Common Fibres Found in Arborist Rope Manufacture
Arborist Climbing and Access Rope Fibers
Sports/rock climbers require dynamic ropes and for them, nylon is the preferred fiber because of its ability to stretch and absorb impact forces during an anticipated fall, this reducing stress on the climber and protection points. For arboriculture we should mainly be working with a fixed anchor point so for our industry a semi-static rope tends to be preferable and polyester appears to be the predominant fibre in most arborist rope construction because polyester reduces stretch while maintaining a high tensile strength.
Arborist ropes are made from high-strength synthetic fibers to provide durability, flexibility, and safety. Common fibers used include:
Polyester – The most widely used fiber in arborist ropes due to its high strength, low stretch, abrasion resistance, and weather resistance.
Nylon (Polyamide) – Offers high elasticity and strength but absorbs more water than polyester, which can reduce its durability in wet conditions.
Polypropylene – Lightweight and floats on water but is not as strong or durable as polyester or nylon; sometimes used in throw lines.
HMPE (High-Modulus Polyethylene, e.g., Dyneema® or Spectra®) – Extremely strong and lightweight with low stretch, often used in specialty applications like winch ropes.
Aramid Fibers (e.g., Kevlar® or Technora®) – Highly heat-resistant and used in ropes that need additional fire or abrasion resistance. You often find an element of these fibres used in the more expensive hitch cords.
For a long time, 13mm Kernmantle ropes were the mainstay of the arb industry. In recent years we have seen a move towards lighter more flexible 11.5-12mm arborist climbing ropes constructed from a double-braid (braid on braid) polyester weave or polyester-nylon blends for optimal strength and handling. With more static lines being selected for their low stretch when used in single rope tree access or SRT.
Arborist Rigging Rope Fibres
Arborist rigging ropes are designed for durability, high strength, and controlled elongation. They are typically made from synthetic fibers, which offer the necessary balance of strength, flexibility, and abrasion resistance. The most common fibers used in arborist rigging ropes include:
Polyester – The most popular choice for rigging ropes due to its high strength, low stretch, and excellent abrasion resistance. It also has good UV and moisture resistance, making it durable in outdoor conditions.
Nylon – Offers high strength and elasticity, which helps absorb shock loads. However, nylon has a higher stretch than polyester, making it less ideal for precision rigging applications.
Polypropylene – A lightweight and inexpensive fiber, often used in ropes that need to float on water. However, it has lower strength and abrasion resistance compared to polyester and nylon.
High-Modulus Polyethylene (HMPE), such as Dyneema® or Spectra® – Extremely strong and lightweight with very low stretch. HMPE ropes are sometimes used for speciality rigging applications, but they are more expensive and can be slippery.
Aramid Fibers (like Kevlar® or Technora®) – High heat resistance and excellent strength, but lower flexibility. These are sometimes used as components in specialized arborist ropes.
Most quality arborist rigging ropes are now double-braid (braid-on-braid), combining different fibers to optimize strength, durability, and handling characteristics. Polyester remains the top choice for general rigging due to its superior balance of properties. Some ropes like Yale Cordage - Double Estleron have been constructed with fibres and treatments to help absorb loadings putting less stress on the fibres at peak load but this comes at a price.
To avoid unbalancing the inner and outer core braid on braid ropes should always be used in a low frictin pulley system. When using a natural tree crotch friction builds on the outer braid means it takes all the load whilst the inner braid continues to move freely through the core this imbalance drastically reduces the combined strength they offer when working together. If your preference is to use natural crotches then consider using hollow or single braid ropes that will perform much more consistently.
