The Best Rope
We are usually reminded of the importance of a good rope when we don't have one. That's why finding a quality cord is a great way to stay prepared for all sorts of different tasks. We won't list the many uses of rope here, though, since that could fill a book. Instead, we've assembled a list of the best ropes on the market to help you snag the right one.
What to Look For
Human beings have been using rope for millennia, and the construction and design have accordingly evolved. That’s why the market is flooded with different rope products, encouraging us to whittle down the options using some standard criteria. The ropes we’ve selected are robust, reliable, easy to tie and untie, affordable, and versatile. For starters, our favorite option is a 90-foot cable of strong nylon rope from PerkHomy, which proves that thin doesn’t always mean weak. But if you want to really haul some heavy weight, we recommend upping the ante with MaxxHaul’s weather-resistant braided rope. For more of our insights, read on.
PerkHomy Nylon Poly Rope, 90ft
Versatility at its strongest
With a slew of color options and a bargain price, these 1/4-inch-thick ropes from PerkHomy win our top spot. They’re perfect for camping and backpacking trips since the construction is lightweight and resistant to fraying. They can also support a surprising amount of weight, as the nylon material has a light stretch to it that tightens as you tug.
Pros:
- Great gift for new car owners to keep in their trunk
- It has a fine stitch that can run smoothly over rough surfaces without fraying, such as tree limbs
- Surprisingly soft on the hands
- Ties into strong and tight knots
Cons:
- The stretchiness can hinder applications that involve measuring out a precise length
T.W Evans Cordage Co. 23-410 Twisted Sisal Rope
A timeless classic
There are tons of household uses for a rope that call for a traditional look. That’s where this sisal rope from T.W. Evans Cordage Co. comes into play. Their natural-fiber ropes are super strong, yet they have a rougher texture that looks beautiful for household crafts. And, perhaps unsurprisingly, this fibrous rope is irresistible to clawing cats, making it an excellent outlet for their impulse to scratch. Wrap it around a cat tree and let the clawing commence.
Pros:
- Each cord is 3/8-inches thick by 100 feet long
- The traditional weave pattern is strong and textured
- Comes in a neat bundle
- Easy to cut to size
Cons:
- Unlike nylon rope, this one is more prone to fray when rubbed against rough surfaces
Ram-Pro Nylon Rope Paracord, 80ft
Light yet powerful
We’ve sung the splendors of nylon, and we’ll sing them again. This cordage from Ram-Pro is strong, plenty long, and super durable, and it’s all thanks to the nylon construction and intricate weave pattern. Indeed, the fine weave produces a cord that can hold many times its weight, making this an excellent option for outdoorsy folks who don’t want to shoulder unnecessary burdens.
Pros:
- Great value for the price
- Has a load rating of 2,200 pounds
- Smooth texture makes knots strong and easy to untie
Cons:
- It’s 1/4 inch in thickness, so some applications may require a thicker rope for grasping easily without risking rope burn
Amazon Basics 550 Type III Paracord, 7-Strand Core, High Strength
More bang for your buck
This affordable option offers a whopping 100 feet of rope at an unbelievable price. And don’t worry, it’s still high-quality cordage. The seven-strand core increases its strength so that it can bear as much as 550 pounds. Better yet, it comes in an orange of high visibility, adding an extra degree of safety.
Pros:
- It’s only 5/32 inches thick, yet it can handle a lot of weight
- Smooth texture
- Ideal for hanging food in a tree during camping trips
- The price per foot is hard to beat
Cons:
- Cutting it can compromise some of its integrity, though you can tie off or melt the ends
MaxxHaul 50227 Diamond Braided Rope, 50 Ft
Tough for tugging
When we wanted an extra-strong rope, we found MaxxHaul. This rope is made from a robust polypropylene material and offers 50 feet of powerful cordage. It can be used for tying down loads, towing, clotheslines, and even climbing. Of course, we recommend practicing safety since every rope has its breaking point. Still, we trust these hefty braided ropes to do the big jobs.
Pros:
- Ideal for work outdoors
- Resist wear and fraying
- Stretches to a greater length when fully taut
Cons:
- This type of weave pattern can’t be unwoven to produce several thinner ropes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the load capacity of a rope?
This refers to the max weight that the rope can handle under normal conditions before the risk of breaking increases significantly. The key here is “under normal conditions.” A rope hanging from a sturdy beam will maintain its expected load capacity, but if you run it over a sharp edge or rough surface, it can take less weight to break it.
What is paracord versus other rope?
A rope made out of nylon and with a specific type of weave is usually called a “paracord.” But because not all nylon ropes are paracord, you should check the construction. A paracord will typically be comprised of a braided sheath that surrounds a core of yarns. If you’re going to buy a rope for climbing and other dangerous activities, do your due diligence and make sure to get something of quality.
About the Author
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