5 BEST ROCK CLIMBING ROPES for 2021 Reviews (Buyers Guide)

My Top 5 BEST ROCK CLIMBING ROPES for 2021

Welcome to Top 5 BEST ROCK CLIMBING ROPES for 2021

I've compiled this top ten list based on features, functionality, star ratings, popularity and price, to save you the hassle. I'm confident you'll get the one that's absolutely right for you.

Note: All 5 BEST ROCK CLIMBING ROPES listed were properly reviewed at the time of writing, but prices can change; click the product links to get more info., more reviews, and the latest prices on Amazon.com.

Joseph Collins

Editor

Top 5 BEST ROCK CLIMBING ROPES for 2021

#1 in 5 BEST ROCK CLIMBING ROPES for 2021 Reviews (Buyers Guide)

#2 in 5 BEST ROCK CLIMBING ROPES for 2021 Reviews (Buyers Guide)

#3 in 5 BEST ROCK CLIMBING ROPES for 2021 Reviews (Buyers Guide)

#4 in 5 BEST ROCK CLIMBING ROPES for 2021 Reviews (Buyers Guide)

#5 in 5 BEST ROCK CLIMBING ROPES for 2021 Reviews (Buyers Guide)

5 BEST ROCK CLIMBING ROPES for 2021 Reviews (Buyers Guide)

Best All-Around Climbing Rope

1. Mammut 9.5 Crag Dry 70m ($290)

Category: All-around

Diameter: 9.5mm

Weight: 59 g/m

What we like: Great size, performance, and durability.

What we don’t: Doesn't have the silkiest sheath.

Had Goldilocks been a climber, she might have lamented about ropes: “this one’s too thin, this one’s too fat.” But when she came to the Mammut 9.5 Crag Dry, she would have snuggled up beside it and said, “this one’s just right.” Indeed, there’s almost nothing not to like about one of the best rope manufacturer’s best ropes. At 9.5 millimeters, it hits that sweet spot between too heavy and too flimsy. It’ll last a lot longer than skinnier ropes at one end of the spectrum, but it won’t drag you down on tough clips high off the deck like a 10-millimeter line. And while the same could be said for any 9.5-millimeter rope, the Crag Dry is not just any 9.5. It is one of the best.

Mammut did some reorganizing this year and formed a new “Crag” lineup, but rest assured that their 9.5 Crag Dry is still the same design as their well-loved Infinity Dry. This has been our go-to collection for years, delivering impressive durability for its weight and size. It’s not the silkiest rope out there, but the overall feel is one of smoothness and suppleness. Further, Mammut’s dry treatment, which meets UIAA standards for water repellency, is super effective for a surprisingly long time and keeps dirt out too. As the rope that puts it all together best—price, durability, and feel—we give the Mammut 9.5 Crag Dry our top spot for 2020.

See the Mammut 9.5 Crag Dry 70m

Best Budget Climbing Rope

2. Edelrid Boa Eco 70m ($185)

Category: Workhorse

Diameter: 9.8mm

Weight: 62 g/m

What we like: Incredibly affordable; rather durable.

What we don’t: No dry treatment.

As much as we might wax poetic here about rope diameter, sheath feel, and core technology, choosing the right rope doesn’t always need to be complicated. For beginners and casual climbers, it’s really quite simple: you want a reliable rope that you can count on to catch you, time after time. And when you’re already breaking the bank to buy shoes, a helmet, quickdraws, the more affordable the rope, the better. Enter the Edelrid Boa Eco. For just $185—significantly less than any other rope on the list—you get a durable, 9.8-millimeter rope that’s ideal for everyday cragging from one of the industry’s most trusted rope manufacturers. Put simply, this rope is a no-brainer for new climbers.

In addition to the price, one of our favorite things about the Boa Eco is that it’s made with leftover yarn from the cutting room floor, so not only are you saving money, you’re also supporting resourcefulness and conservation. And it doesn’t hurt that we’ve actually found Edelrid ropes to last a fair bit longer than some of the more expensive competitors. Keep in mind that like any budget rope, you can expect the Boa to get soft and squishy, the sheath to get fuzzy, and the light color to turn black from running through carabiners and belay devices. But cosmetics aside, the Boa Eco is a solid value for any climber looking for a durable workhorse.

See the Edelrid Boa Eco

Best Redpoint/Alpine Climbing Rope

3. Edelrid Swift Eco Dry 70m ($280)

Category: Redpoint/alpine

Diameter: 8.9mm

Weight: 52 g/m

What we like: Super lightweight, durable, and trustworthy.

What we don’t: Not everyone needs such a skinny rope.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Edelrid Swift is its diameter: at 8.9 millimeters, it’s one of the skinniest single ropes on the market. But the Swift isn’t just a single rope—it can also be used as a half or twin line (for more on this, see the buying advice below). This “triple rating” provides an amazing amount of versatility for advanced climbers using one rope in a variety of environments. Take the Swift to the crag as a lightweight redpointing line or pair it with a second for ice climbing or multi-pitch routes with a party of three. In just about every scenario, it’s an ideal fit.

