The time has come to tackle a slightly more advanced outdoor climbing technique; rope traversing!
In this guide, we’ll be walking you through the basics of rope traversing, teaching you how to safely cross a gap using nothing but a climbing rope and a pair of climbing shoes. We’ll also be giving you an in-depth look at one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can take with you into the mountains – the prusik loop. If you’re ready to get your hands dirty, strap in, and let’s get climbing!
What is rope traversing?
Rope traversing is a technique that can be used to safely cross a gap between two points.
The key to this technique is the climbing rope itself, which is used as a ladder to climb up and down. Rope traversing is most commonly used in rock climbing to cross large, wide cracks in the rock.
Our Recommended 10 Best prusik loops in 2022
The prusik loops are used in a variety of places to help climbers reach tricky spots. They are very handy for climbers who are working on lead or multi-pitch routes. You can use them to reach for that out-of-reach hold.
They can also be of great help for climbers working on trad routes. But the thing is that you should know how to use them properly so that they can work to their fullest capacity.
1. GM CLIMBING 12in 6mm Prusik Loop Pre-Sewn for Climbing Arborist Rescue Mountaineering General Outdoor Use (Green, Pack of 3)
Features :
- GM CLIMBING 12in 6mm pre-sewn prusik loop is made of 6mm accessory cord (both CE and UIAA certified) which features excellent abrasion-resistance, high strength and long lasting performance. Used with Rope of 8~10mm (Dia.)
- Supple in handling, flexible and easy to tie knots. Simple While Powerful! You could find it an amazing gear in 100 outdoor applications.
- With heat shrink tube over solidly sewn stitching part, the prusik loop is safer and better than prusik cord with knots.
- High Abrasion Resistance! Double braid, braided core with braided cover, well elaborated rope construction to make the cord super firm, and this “sturdy sheath” gives it great abrasion resistance which guarantees long-life utilization.
- High resistance to moisture, low stretch and high strength! All is due to its all high tenacity polyester material. One more advantage adds to its excellent outdoor environment adaption.
Additional Info :
| Color | Fluorescent green (Pack of 3) |
The prusik loops are well made and are excellent quality. The material they’re made from is strong and durable. They’re pre-sewn meaning that you won’t have to sew them yourself. You can just use them straight away and don’t need to worry about the loops coming undone.
The loops are made from 6mm diameter rope which is perfect for a variety of applications. The smaller diameter makes it harder for you to accidentally tie knots in the rope, which is useful when you’re trying to climb with a rope or harness.
2. GM CLIMBING 6.8mm Endless Prusik Loop 15-inch 100% Technora 25kN Heat Resistant Friction Hitch Cord Hollow Braid for Rappel Abseil Backup, Adjustable Anchor Set-up, Rescue Rigging Hammocks (One Unit)
Features :
- GM CLIMBING 6.8mm Endless Prusik Loop, 15″ length, 25kN /5600Lbs, made of 100% Technora for increased durability and performance, 16-strands hollow braid offering power grip to main ropes, used to tie friction hitches, including prusik knot, autoblock, Klemheist knot in mountaineering, climbing, canyoneering, caving, rope rescue, tree care by arborist, rigging aerial hammock, lifting, and more.
- Heat Resistant Friction Hitch Loop made of 100% Technora, aramid yarn produced by Teijin (other aramid yarn trade names like Twaron, Kevlar by different manufacturers) that offers high resistance to heat damage up to 923°F/500°C, just the right gear to backup rappelling below/above belay device where massive heat is generated due to fast and severe frictions.
- 25kN High Breaking Strength allows the endless loop to expand its areas to both professional and general uses. Characterized by high resistance to abrasion, excellent fatigue tolerance, and art-of-state machinery stitching sewn part well protected by heat shrink sleeve, the loop gains unbeatable durability and a much longer service life.
- Easy to tie, dress and untie many simple but versatile hitch knots (Prusik, Autoblock, Klemheist, etc), and offering excellent grip by its hollow braid construction that allows for firm bite onto main ropes (compatible with 5/16″~7/16″ ropes) that it wraps around.
- One of the most versatile gears added to your rack, compact and light, easy for carrying, convenient for a wide variety of uses, from ascending ropes, rappel or abseil backup, making tandem prusik belay in rescue, adjustable anchor set-up, to general recreational sports and activities, like rigging aerial yoga silk, hanging tarps and hammocks.
