I was looking for some good rope online that wouldn't break the bank the other day, and I came across tree climbing rope...Anyone ever try using it for light rock climbing/mountaineering? From what I've read, tree climb rope is designed to take a fall the way rock climbing rope is, only it doesn't have as much stretch. It's cheaper, but I don't want to risk safety. Anyone got any feedback?

Just get a real climbing rope. You can occasionally find a real good deal on a rope if you're not concerned about weight and dry treatment.

They are simply different activities even though they have the commonality of using harnesses and rope. Climbing is dangerous enough without using equipment designed for other purposes.

Thanks for the input guys. And yeah, I have plenty of gear, but I need some new ropes. Mine are worn and I didnt feel comfortable taking them out. I just had never heard of tree climbing rope. Thanks for all the help!

I'm alittle puzzled by the opening question.

I always understood (perhaps wrongly) that tree surgeons etc used the same ropes as rock climbers. I have never heard of specialised tree-climbing ropes. I'm wondering if the question really relates to dynamic as opposed to static climbing ropes??

A static rope is certainly cheaper than a dynamic one, so I'm assuming this is what the OP is actually referring to??

Edit:

Nope, I was wrong. A little googling tells me that most arborist rope is polyester and a lot of it is braided rather than kernmantel construction. I've learned something new for the day.

However, if you're ever looking to expand your range of friction knots, check out an arborist's site. Of course, you need to safely test them for effectiveness with your own gear before using them "for real."

dadndave wrote:I'm alittle puzzled by the opening question.

I always understood (perhaps wrongly) that tree surgeons etc used the same ropes as rock climbers. I have never heard of specialised tree-climbing ropes. I'm wondering if the question really relates to dynamic as opposed to static climbing ropes??

A static rope is certainly cheaper than a dynamic one, so I'm assuming this is what the OP is actually referring to??

Edit:

Nope, I was wrong. A little googling tells me that most arborist rope is polyester and a lot of it is braided rather than kernmantel construction. I've learned something new for the day.

Polyester is great for a static rope but doesn't stretch anywhere near enough for a dynamic rope. Polyester (Dacron) ropes are used on sailboats because their low stretch provides good control.

RTRclimber, you should check out the link I posted about DMM tests on dyneema and nylon sings: http://www.summitpost.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=53708

Without a dynamic rope between you and your draw/protection, you are basically risking breaking your stopper or cam apart. Why risk and not buy a real climbing rope? Heck, after seeing this video, even paying full price for a rope doesn't seem too much.