Half rope

In lead climbing and sports climbing, "half rope" refers to a climbing rope designed to be used in pairs. Climbers typically use two half ropes together, clipping them separately into different pieces of protection. This technique reduces rope drag and increases safety by lessening the impact force on the protection during a fall. Half ropes are thinner than single ropes, generally ranging from 8 to 9mm in diameter.

Examples

In lead climbing and sports climbing, "half ropes" are often used in pairs. The climber clips each strand alternately, reducing rope drag on winding routes. This method is particularly helpful on longer, wandering routes to manage friction and improve safety. While not common in pure sports climbing due to its direct lines, half ropes can be seen in more adventurous settings where routes meander or involve complex terrain. These ropes provide added security through redundancy, which is beneficial in more intricate or varying lead climbing scenarios.