Top rope climbing gear Sterling Marathon Pro Dry Single Rope. Don't get left behind without our top rock climbing rope and gear. You will be challenged physically and mentally by both bouldering and top rope climbing. System gear is the gear you’ll need to set up your top rope system. Your belayer manages your rope as you climb and catches your falls using a belay device. Clearly, this requires you have some traditional climbing protection. The assortment is wide, but the selection is narrow. May 14, 2022 · Oddly enough, the best rope for top rope soloing using the one-rope-two-devices method is not either of the classic climbing ropes! Many climbers, including myself, prefer a semi-static rope. Kids are natural climbers. Climbing ropes: For liability reasons, many climbing gyms provide ropes. Mar 25, 2023 · Both top-rope and lead climbing are types of rock climbing using ropes on walls over 15 feet tall. First you find a climb you'd like to do, then scramble around the back to the top of the climb you want to do, set a gear anchor using nuts, cams, and a cordellette, and there's your top rope. These steps will be the same as those you followed prior to setting up the anchor. Six hours of instruction. A typical intro a top-rope climbing course includes an overview of gear, essential knots, belay checks, climbing commands, belaying and basic movement skills. But there's more. Both types of climbing require a belayer—a person that attaches in to the other end of the rope. 5 ($28o) Climbing Ropes 101; Rope Specs; Rope Care; How We Test; Meet Our Lead Testers Introduction to Top Rope Soloing “The best climber in the world is the one having the most fun!” ~ Alex Lowe. Jan 14, 2025 · For multi pitch climbing, using snapgate carabiners on the bolts or gear is acceptable. They’re usually marketed as gym ropes for top-roping. Bouldering emphasizes strength and technique. This svelte line strikes the optimal balance between a Set up and do a final top-rope climb to the top of the route. 5 Crag Dry ($290) Category: All-around Diameter: 9. . 4mm rope off a solid top anchor. Check out our selection of climbing ropes today! Skip to content. Brent from Avant Climbing joined us to show us what he uses to climb hard but stay redundant. Feb 9, 2020 · Top-rope climbing is one of the safest forms of climbing, where the rope runs from the belayer to the anchor at the top of the route, and then back down to the climber. It is a popular form of rock climbing that is relatively easy and fun way to get into climbing. 5 mm Weight: 59 g/m What we like: Great size, performance, and durability; always-supple hand feel. He’s belayed all over the world, from the scenic Enhance your top rope solo climbing safety and efficiency with our Universal Top Rope Solo Neck Lanyard—professionally designed for seamless compatibility with all devices and tailored for comfort, it eliminates the DIY hassle, ensuring a perfect fit for every climber on fixed line top roping or fix-and-follow multipit Apr 19, 2016 · I really like semi-static ropes for top-roping. Why semi-static rope? May 2, 2018 · Fix your 9. , continues to impress with the Sterling IonR 9. Jan 20, 2014 · When Tommy Caldwell or Mayan Smith-Gobat work a free climb high on El Capitan, the crux may be finding a belayer willing to put in days of duty in an isolated and exposed location. In addition to standard items like a rope, harness, shoes and a helmet, the lead climber needs to carry gear specific to either sport leading or trad leading. If the course is outside, instructors will also go over ways to minimize risks associated with outdoor climbing like rock fall or exposure. Semi-static rope is commonly marketed as caving or canyoneering rope. Without breaking the bank. Assess risk conservatively, and mitigate as much as possible. Learn the basics in gear, anchors, belaying, climbing techniques, and more. Clip the climbing rope to your belay loop using a bight knot and a locking carabiner or by retying your tie-in knot. 0 mm is ideal if you plan to do a lot of top-roping). Dynamic Elongation. There are lots of different systems for top rope soloing. If the pitch is longer than half your rope length, the anchors are a long way back Feb 23, 2023 · Top rope climbing is an exciting and challenging sport that involves climbing a rock face or wall with the help of a rope that runs through an anchor system at the top of the climb. If the climber falls, a tight belay means that the fall will be kept to a minimum – often only a small amount of rope stretch. Black Diamond Camalot C4 Package #0. Kids in Climbing Gyms. An anchor refers to the whole system — the anchor points, the protection gear, runners, carabiners and climbing rope. Sep 21, 2023 · Lots of friction while top rope belaying; After ten years in the sport, lead climbing gear tester Austin Beck-Doss is a solid 5. Perhaps the trickiest gear on this list, C. Shop climbing ropes. Step 2: Tethering at the Top of the Route. g. Oct 23, 2012 · Once you master this setup, you can climb worry-free and focus on getting stronger and having fun. A few gyms require you to bring your own rope to do lead climbing, though. Rappel the pitch on a single strand, placing a few pieces of directional gear if needed. If you do need to buy your own rope, you can learn more by reading our article, Climbing Ropes: How to Choose. S. The gear you need for lead climbing builds upon the essentials for top-rope climbing. System gear depends on the route you’re climbing. What types of rope, webbing, and instruction do you guys recommend? Money isn't really an issue. Equalize them together with slings, cordelettes or a section of static rope to create a central point which fulfils the criteria in the anchor check list. Dec 8, 2020 · Top rope climbing is a straightforward and fun climbing technique that provides a great first step into the world of rock climbing. 