How to measure your climbing or mountaineering rope

You can't remember how long your rope is?
Discover the different techniques to answer this question!

How the length of your rope changes over time

Most importantly, you need to understand that all climbing ropes shrink as they age.
Usually, they shrink by 2% to 5%, but this figure can reach up to 10%, depending on humidity, heat, falls, washing, storage conditions, etc.
To limit this effect, we calculate an extra margin of length when manufacturing our ropes, but sometimes this isn't enough.
This is the reason why we recommend that you measure your rope regularly and check the position of its middle marking. It is also essential to take good care of your rope and to store it properly.

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR CLIMBING OR MOUNTAINEERING ROPE

Where can i find the length of my rope?

You can find the initial length of your rope on the marking printed on the end of the rope. You will also find other useful information, such as its diameter, the standard and its year of manufacture.

How to measure my rope (the uiaa method)

If the marking at the end of your rope has been worn away, or if you have cut your rope, then you can measure it using the method approved by the UIAA (the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation).

Recycle your rope!

Has your rope become too short to be used on your favourite pitches? In this case, you can cut it to make straps and lanyards.

If it has reached its end of life, don't throw it away. Take it to your Decathlon store,
and we will recycle it.
The profits from recycling are donated to the RockClimber foundation, which maintains and installs equipment on rock faces!