The Swift, however, isn’t totally unique in its versatility. On this list alone, Beal’s Joker and Opera and the Sterling Nano also fit the bill as triple-rated ropes. But we think the Swift hits the best middle ground in terms of durability, elongation, and weight. Dynamic elongation—how much the rope stretches in the event of a lead fall—is an important number to look at when it comes to skinny ropes (typically, the skinnier the rope, the greater the stretch), and the Swift’s 30 percent is significantly lower than the 8.5-millimeter Opera’s 40 percent. Furthermore, in our testing, it has proved to be noticeably more durable and easier to handle than the Nano, in large part thanks to its top-shelf dirt- and water-repellant finish (and it doesn't hurt that Edelrid's Eco Dry is PFC-free). A skinny single rope isn’t for everyone, but for advanced climbers looking for a lightweight and versatile rig, the Swift is our current favorite.

See the Edelrid Swift Eco Dry

Best Cragging Workhorse

4. Sterling Velocity Dry Core 70m ($245)

Category: Workhorse

Diameter: 9.8mm

Weight: 62 g/m

What we like: A time-tested workhorse from a great company.

What we don’t: There are cheaper 9.8s.

Sterling has been making world-class climbing ropes for decades, and the classic Velocity is one of their most successful. At 9.8 millimeters, the Velocity is a real workhorse, and lasts as long as any 10-millimeter rope we've tested. But with smooth handling and a lightweight feel, it doesn't end up feeling like a fuzzy behemoth. For a rope that gets used almost every time you go out, this is great news.

The Velocity hits a real sweet spot for most climbers. It’s a great buy for beginners who don’t necessarily have all the tricks of the trade when it comes to caring for and maintaining a rope. At the same time, it’s a solid purchase for the seasoned veteran working his or her 5.13 project. It’s not the cheapest rope out there for the diameter, but it lasts a long time. And you have to feel good about supporting one of the only rope companies that manufacture their products here in the U.S.

See the Sterling Velocity Dry Core

Best Ultralight Climbing Rope

5. Beal Opera Dry Cover 70m ($250)

Category: Redpoint/alpine

Diameter: 8.5mm

Weight: 48 g/m

What we like: The lightest, thinnest single rope on the market.

What we don’t: Lacks durability; very stretchy.

If you just did a double take when you read the diameter spec, we don’t blame you. The Beal Opera is the skinniest single rope to ever hit the market. In fact, at 8.5 millimeters, it’s the same size as many half ropes. And although we weren’t keen on the Opera right off the bat, after a season of putting it to the test in the Chaltén range of Patagonia, our concerns were laid to rest. It is, quite simply, the best rope for weight-conscious alpine climbers. At 48 grams per meter, no other rope comes close. Plus, the added assurance of Beal’s Unicore technology means this line is stronger than its diameter might suggest.

All that said, the Beal Opera certainly isn’t for everyone. In fact, unless you’ve got a big reason to be shaving ounces from your pack, it really is overkill. And even with Unicore technology, there’s no denying the innate compromises of a skinny rope. Notably, the Opera will stretch more than any other rope on our list, and it’s not compatible with older versions of Petzl’s popular Grigri (the newest Grigri can handle ropes as skinny as 8.5mm). But for alpine climbing—and not much else—these are downsides we are willing to put up with for the extreme weight-savings provided by the Opera. It’s also worth checking out Edelrid’s Canary (8.6mm) if you’re looking for another skinny rope option.

See the Beal Opera Dry Cover

Best of the Rest

6. Edelrid Hummingbird Pro Dry ($270)

Category: All-around

Diameter: 9.2mm

Weight: 57 g/m

What we like: Remarkably smooth and supple handing.

What we don’t: For some, 9.2mm is a bit thin for cragging.

We’re big fans of Edelrid ropes, with two selections in our top five and the Hummingbird Pro here at #6. In many ways, this trio represents the ideal quiver: with the Swift you get a top-notch redpointing rope (it makes a great alpine line too), the Eco stands as an affordable cragging workhorse, and the Hummingbird is an ideal all-rounder for a range of uses. No matter which you choose, Edelrid ropes are reasonably priced, remarkably durable (we’ve really put them to the test), and have competitive UIAA fall ratings. In short, it’s hard to go wrong.

The Hummingbird is one of our favorite cragging ropes, and it stands apart from other ropes with a similar diameter thanks to its particularly fine sheath. Sometimes it’s difficult to notice the subtleties between rope constructions, but the Hummingbird is noticeably supple and fun to handle. And while you can get slightly more life out of a thicker rope like the Mammut 9.5 Crag above and Petzl Arial below, we’ve been impressed with the way Edelrid ropes handle wear and tear and would gladly opt for the Hummingbird as our daily cragging line.

See the Edelrid Hummingbird Pro Dry

7. Beal Tiger Dry Cover 70m ($250)

Category: Workhorse

Diameter: 10mm

Weight: 61 g/m

What we like: Acts like a 10mm, feels like a 9.7mm.