5-3 Mar 3, 2010 · Confusingly, both are top-ropes! Here, I'll refer to top- ropes (belay at the top) and bottom-ropes (belay at the bottom) If lots of folk want a go on a particular climb or you want repeated tries so may be falling and lowering repeatedly a bottom-rope is best. Rather, they all had specific strengths and weaknesses that work well for some types of climbing and aren’t ideal for others. Gearing up for rock climbing can be really expensive, but fortunately top rope climbing requires a lot less gear than sport climbing or trad climbing. With a higher ratio of sheath-to-core this rope will hold up to hard use for many years. FREE U. ). Whether you’re an active first ascensionist or just want to do some laps after work without a partner, solo toproping is a handy Nov 21, 2021 · For more of our top climbing gear recommendations, check out these popular articles: Climbing Ropes for Beginners | Sport Climbing Ropes THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING CLIMBING ROPES First The 10 Best Climbing Ropes of 2025 • The Adventure Junkies Learn more about falling in our article, Lead Climbing: How to Fall. 4 BiColor XEROS Rope ($350 – 70m). As you gain more experience, you will learn what gear you really need, but these packages cover the basics. Check out the full top rope solo episode here! Aug 4, 2018 · So here I share what I think are the best of the best from ropes to carabiners, belay devices to harnesses and helmets, these are my “first picks”. When climbing in a party of three, the followers should climb simultaneously on separate ropes at approximately five meters apart, depending on the speed of each climber. 6 ($200-240) Best Safety Feature: Trango Red Flag Agility 9. No one rope was the best in every category. Mar 27, 2021 · For top-rope climbing in Connecticut, you’ll want something a little thicker for durability and at least 60 meters in length to reach the tallest climbs at Ragged Mountain. There are many ways to set up a top rope anchor and this article covers 7 of them. Apr 24, 2025 · Best High-End Redpointer: Black Diamond 9. Feb 1, 2022 · In top-rope climbing, the rope is already threaded through an anchor at the top of the route. Both of these use the rope and gear to catch a fall, but in different ways. Our team field tested all of these products, climbing big walls in Yosemite and Zion, using them for rescue training on glaciers, and as top-rope solo devices at crags. Warning: This technique only applies if you have safe access to the top of a cliff, where bolt anchors are often placed. Jan 4, 2024 · Top-Rope Climbing. The climber ties into one end of the rope on the ground. learn & grow with TRC Visit Us Become a Member Youth Programs take a tour. It's a very effective way to work the moves on your project for as long as you want without having to drag a belayer along. With 40 lanes for top roping, five bouldering areas, and auto-belays, Raleigh’s climbing terrain offers something for everyone. P. A. Tell your belayer to take in the slack (the belay will back up Setting up a secure top rope anchor is vital. Anyone – no matter how young or old, short or tall, big or small – can tie in and enjoy the thrill of ascending a route. Nov 23, 2023 · What Do I Need for Top Rope Climbing? As a top rope climber, you’ll need both personal gear and system gear. 1 mm rope in the 60 meter length. For most top-rope climbing setups, you’ll need to bring a partner to belay you. Physical and Mental Challenges. 4 Dry Climbing Rope ($330) Most Durable: Mammut Alpine Core Protect ($218) Best Gym Rope: Metolius Monster Gym Rope ($102) Best Workhorse: Singing Rock Hero 9. Come swing […] Static elongation is important to consider when top-rope climbing, hauling gear and climbing fixed ropes with ascenders. May 21, 2024 · This comprehensive review compares 13 of today's top options, offering you expert advice on which one is best for different situations. I would recommend this 10. I have the bare bones climbing gear. Mammut 9. ERGONOMIC: Ergonomic handle allows belayer to easily unblock the rope and lower someone. Some people use quick draws with lockers instead of snap gates for their anchor draws but it's not strictly necessary. A climbing gym is a perfect place to practice proper climbing techniques and develop the necessary strength and Oct 15, 2021 · Top-rope climbing, or top-roping, is a form of rock climbing where climbers are supported by a rope that runs up and down a rock face. If you're climbing sport routes, like your quick draw mention suggests, then you can just use two opposed draws for your top