Black Diamond, had just the right amount of stiffness for swift clipping — pull up a bight and slap it in.
At a slim 60 grams per meter, Sterling’s Nitro is light enough for limit-pushing redpoints, yet also stood up to route-working abuse with aplomb, thanks to its durable sheath.
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