Top rope climbing gear How We Choose A Gym Climbing Rope. 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. Jan 14, 2025 · For multi pitch climbing, using snapgate carabiners on the bolts or gear is acceptable. Once you've mastered the basics you can move on to leading. Dynamic Elongation. I would recommend this 10. Top Roping - Rope is through the top anchor - Safer Jan 29, 2025 · Best All-Around Climbing Rope 1. 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. Check out our selection of climbing ropes today! Skip to content. Find enough good gear placements directly above the route to make an anchor, making sure they meet the requirements of the six point rule. . 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. ” Double-check the entire system. learn & grow with TRC Visit Us Become a Member Youth Programs take a tour. 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. 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. 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. If you only top rope or boulder at the climbing gym, you don’t need to bring a rope. Why semi-static rope? May 2, 2018 · Fix your 9. Clearly, this requires you have some traditional climbing protection. Mammut 9. Often, the solution is to go alone, rehearsing the key pitches by solo toproping. This setup minimizes fall distance, making it ideal for beginners and those working on challenging routes. Dec 7, 2022 · Pass a bight of rope or rethread the chains with the climbing rope. A. No one rope was the best in every category. 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. harness, rope, carabiners, atc, and a couple slings I'm just trying to figure out what gear is an absolute must have. 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. There are two main types of climbing system; top roping and leading. Brent from Avant Climbing joined us to show us what he uses to climb hard but stay redundant. Here’s what to look for: Length: Look for a dynamic single rope that’s twice as long as your gym walls are tall. 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. For most top-rope climbing setups, you’ll need to bring a partner to belay you. Nov 11, 2019 · What Gear Do You Need to Top Rope Rock Climb Outside? You need: A high-diameter climbing rope (±10. Perhaps the trickiest gear on this list, C. This svelte line strikes the optimal balance between a Set up and do a final top-rope climb to the top of the route. 2mm in diameter x 60 meters in length. Clip a quickdraw to one bolt, or another acceptable point, and clip the rope into that draw. 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. Our Raleigh location boasts over 20,000 square feet of climbing surface, plus 8,400 square feet dedicated to fitness and yoga. Keep reading to learn about top rope Top rope climbing involves using a rope that is anchored at the top of a climbing route. 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. Your minimal solution for keeping snacks, your phone, and safety gear within reach on route. The gear you need for lead climbing builds upon the essentials for top-rope climbing. Physical and Mental Challenges. The rope increases safety because the belayer can control the rope and assist in catching the climber in the event of a fall. What types of rope, webbing, and instruction do you guys recommend? Money isn't really an issue. They’re usually marketed as gym ropes for top-roping. Come swing […] Static elongation is important to consider when top-rope climbing, hauling gear and climbing fixed ropes with ascenders. System gear is the gear you’ll need to set up your top rope system. You will be challenged physically and mentally by both bouldering and top rope climbing. In Shop for Climbing Ropes at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. Shop climbing shoes. A typical intro a top-rope climbing course includes an overview of gear, essential knots, belay checks, climbing commands, belaying and basic movement skills. Both types of climbing require a belayer—a person that attaches in to the other end of the rope. A few gyms require you to bring your own rope to do lead climbing, though. 2-10. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. This gear below is what you'd need to do his favorite system. Rather, they all had specific strengths and weaknesses that work well for some types of climbing and aren’t ideal for others. 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. Kids are natural climbers. 14 belayer. 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. 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. Climbers who want to lead climb at the gym will need to bring their own rope. Lead climbing allows you to explore more adventurous multi-pitch routes while sharpening your risk assessment, gear placement, and climbing abilities. If you're new to top rope climbing, it can be intimidating to know where to start. 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. 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. 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. 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. The assortment is wide, but the selection is narrow. Kids in Climbing Gyms. TriCams are passive camming devices that use camming action to achieve great holding power. 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. But there's more. Jan 18, 2020 · Lead Climbing. Both of these use the rope and gear to catch a fall, but in different ways. The second climber should leave directionals clipped for the third. Six hours of instruction. 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. Dynamic elongation is the distance the rope stretches during the first UIAA fall. 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. Without breaking the bank. Higher static elongation generally indicates less efficiency because energy is wasted through rope stretch. Connect both devices onto the rope and into your belay loop as shown above. This creates a continuous loop that protects the climber in case of a fall. Minimum two extra locking carabiners, for your “master point”. g. 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. Feb 1, 2022 · In top-rope climbing, the rope is already threaded through an anchor at the top of the route. The climber ties into one end of the rope on the ground. The above is kind of the “bare minimum,” which will allow you to deal with most situations. P. 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. Gear for Lead Climbing. 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. They stretch just enough to soften a top-rope fall. 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. ). 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. 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. ROPE COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with 8. Rappel the pitch on a single strand, placing a few pieces of directional gear if needed. When a climber falls, having a solid top rope anchor is literally a matter of life and death. 