LOLRopedIn

[lolmac]

Dey told u whut it wuz gonna be like.
icanhastofu.com
Episode:  Trumbo’s World, Season 1           Screen Capture from:  RDA.com

Comments

that strikes a cord

[lolmac]

Oo, I hadn't heard that story. It's certainly plausible -- although synthetic rope burns much worse. But, yeah, use gloves for rappelling, please.

Re: that strikes a cord

[thothmes.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I guess I knew that about rope burns and synthetic rope, although as a lifeguard they always give you synthetic rope for ring buoys etc. because natural rope rots, and of course lifeguards don't show up for work in gloves. I know that there are some natural ropes that are pretty prickly too, particularly if they are damp and a little frayed.

[lolmac]

Jute and (as it happens) sisal are horrible on the hands. Cotton's got a much easier 'hand', but doesn't hold up against the elements. Hemp is, in fact, the very queen of natural fibers for ropes -- it tears up the hand far less, slides better, but still holds well. Unfortunately, natural fibers can't be rated with acceptable accuracy for bearing heavy loads. Hemp is also dreadfully expensive.

Do not ask me how I come to know all this. ;)