rope anchor. Higher static elongation generally indicates less efficiency because energy is wasted through rope stretch. We all get to choose an acceptable level of risk. Even if there’s a clear trail to the top of a climb, it’s important to use a tether at all times when constructing an anchor near an edge. If you Sep 13, 2023 · First, get comfortable climbing walls via top rope, auto-belay, or bouldering. Clip a quickdraw to one bolt, or another acceptable point, and clip the rope into that draw. Here’s what to look for: Length: Look for a dynamic single rope that’s twice as long as your gym walls are tall. The tall walls with no ropes on them are for lead climbing (or simply, “leading”). This setup minimizes fall distance, making it ideal for beginners and those working on challenging routes. How We Choose A Gym Climbing Rope. In this blog post, we'll provide some tips for beginners to help you get started Mar 17, 2017 · The equipment you will need for actual top roping is a climbing rope and material to build a safe equalized anchor, including lengths of webbing, slings, and locking carabiners. If you climb indoors all you need is a harness and shoes- you can usually get a carabiner, belay device, and rope from the gym for free. 14 belayer. 5 to 11 mm dynamic single ropes. The Beal Booster III isn't our top choice for a workhorse rope, but it is priced a lot lower than similar competitors, making it the best workhorse rope for users on a budget. This creates a continuous loop that protects the climber in case of a fall. There are two main types of climbing system; top roping and leading. SHIP $199+ | $10 OFF Jan 7, 2019 · Rope installation diagram engraved on the inside and outside of the device serves as a friendly reminder to novices and experts alike. Top Rope Soloing is the simplest form of rope soloing. If you're new to top rope climbing, it can be intimidating to know where to start. For top rope climbing, it's a generally accepted standard in the guiding and teaching world to use locking carabiners on the anchor and master point. Keep reading to learn about top rope Top rope climbing involves using a rope that is anchored at the top of a climbing route. In Shop for Climbing Ropes at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. harness, rope, carabiners, atc, and a couple slings I'm just trying to figure out what gear is an absolute must have. When a climber falls, having a solid top rope anchor is literally a matter of life and death. Recommendation: Look for a dynamic rope between 10-10. Feb 3, 2022 · Top rope solo gear list: 2 progress capture devices; 1 neck bungee, made with elastic camping shock-cord The involved, complicated nature of rope solo climbing draws a particular type of Check out our universal fitting neck lanyard for top rope soloing - no modifications needed to pair with your TRS devices! Skip to content We make innovative gear for trad, multipitch, and rope solo climbing Essential Gear for Top Rope Climbing. Lead climbing allows you to explore more adventurous multi-pitch routes while sharpening your risk assessment, gear placement, and climbing abilities. This i35 minute video gives basic instruction on Top Rope Climbing. I have the Sterling ReVo in 40 Climbing Equipment: Ropes, Harnesses, Shoes & More | Black Jul 14, 2023 · Accessing the top of a climb isn’t always easy (or safe). The rope increases safety because the belayer can control the rope and assist in catching the climber in the event of a fall. The rope is threaded through a top-rope anchor at the top of the route, and it is controlled by a belayer standing on the ground beneath the climber. Dynamic elongation is the distance the rope stretches during the first UIAA fall. Thanks! Nov 14, 2022 · Each rope has been selected for a specific set of criteria (e. Read the articles Toprope Climbing Equipment and Your Toprope Climbing Rack for more about the basic gear you need for a fun and safe top roping experience. The second climber should leave directionals clipped for the third. In lead climbing, you start with the rope on the ground. Nov 15, 2024 · Sterling, one of the top rope manufacturers in the U. Feb 21, 2025 · Top rope climbing, on the other hand, uses a rope. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. 5 days ago · Next up are the ( best climbing harnesses for men and the best for women), then top-rated climbing helmets, followed by the best climbing ropes. This is great for beginners because you will probably not need your own rope right away if you’re going to be top-roping in gyms. Minimum two extra locking carabiners, for your “master point”. Lead climbing is an advanced form of climbing that requires knowledge and technical expertise, and also involves greater risks than top roping. Personal gear is the gear you’ll use as a climber and belayer. Wall heights vary from gym to When people think of climbing, top roping is the kind of rock climbing commonly imagined by most people. 