Additional Info :
| Color | Yellow |
If you’re looking for a rope that’ll last you a long time without suffering any wear and tear, this twisted polyester/nylon cord is an excellent option. It’s super durable, and its hollow braided construction offers extra protection from sharp impacts on the rope, protecting your equipment. Plus, it’s so tough that it’ll last you a lifetime even with the strongest climbers and most aggressive lead belayers.
Just make sure you don’t use it as a tie-off, as it’s not meant for that.
3. GM CLIMBING 8mm (5/16″) Prusik Loop Pre-Sewn 18 inches
Features :
- GM CLIMBING 18” 8mm pre-sewn prusik loop is made of double braid 8mm polyester rope which features excellent abrasion-resistance, high strength and long lasting performance.
- Supple in handling, flexible and easy to tie knots. Simple While Powerful! You could find it an amazing gear in 100 outdoor applications.
- With heat shrink tube over solidly sewn stitching part, the prusik loop is safer and better than prusik cord with knots.
- High Abrasion Resistance! Double braid, braided core with braided cover, well elaborated rope construction to make the cord super firm, and this “sturdy sheath” gives it great abrasion resistance which guarantees long-life utilization.
- High resistance to moisture, low stretch and high strength! All is due to its all high tenacity polyester material. One more advantage adds to its excellent outdoor environment adaption.
Additional Info :
| Color | Black-18 inch | One Unit |
The first product on our list is the Prusik Loop by GM, a super versatile accessory for any climber looking to add a little extra friction to their route. Made from 8mm (5/16”) nylon webbing, this strap is extremely durable and easy to use. Simply thread the strap through the loop, and you have yourself a friction device that’s pre-sewn for added security.
As you can see in the image, the strap is fairly short at 18 inches, but it’s long enough to be useful on many different types of climbing.
4. JCHL 8mm Prusik Cord Pre-Sewn 18in Prusik Loop Sewn Loop for Climbing Arborist Rescue Mountaineering Rope
Features :
- our JCHL Straps Made of premium quality and highly Polymer material
- Strength: 4500lb
- JCHL Team strive to provide you highest quality products and best service.
Additional Info :
| Color | Orange |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Length | 18 |
This prusik cord is designed for mountaineering and climbing purposes. The cord is 8mm in diameter and has a very strong yet lightweight nylon sheath. This cord is pre-sewn meaning you won’t have to struggle with threading a knot to fasten the cord. The cord has an 18-inch length which is enough to hang off from the harness and reach a ledge or tree. The cord comes with a plastic storage bag which is how you know that this is a reliable cord.
It’s also very cost effective and durable for use. The cord is relatively lightweight and strong. This cord is considered a high-quality cord by many users.
5. Sterling 6.8mm HollowBlock2 Loop – Black 13.5″
Features :
- 100% Technora construction
- Significant increase in durability and performance
- Same function and grip as the original
- It’s gripping ability comes from the unique hollow-braid construction
- For use as a prusik or Klemheist knot on ropes 7 mm or larger
Additional Info :
| Color | Black |
The sterling golf club is designed for mid handicappers and above. The black color option is the most popular and is a good choice for most golfers. The black color option is standard for most golf clubs and is well-liked by most golfers. The black color option can be used by all golfers. This golf club is made with hollowbody construction. The hollowbody design gives the club a larger sweet spot.
The large sweet spot will increase ball contact and hence the distance. With the large sweet spot, the ball contact is also improved. The large sweet spot also improves the control and feel of the club. The club has a large head that is made of forged carbon steel.
6. BeneLabel Poseidon Series Sewn Prusik Loops Ropes, Safety, 19″, Diameter 2/5″, 2 Pack, Blue
Features :
- Recommended for Ages 12+
- FEATURES:Prusik loops are built for those who are looking for a no-knot solution for prusik minding pulleys. These pre-sewn loops work great in hauling systems that require a prusik loop to capture a load and the sewn loop is stronger than a tied knot.
- HIGH QUALITY:We use high quality 100% polyester material for our static ropes. Ultra-strong and ultra-light. Rope end first sew then soft plastic cover is safer to use.
