Rope

Hi everybody.

Where in SA, and more specificallyy can one get good quality rope that you don't have to take a 2nd mortgage to buy. I have seen rope advertised at like R2000 for 60m etc, I can't bring myself to spend that much on rope. The application I wanna use it for is simply attatching to my hiking partner during times of intense mist on cliff faces, or having to lower a pack down a steep gully, or even rapelling down short but steep cliff faces using the south african rapel method?

I all in all want about 50m of rope, I don't do rock climbing, so I don't need something THAT good, but I don't wanna risk my life!

Please help

Would something like this do the job? It will only give you a 14-15m rapp but that may be enough.

About R580 if sourced in the UK.

Edelrid

Confidence Walkers Rope 8.5mm x 30m
The Confidence Walkers Rope is a slim, lightweight rope designed for light scrambles, offering support for walkers on demanding terrain and steep passages. It is an excellent tool for walking group leaders and can be carried as an emergency security rope.



www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/product/edelrid-confidence-walkers-rope-8-5mm-x-30m/fuseaction/products.detail/code/E2130056/id_colour/130/group/255/level/3

If you don't plan to do any lead climbing on your rope, i.e. you will never shock-load your rope in a fall, a static, rather than a dynamic rope will be significantly cheaper. I would still buy this from a climbing/rope-access store if you ever plan to trust human life on it. This is because these ropes have been tested to withstand certain forces, especially the dangerous ones like loading a rope over a sharp edge.

If you purely plan to use your rope to haul packs or provide support to the nervous on short scrambles with non-serious fall consequences, any old nylon or ski rope will do.

@mnt_tiska

Thank you for that. That would be perfect except I'm not really keen on importing goods. Too much hassle for my liking.

@Stijn

I have sourced static rope at abt R20 per meter. The nylon ski rope is good just to keep two people linked during bad weather and pack hauling but I want something I can use to rappel with IF the time comes. Or even going up a sketchy pass.

I understand why its expensive due to testing and materials used, its a pity its so costly though.

If you think the UK one is any better than the local static, then I'll bring one out - assuming you could meet me at Dbn airport on 24 Dec, round noon?

Do you do importing?

For everything you want to do other than rapelling 6mm accessory cord will do the trick. You can buy this by the meter at any good climbing store (try Drifters in Sandton). I'm not sure of the price but it will be much less than R20/m. Its rated for way over body-weight, but is not much fun to rap on because its so thin (it slips quickly through your hands and bites into your body). Alternatively you can buy a full length 8.5 or 9mm rope off-the-shelf. For a 50m rope you'll pay around R1.5k. This is overkill though.

Thanks Hector

@mnt_tiska, I appreciate the offer but I need it Waaay before then plus I'm gonna be away around that time. I am grateful for your offer and help though

Cave Man

There are two other avenues you could try.

The first avenue: Suppliers of safety equipment. Look for 9-10mm safety rope. It is not fully static, as it has a bit of give. It is way cheaper than climbing rope.

The second avenue: Sailing suppliers, specifically open ocean boating. The rope is light, strong and because of the nature of the sport, also good for shock loading.

Two points to note.

50m of rope is not only way too much, it also weighs too much.
If you ever get into a situation where you have to rap anywhere near 25m then you are
a. lost
b. in trouble.
c. climbing.
Best advice would be to go back the way you came.

If you are not a climber, and have to haul packs up 25-50m, remember that you have to get up there first, in which case you are either
a. climbing
b. lost
c. about to get into trouble.
Best advice. Go back the way you came.

But always have rope. 15m max should do the trick. It also won't break your back, or the bank!

That is a very honest answer that makes a lot of sense! . You make a good point there. Any idea who supllies safety rope?