2mm in diameter x 60 meters in length. Your minimal solution for keeping snacks, your phone, and safety gear within reach on route. Top rope climbing is a beginner-friendly style of climbing where the rope runs from the climber's harness up to an anchor system at the top of the route and back down to the belayer on the ground. ROPE COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with 8. M. Static climbing rope (top roping is possible on both static and dynamic rope, but static line is always better, if available) Nylon or Dyneema slings (2x) I've been climbing top rope for a few years now and I've burnt out all my local spots so I decided it's time to start sport and trad climbing. The belayer attaches a belay device to the Most climbing gyms will have the anchor and rope permanently attached, as well as a belay device attached to the belayer’s end. Climbers who want to lead climb at the gym will need to bring their own rope. Currently the only gear I own is shoes, a crashpad, harnesses, and a few carabiners. TriCams are passive camming devices that use camming action to achieve great holding power. Using a static rope is most convenient, but a dynamic will work as well. They stretch just enough to soften a top-rope fall. Top rope climbing is a favorite amongst climbers because anyone can learn how to climb, it doesn’t require much gear to get started (indoors), and it’s relatively safe– so long as you take the standard safety precautions seriously. Transfer your load back onto the climbing rope and off your tether by saying “take” or “tension. , best beginner climbing rope, best budget climbing rope, best half rope, etc. Our Raleigh location boasts over 20,000 square feet of climbing surface, plus 8,400 square feet dedicated to fitness and yoga. All your gear is included – climbing harness, climbing shoes, and all the necessary gear to rig a top rope (carabiners, ropes, webbing, cord, belay devices, etc) Your packing list: Flexible and comfortable clothing appropriate for the outdoors, stable footwear for a small amount of hiking. Invented by Greg Lowe in the 70s, TriCams are a niche piece of climbing protection, well-loved by those who learn to place them well, but ignored by many climbers who find them difficult to use. Anchor yourself to a tree or crack with a long sling or length of rope before approaching the cliff edge to set up a toprope. Jan 18, 2020 · Lead Climbing. Aug 25, 2022 · The follower should clean the gear as she goes up, and there’s no need to tie knots while ascending. The above is kind of the “bare minimum,” which will allow you to deal with most situations. 2-10. Top Roping - Rope is through the top anchor - Safer Jan 29, 2025 · Best All-Around Climbing Rope 1. Nov 23, 2023 · System Gear. Feb 8, 2020 · These comprise all of the cams, stoppers, and alpine draws that you need to start climbing in Yosemite [link to yosemite top ropes], Indian Creek, or in the Canyons of Red Rocks. Dec 7, 2022 · Pass a bight of rope or rethread the chains with the climbing rope. Dec 15, 2021 · With 200 feet of rope between the climber and the belayer, it’s probable that a fall on top rope in the first few feet will see the climber fall back to the ground due to rope stretch. Find enough good gear placements directly above the route to make an anchor, making sure they meet the requirements of the six point rule. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Dec 4, 2022 · Top rope climbing is one of the most popular styles of climbing. Gear for Lead Climbing. If I wanted one rope that does everything, I’d get an all-around climbing rope. Apr 4, 2025 · The Beal Joker is our favorite rope for multi-pitch climbing, and the Beal Opera is our top choice for alpine climbing. Nov 11, 2019 · What Gear Do You Need to Top Rope Rock Climb Outside? You need: A high-diameter climbing rope (±10. Often, the solution is to go alone, rehearsing the key pitches by solo toproping. It is tested to EN 1891 specification. Rope stretch when falling on top rope off the first few feet of a long climb might also be a problem if the climb starts off a ledge. Get access to Brent B's climbing pack lists for Multipitch, Big Wall Free Climbing, NIAD, Lead Rope Solo Cragging and more! Go top rope soloing with purpose built gear, skipping the DIY hassle. Dec 30, 2023 · Lead climbing opens up new possibilities and challenges for climbers looking to advance beyond top rope climbing. Connect both devices onto the rope and into your belay loop as shown above. Most beginners start top rope climbing, as it's the safest and easiest way to learn. This gear below is what you'd need to do his favorite system. ” Double-check the entire system. If you only top rope or boulder at the climbing gym, you don’t need to bring a rope. But I top-rope often enough that I also bought a burly, semi-static rope. There are many ways to build a top rope anchor. Shop climbing shoes. This beginner's guide to top rope informs you with all you need to get started climbing top rope. Once you've mastered the basics you can move on to leading. Two children in helmets climbing a Dec 19, 2012 · TriCams. One end of the rope is attached to the climber’s harness, while the other is managed by a belayer on the ground. I've talked to a few experienced climbers at my gym and they say as long as I have basic gear (Ropes, webbing, carabiners, etc) it's fairly straight forward. Durable, compact, and lightweight (175 grams). gdaetkohkorbfajfzxsosubermbfpvoifieauqhmiqlkgqvvisbjzvmuhweuqreaxsoiewzktzcatf