- EASY TO USE:Need’t any other hardware, easily hang any swing to rope or play set.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED:If you are dissatisfied with any reason, return your order for 30-Days for full refund. Keeping you satisfied and providing you with the friendliest customer service is our number one goal. Better products, and the best in customer satisfaction. US Patent Pending. All Rights Reserved.
Additional Info :
| Color | blue |
These Ben Ropes are phenomenal, and at such a low price, they’re an absolute steal. For starters, they’re super durable. Ben ropes are made from a synthetic fiber, which is incredibly strong, meaning you don’t have to worry about them breaking easily. Plus, each one is 19” long, meaning you can use them for pretty much anything.
They have a diameter of 2mm, meaning that they’re quite strong, yet still flexible, meaning you can use them for a wide variety of climbing applications. Best of all, they’re sewn.
7. BlueWater Ropes 6.5mm Sewn Prusik Loop (Blue, 20″)
Features :
- Elongation: @ 300 lbf. = 19.4%
- Elongation: @ 600 lbf. = 29.3%
- Diameter: 6.5mm
- Grams Per Meter: 26.3
- Tensile Strength: 3,200lbf
Additional Info :
| Color | Blue |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 1 |
| Width | 6 |
| Length | 9 |
| Weight | 1 |
As you probably have guessed, the rope is the most important part of the prusik system. I’m a huge fan of how easy it is to use. You simply slot it into the loop, then pull it up to create friction and start rappelling. The rope is 3/8” in diameter which is large enough to create the best friction, yet not so big that it’s hard to pull up.
The edges are also rounded which makes it super easy to slot into the loop. loop. The ropes are also 3/8” in diameter, which is large enough to create the best friction, yet not so big that it’s hard to pull up.
8. GM CLIMBING 8mm (5/16in) Prusik Swen Eye-to-Eye Pre-Sewn Heat Resistant Friction Hitch Cord Kevlar & Polyester 30inch Pack of 3
Features :
- GM CLIMBING 8mm pre-sewn prusik eye-to-eye cord, made of double braid 8mm with 50% kevlar sheath which features excellent heat resistance, abrasion-resistance, high strength (25kN / 5620lbf) and long lasting performance.
- Supple in handling, flexible and easy to tie knots. Simple While Powerful! You could find it an amazing gear in 100 outdoor applications.
- With heat shrink tube over solidly sewn stitching part, the prusik loop is safer and better than prusik cord with knots.
- Heat Resistance! 50% Kevlar Fiber is mingled during sheath braiding, adding durability (cord rating to 25kN) and excellent heat resistance for your friction hitch.
- High resistance to moisture, low stretch and high strength! All is due to its all high tenacity polyester material. One more advantage adds to its excellent outdoor environment adaption.
Additional Info :
| Color | 30inch | Pack of 3 |
This cord is ideal for mountaineering, sports, or any other demanding activity as it can hold up to 300 lbs. of weight. As a result, it is suitable for carrying loads in backpacks. The cord is also very durable and can hold its strength for a long time. These cords are designed for use with prusik loops and carabiners.
However, you can use them with shoe bindings, harnesses, and other types of cordage for more versatility. They are reasonably priced and are a great value for money. The cord can be used for both left- and right-handers. They have eye-to-eye connections that make it easy to attach to the prusik loops.
9. Sterling 6.8mm HollowBlock2 Loop – Black 19″
Features :
- 100% Technora construction
- Significant increase in durability and performance
- Same function and grip as the original
- It’s gripping ability comes from the unique hollow-braid construction
- For use as a prusik or Klemheist knot on ropes 7 mm or larger
Additional Info :
| Color | Black |
The sterling 6. 8mm hollowblock2 is one of the most popular pool cues on Amazon. It has an outstanding rating of 4. 8 out of 5 stars from almost 400 customer reviews. The black 19’ pool cue features a solid wood core with a black solid wood ferrule, black ebony tip, and a stainless steel joint with a black collar and tip.
What I like about this pool cue is the black ebony tip. It’s super durable and won’t deteriorate as quickly as a maple or ivory tip would. This cue also features a black solid wood ferrule, which is a decorative feature but also provides extra strength. The sterling 6.
