What kind of rope should I use when scrambling?

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07 November 2007 17:22

Answer

A single 9mm x 36m is the standard rope for scrambling. This can be used doubled up (folded in half) for leading pitches up to 15m, which is plenty for most scrambles. For harder routes, like the Cuillin traverse on Skye, use a full rock-climbing rope.

Buy a couple of screwgate karabiners, a couple of extenders and an HMS (pear-shaped) karabiner for belaying. Buy one normal and one extra-long sling. Pre-stitched ones are easiest to use. A small selection of rock protection is useful on Grade 2 scrambles and above. A minimum amount of gear might be nuts sized 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10, and hexes sized 8 and 10. As you improve, you can always buy more.

DMM

Boa HMS karabiner £10.99

Fatboy karabiner £9.99

Pro-wire quickdraw £13.50

Wallnuts £7.25-8.50

Stockist details – tel. (01286) 873500; www.dmm.wales.com

Edelrid

2.4m X 25mm sling £5.90

1.2m X 25mm sling £3.60

Alpine Lite Vario harness £50

glacier rope 9mm x 40m £67

Stockist details – tel. (01539) 733842; www.dboutdoor.com

Black Diamond

Hexentrics £9 each

Stockist details – tel. (01629) 580484; www.blackdiamondequiptment.com

Petzl Elios Class helmet £40

Stockist details (Lyon Equipment) – tel. (015396) 25493

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What kind of rope should I use when scrambling?

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LostMe says

Re: What kind of rope should I use when scrambling?

I have a 30m 8.5mm Zero G walkers confidence which is fine. I also have a Beal 8mm Rando in a 20m length, have this for when we are moving together. This rope is particularly useful as weight and pack size is minimal.

Beal do make a scramblers rope 9.1mm x 35m, details here

http://www.theoutdoorshop.com/Outdoor/ProductDetails.aspx?language=en-GB&product=2039001

28 December 2007 12:45

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john says

Re: What kind of rope should I use when scrambling?

A 20m length of 7 or 8mm rope should suffice. I take it you mean a confidence rope? Because any planned climbing or down climbing should be supported by proper diameter and length climbing ropes and equipment.

As a confidence rope for 'assisting or supporting people' up, over or down unexpectedly difficult terrain, or as a confidence boost to someone in a panic freeze - a 20m length of 7 or 8mm rope should be sufficient. The rope could prove more dangerous than the scramble - If the leader (or person taking the rope) is not proficient at suitable knots and ropework, or does not carry or know how to use various belay techniques or devices.

Safety equipment is only as safe as the person using it.

21 December 2007 14:20