What we don’t: You might be paying for features you don’t need.

We won’t try and hide it: we love Beal ropes, and we’re not alone. In fact, we have yet to meet anyone who isn’t psyched on their Beal line, whether it’s a 9.1 Joker or the 10-millimeter Tiger. And although 10 millimeter ropes quickly are going out of style, the Tiger still is relevant. Why? It simply feels skinnier than it is, has a staggeringly low impact force for its diameter, and doesn’t grow fat and fuzzy with age. In fact, at 61 grams per meter, the Tiger is as light as the 9.7-millimeter BlueWater Lightning.

Sure, you could save some hard-earned money and opt for a rope like the Edelrid Boa above, which would be a great choice if you only climb every now and then. But for the extra cash, the Tiger offers the added strength of Unicore technology and a bump in durability from Beal’s Dry Cover treatment. Add it all up and the Tiger is a one-size-fits-all workhorse that will serve you well from crag to big wall.

See the Beal Tiger Dry Cover

8. BlueWater Ropes Lightning Pro Double Dry 70m ($256)

Categories: All-around/workhorse

Diameter: 9.7mm

Weight: 61 g/m

What we like: Super supple, 8 UIAA falls, affordable.

What we don’t: Can get floppy; no middle mark on non-bi-pattern model.

It’s something of a shame to throw the BlueWater Lightning Pro this far down on the list. In some ways, it is every bit as good as our top cragging workhorse choice, the Sterling Velocity. It handles well, it’s a great diameter and super strong (at 8 UIAA falls, it’s more durable than most options above), and it’s got a pretty durable sheath. Moreover, it’s comparable in cost, and about the same in weight and diameter. So why does the BlueWater fall down to the #8 spot?

The Lightning Pro does last, insofar as the sheath doesn’t wear out and the core stays springy. However, what happens in a very short time is that it starts to get floppy. This can translate into a few things: tougher clipping, more wear and tear on sharp edges and in any sort of toothed traction device, and quicker wearing at the ends of the rope where the knot gets tied (not to mention tougher knots to untie). Now, all of that is pretty esoteric and not problematic enough to kick it off the list. But in the end, we’ve found slightly more rigid ropes like the Velocity to be preferable over time.

See the BlueWater Ropes Lightning Pro

9. Mammut 9.8 Crag Classic 70m ($200)

Category: Workhorse

Diameter: 9.8mm

Weight: 64 g/m

What we like: Quality at a low cost.

What we don’t: Not a high-performance rope.

As we mentioned above, Mammut revamped their naming scheme for 2020, and the Mammut 9.8 Crag Classic takes the place of the past-generation Eternity Classic. The true highlight of this rope is its price: for only $200, you get the same technology and build quality as our #1 Crag Dry above (read: smooth and supple handling and great durability), but in a workhorse diameter great for top roping. On top of that, the 60m version—sufficient for most climbers’ needs—is only $160. If you’re looking for an affordable cragging rope from one of climbing’s best rope manufacturers, the 9.8 Crag Classic is well deserving of a closer look.

At $200, Mammut’s 9.8 does come with some tradeoffs. For one, it’s not exceptionally lightweight (in fact, it’s slightly heavier than its predecessor), meaning you won’t want to drag it up a multi-pitch or be clipping high above your last bolt on your project. And with no dry treatment, it will be quick to take on dust and dirt—you’ll want to pair it with a rope bag or tarp and be sure to give it routine washings. But if gear maintenance and money savings are your cup of tea, the Mammut 9.8 Crag Classic is a superb choice. And Mammut also makes the 9.8 Crag Dry, which features UIAA-approved dry treatment (similar to our #1 pick) for $290.

See the Mammut 9.8 Crag Classic

10. BlueWater Ropes Icon Double Dry 70m ($237)

Category: All-around

Diameter: 9.1mm

Weight: 55 g/m

What we like: Durable enough for cragging but still light enough for the alpine.

What we don’t: Heavier than other 9.1mm ropes.

BlueWater’s Icon is a well-loved rope that transitions between climbing environments better than most. With a 9.1-millimeter diameter and low weight, it’s light enough for hauling into the mountains or taking on your redpoint burn, but the durable sheath (which makes up 35 percent of the rope’s weight) is tough enough to take on the rigors of cragging. We’ve been impressed with how well this rope handles wear and tear, even on rock as sharp as Joshua Tree granite. And for only $237 for the 70-meter dry version, the Icon is affordable compared to much of its skinny-rope competition.

The Icon’s closest competitor is the Beal Joker below, which is a similar 9.1 millimeters in diameter. The Joker is 2 grams per meter lighter than the Icon, is rated as a single, half, and twin rope (read: more versatile), and comes with Unicore technology. Why do we rank the BlueWater higher? In the end, the proof is in experience rather than the numbers: while the Icon is slightly heavier and technically less durable than the Joker, we’ve found that its tightly woven sheath handles a season-long beating much better (the Icon gets nicely supple, while the Joker becomes soft and fuzzy). Considering both ropes are wildly strong, we’ll take the more durable sheath any day.