0 mm is ideal if you plan to do a lot of top-roping). 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. Some people use quick draws with lockers instead of snap gates for their anchor draws but it's not strictly necessary. 1 mm rope in the 60 meter length. 4mm rope off a solid top anchor. As you gain more experience, you will learn what gear you really need, but these packages cover the basics. There are many ways to set up a top rope anchor and this article covers 7 of them. 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. 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. Most beginners start top rope climbing, as it's the safest and easiest way to learn. 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. 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. 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. Top Rope Soloing is the simplest form of rope soloing. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Dec 4, 2022 · Top rope climbing is one of the most popular styles of climbing. FREE U. Black Diamond Camalot C4 Package #0. 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 tested to EN 1891 specification. 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. Aug 25, 2022 · The follower should clean the gear as she goes up, and there’s no need to tie knots while ascending. Bouldering emphasizes strength and technique. If you Sep 13, 2023 · First, get comfortable climbing walls via top rope, auto-belay, or bouldering. Thanks! Nov 14, 2022 · Each rope has been selected for a specific set of criteria (e. 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. Using a static rope is most convenient, but a dynamic will work as well. Don't get left behind without our top rock climbing rope and gear. Semi-static rope is commonly marketed as caving or canyoneering rope. Nov 15, 2024 · Sterling, one of the top rope manufacturers in the U. Tell your belayer to take in the slack (the belay will back up Setting up a secure top rope anchor is vital. If you do need to buy your own rope, you can learn more by reading our article, Climbing Ropes: How to Choose. Learn the basics in gear, anchors, belaying, climbing techniques, and more. Climbing ropes: For liability reasons, many climbing gyms provide ropes. But I top-rope often enough that I also bought a burly, semi-static rope. , best beginner climbing rope, best budget climbing rope, best half rope, etc. 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. Anyone – no matter how young or old, short or tall, big or small – can tie in and enjoy the thrill of ascending a route. System gear depends on the route you’re climbing. If the course is outside, instructors will also go over ways to minimize risks associated with outdoor climbing like rock fall or exposure. 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. Transfer your load back onto the climbing rope and off your tether by saying “take” or “tension. 5 to 11 mm dynamic single ropes. It is a popular form of rock climbing that is relatively easy and fun way to get into climbing. 6 ($200-240) Best Safety Feature: Trango Red Flag Agility 9. Durable, compact, and lightweight (175 grams). 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. Mar 25, 2023 · Both top-rope and lead climbing are types of rock climbing using ropes on walls over 15 feet tall. Step 2: Tethering at the Top of the Route. With a higher ratio of sheath-to-core this rope will hold up to hard use for many years. This i35 minute video gives basic instruction on Top Rope Climbing. 5 Crag Dry ($290) Category: All-around Diameter: 9. Recommendation: Look for a dynamic rope between 10-10. Nov 23, 2023 · System Gear. Warning: This technique only applies if you have safe access to the top of a cliff, where bolt anchors are often placed. If I wanted one rope that does everything, I’d get an all-around climbing rope. 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. S. 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. In lead climbing, you start with the rope on the ground. 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. With 40 lanes for top roping, five bouldering areas, and auto-belays, Raleigh’s climbing terrain offers something for everyone. Oct 23, 2012 · Once you master this setup, you can climb worry-free and focus on getting stronger and having fun. There are lots of different systems for top rope soloing. 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. 4 BiColor XEROS Rope ($350 – 70m). Feb 21, 2025 · Top rope climbing, on the other hand, uses a rope. 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. , continues to impress with the Sterling IonR 9. 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”. An anchor refers to the whole system — the anchor points, the protection gear, runners, carabiners and climbing rope. Lead climbing is an advanced form of climbing that requires knowledge and technical expertise, and also involves greater risks than top roping. 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. ERGONOMIC: Ergonomic handle allows belayer to easily unblock the rope and lower someone. 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. 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. Wall heights vary from gym to When people think of climbing, top roping is the kind of rock climbing commonly imagined by most people. These steps will be the same as those you followed prior to setting up the anchor. Dec 30, 2023 · Lead climbing opens up new possibilities and challenges for climbers looking to advance beyond top rope climbing. There are many ways to build a top rope anchor. Personal gear is the gear you’ll use as a climber and belayer. Sterling Marathon Pro Dry Single Rope. We all get to choose an acceptable level of risk. Your belayer manages your rope as you climb and catches your falls using a belay device. Clip the climbing rope to your belay loop using a bight knot and a locking carabiner or by retying your tie-in knot. Shop climbing ropes. 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. Assess risk conservatively, and mitigate as much as possible. 5 mm Weight: 59 g/m What we like: Great size, performance, and durability; always-supple hand feel. 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. 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). Jan 4, 2024 · Top-Rope Climbing. Currently the only gear I own is shoes, a crashpad, harnesses, and a few carabiners. M. The tall walls with no ropes on them are for lead climbing (or simply, “leading”). Apr 24, 2025 · Best High-End Redpointer: Black Diamond 9. This beginner's guide to top rope informs you with all you need to get started climbing top rope. I have the bare bones climbing gear. quzlsu foysefw zwmhyo hzv tucr nivvan sgo fot rtzo jrq zypsz cwd tpnmw ufo ajmklk