Part 5: How to store and maintain a rope.

Let’s be real. We love our ropes, but they don’t get as much use as we’d like. So most of the time, our beloved ropes spend their days in storage somewhere. It’s important then, to store them properly to ensure they last (safely) for years of regular adventures.

This week, we took 5 to chat with one of Mammut's Safety Ambassadors, Skiier Billy Lloyd-Blainey. Mammut has a rich heritage in the mountains. What’s your heritage/background? Time in the mountains for me all originally stemmed from my dad who was a passionate ski enthusiast  who once Instructed in Austria, America (Aspen) and Falls Creek. Growing up hearing his stories of travelling the world to carve down a big mountain...

Part 4: How do I wash my rope?

Who doesn’t love a clean rope? No more black hands after belaying your friend on their project, bright coloured rope, easy to see the middle marking.

Not only that, but as we’ve discussed a clean rope also lasts longer and functions better. So why don’t we wash our ropes more regularly? It’s as easy as washing your knickers.

Part 3: How do I cut my damaged rope?

As we’ve discussed, just because your rope is damaged doesn’t automatically mean retiring it. If your rope is damaged at the end, you can consider cutting it above the damaged section to maintain your rope.

If you have a local climbing gym or climbing store, they may have a heat cutter, so you can skip the DIY and ask them to do it for you. If not, check out the below steps to ensure you cut your rope correctly for safe climbing.

When should I retire my rope?

Deciding to retire your rope can be hard. You’ve had some great sends with that rope, been on some great adventures, struggled through hard times and achieved great things together.

But everything has a time. And it’s important to understand when the time comes for your rope. Sometimes ropes look amazing, but they can be compromised, but other times you’ve used them for years but they’re still good to go. So how do you know when a rope has seen it’s day?

Part 1: What can damage my rope?

There are a tonne of things that can cause damage to your rope. But to help make it easier, we've listed some of the more common causes of rope damage and what to do about them.

Q. Why is it important to check your gear regularly, and what should I look for?

Maybe you’re just getting into climbing and Mum or Dad have offered their old harness and shoes just ‘to get you started’ until you’re ready to purchase your own gear. What an awesome way to get into climbing; retro is trending, free is always good and you don’t have to navigate the hundreds of harness and shoe options on the shelves.

Just before you get too excited – did you know climbing gear, like food, has a best before?