The fact of the matter is that ropes - under force of impact - stretch yet at the same time still remain static despite under a heavy load. Believe it or not, there is an institution called the UIAA which offers a test standard for mountain climbing ropes.



One of the standards of such an institution for a rope to pass is that they must not be able to break after five fall tests with an impact of 12kN force. Various ropes are produced to be able to conform to certain specifications.

The following are specifications ropes should be able to conform in order to be considered as worthy mountain climbing ropes. They are also guidelines as to what you should look for when you are choosing a mountain climbing rope.

Half rope and single rope test

The half mountain climbing rope test is where a particular object weighing fifty five kg is then dropped from a height of almost five meters. The rope measures 2.5 m and should be able to not break and still hold the object.

The single mountain climbing rope test is where the same length of rope is used with an object weighing eighty kilograms and is dropped from a height of almost five meters.

Pass the force of impact test

Determined in this test is the force amount a rope could stand. Higher numbers show that more force could be transferred to a climber while lower numbers show much better mountain climbing rope performance. The acceptable highest force impact 8 kN for the mountain climbing half rope test and 12 kN for the single mountain climbing rope test.

Pass the elongation test

This is where the rope is tested as to how long it can stretch. This is a rope's dynamic quality and is shown through percentages. The elongation that is considered the maximum for single mountain climbing ropes is percentage of eight and maximum for half mountain climbing rope is percentage of ten.

Fall test

This is where an object weighing 80 kg is tied to a 2.8 m rope and dropped from a five meter height. This is repeated until the mountain climbing rope breaks. A total of five falls is needed and the rope should be able to survive such in order to pass.

All in all, a good mountain climbing rope is out there. Seek and find only the best.