The Best Climbing Ropes
If you want to get off the ground when climbing, you're going to need a rope — but which one? We can help. For this review, we bought 13 of the best ropes available today and tested them side-by-side, building on the over 40 different models we've tested and reviewed in the past decade. This comparative, head-to-head review describes which ropes handle the best, last the longest, weigh the least, and offer the most versatility. This info has come at the expense of lots of rope-stretching falls by our expert gear testers, who certainly aren't shy about taking the whip. We test ropes year-round on our local sport crags, at famous multi-pitch destinations, and in the big mountains, all so we can bring you the very best recommendations, regardless of your favorite climbing discipline.
Curious about our favorite climbing gear? We've accumulated hundreds of days bouldering, hanging off ropes, and even spent rainy days in the gym testing out everything from men's climbing shoes to climbing harnesses, belay devices, and more.
Editor's Note: We revised our climbing rope review on October 30, 2024, with a fresh selection of ropes and award-winners.