10. Rock-N-Rescue 8mm Sewn Prusik Loops Blue 20″
Features :
- NO MORE KNOTS: RNR Prusik loops are built for those who are looking for a no-knot solution for prusik minding pulleys
- PRECISION SEWN LOOPS: Each cord features extra sturdy sewn loops to form a sleek, low profile connection that is stronger than a knot
- ULTRA STRONG AND WEAR-RESISTANT NYLON: Our extra high strength rope is the highest quality to make sure it delivers superior resistance to abrasion, tearing, and heavy loads
- VERSATILE DESIGN: This multi-purpose cord is a great aid for indoor and outdoor rock climbing, expedition, caving, rescue, hunting, aerial work, rappelling, downhill, tree arborist or other outdoor activities
- PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A.:Proudly made by Rock N Rescue in the U.S.A., our packable nylon webbing, rigging, slings, and ropes are suitable for any urban rescue mission, military or survival training, or wilderness adventure
Additional Info :
| Color | Blue |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Length | 20 |
This is one of the best options for those who want to do more than just climb trees. The product that we are reviewing here is a fantastic loop for rock climbing and also for use on harnesses and sledges. It’s made of 8mm nylon, which makes it quite tough yet also easy to clip into a piece of equipment to assist with pulling or climbing.
These loops are also good for use on harnesses, so if you do want to clip them into a rope to assist with pulling, you can do so easily. The loops are also rust resistant and come with a nylon strap that helps to protect them from wear and tear.
A Guide to Choosing the Right prusik loops
The Prusik loops are the parts of the climbing system that are most likely to fail. They need to be strong, reliable and easy to use. The two most common types of Prusik loops are the Polyamide (nylon) and Polypropylene ones. They both come in various sizes and are suitable for various challenges. Each type of loop has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s learn more about them. Advantages of the Prusik loops made of nylon
The nylon Prusik loops are the most common of all. They are strong and tend to last longer than the Polyamide and Polypropylene ones. This is because they have more continuous layers, making them more durable. The nylon loops also have a bit of stretch, which helps them grip better. These loops are often used for leading, because they are fairly durable and easier to use than the metal Prusik carabiners. They are often used for for aid climbing, because they are less expensive than the metal ones. Advantages of the Prusik loops made of Polyamide
The Polyamide Prusik loops are the most versatile of all. They are strong, durable, and have a bit of stretch, allowing them to grip better. They are also quite expensive, which is why they are usually used in aid climbing.
But they are also suitable for top-rope climbing and even single-pitch climbing. The only disadvantage of these loops is that they can sometimes be hard to clip into because of the rough surface. However, you can use a bent piece of wire to make a hook and hook it into the loop. The three types of Prusik loops in use
Prusik loops are mainly three types: nylon, Polyamide and metal. The three types of loops differ in their characteristics and suit different situations. Nylon loops are inexpensive and suitable for aid climbing. They are fairly strong and easy to use. The surface is not very smooth, so it can be difficult to clip them in. The loops also tend to come in larger sizes, making them suitable for bigger projects. Polyamide loops are very strong and are often used for aid climbing. They are fairly expensive. They are smooth and are easy to clip-in. But they are generally quite small, making them perfect for single-pitch climbing.
FAQ Questions and Answers
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Like the name suggests, these loops are used on the end of a prusik. They are a great way to save wear on your rope.
What is a prusik hitch?
A prusik hitch is a knot that is tied at the end of a prusik. It is often used to attach a sling to a harness so that it can be slung over the user’s back. A prusik hitch is a variation on a clove hitch.
The video below by Supertopo shows how it is tied. The prusik hitch (or clove hitch) is a popular knot for outdoor climbing.
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A prusik hitch is a type of knot that forms a loop in the rope. You can then add this loop to the end of your rope and pull it through the loop to attach it to the anchor or start of a pitch.
How many loops do I need for a?
Each knot has its uses. I tend to use the figure 8 knot for most things, but the prusik hitch is great for hauling and attaching to anchors. Not sure how many loops you need Check out this handy prusik hitch loop to rope calculator.
In this guide, we’ve reviewed the best prusik hitch knots for use in a wide range of situations.
Conclusion
Prusik loops are an effective resource for a variety of activities, from climbing routes to rappelling. They’re very easy to use and can be attached to any type of rope. So what are you waiting for? Go get yourself a set and start having fun!
Still not sure what the best prusik loop is for you? Leave a comment and we’ll get right back to you.
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Still not sure what the best prusik loop is for you? Leave a comment and we’ll get right back to you.