Rigging slings, crane slings, and safety lanyards for professional tree work. Double braid, HMPE, and polyester construction from All Gear and Teufelberger. Rated for the loads arborists actually work with.
Arborist Slings & Lanyards
All Gear, Inc.Hard-wearing rigging slings with a urethane coating.
View detailsStarting from $149.36
All Gear, Inc.Transformer sling for low-stretch lifting applications.
View detailsStarting from $54.61
All Gear, Inc.Exceedingly high abrasion bull rope with urethane coating
View detailsStarting from $259.01
TeufelbergerLow-stretch, high-visibility rigging line for arborists.
View detailsStarting from $1.26 / ft.
All Gear, Inc.Adjustable whoopie slings with ballistic nylon jacket.
View detailsStarting from $80.31
All Gear, Inc.Adjustable loop slings with ballistic nylon jacket.
View detailsStarting from $78.81
All Gear, Inc.Double ring eye sling with Husky urethane coating.
View detailsStarting from $182.25
All Gear, Inc.Polyester Round Slings are the most durable Lifting Slings
View detailsStarting from $26.54
Showing Products 1 - 19 of 19
If you're shopping for arborist slings for rigging, you need to check this out. Our collection of lanyards has the best prices from popular brands like Teufelberger, Yale, and everything in between.
Arborist Climbing Rope (Cut to Length)
Every climbing system starts with the line. Your arborist climbing rope determines how your friction hitch performs, how your devices engage, and how safely you move through the canopy. A rope that works well with a mechanical ascender may behave differently with a traditional Blake’s hitch or Prusik. Choosing the right rope means matching construction, diameter, and material to the way you climb.
At ROPE.com, we sell arborist rope by the foot, so you get exactly the length you need. No pre-packaged coils, no wasted rope, and no compromises.
SRT vs DdRT: Matching Rope to Your System
SRT and DdRT place different demands on rope, and choosing the right climbing line starts with understanding how you climb.
DdRT, or Doubled Rope Technique, runs the rope over a limb or cambium saver and back down to the climber. This system benefits from a supple rope that feeds smoothly through hardware and natural crotches. 24-strand and 16-strand constructions are popular choices for DdRT setups.
SRT, or Single Rope Technique, uses a stationary line with ascenders and mechanical devices. In this setup, low stretch, consistent diameter, and device compatibility are key. Many climbers use either double braid or kernmantle-style ropes depending on their preference and equipment.
Choosing the right rope for your system improves efficiency, reduces friction issues, and increases control in the canopy.
Rope Construction
24-strand double braid ropes have a smooth, round profile and consistent diameter. They handle well with modern friction hitch systems and mechanical devices.
16-strand arborist ropes have a more textured feel, are easier to splice, and work well with traditional friction hitches like a Blake’s hitch.
Kernmantle ropes use a core and sheath construction that provides low stretch and high consistency. They are commonly used in SRT systems and rope access applications.
For rigging and bull rope, 3-strand and 12-strand constructions are designed to handle the forces involved in controlled lowering.
Diameter and Performance
Climbing ropes typically range from 11mm to 13mm, with 11.7mm and 12mm being the most common.
Bull ropes and rigging lines usually range from 1/2″ to 3/4″ and larger depending on the application.
Hitch cord should generally be 2 to 3mm smaller than the climbing line to create proper friction and reliable engagement.
Materials
Polyester is the industry standard due to its low stretch, durability, and resistance to UV exposure. Technora blends add heat resistance for friction systems. Dyneema (HMPE) offers extremely high strength with very low weight and minimal stretch.
Trusted Arborist Rope Brands
We stock arborist climbing rope from Teufelberger, Samson Rope, Yale Cordage, Sterling Rope, and MAXIM Ropes — the ropes professionals trust for performance, consistency, and safety.
Arborist Rope Sizing Guide
Match your rope to the job — click any row to shop filtered results
Climbing Line by System
| Climbing System | Diameter | Construction |
|---|---|---|
| SRT / Stationary Rope | 11.5mm – 13mm | Kernmantle → |
| DdRT / Moving Rope | 11mm – 13mm | 24-strand → |
| DdRT / Bark-Running | 11mm – 13mm | 16-strand → |
Bull Rope by Application
| Application | Diameter | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Light tag lines | 1/4" – 3/8" | 12-strand hollow → |
| Standard rigging | 1/2" – 5/8" | Double braid / 3-strand → |
| Heavy removals | 5/8" – 3/4" | Double braid → |
Hitch Cord Pairing
| Climbing Line | Hitch Cord | Common Hitches |
|---|---|---|
| 11mm – 11.7mm | 8mm → | VT, Distel, Knut |
| 11.7mm – 12.7mm | 8mm – 10mm → | Blake’s, Distel, VT |
| 12.7mm – 13mm | 10mm → | Blake’s, Schwabisch |
Device Compatibility
| Device | Rope Type | Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Petzl Zigzag / Plus | Double braid → | 11.5mm – 13mm |
| Rope Runner Pro | 24-strand, double braid → | 11mm – 13mm |
| Akimbo | 24-strand (DdRT) → | 11mm – 13mm |
| Friction hitch | 16 or 24-strand → | 11mm – 13mm |
Rope Construction Guide
What’s in your hand when you’re 80 feet up — click to shop each type
DdRT / MRS
I climb with friction hitches
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SRT / SRS
I climb with mechanical devices
↓
Rigging
I need bull rope or rigging line
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Teufelberger Tachyon
24-Strand
24-carrier braid
Diameter: 11–13mm
Material: Polyester
Knot Hold: Excellent
Splice: Eye splice
Round, firm hand with excellent knot-holding for friction hitches. The workhorse of DdRT climbing — feeds smoothly through cambium savers.
Best for: DdRT, friction hitches, cambium savers
Popular Ropes
GripFlex-16
16-Strand
16-carrier braid
Diameter: 12–13mm
Material: Polyester
Flexibility: High
Splice: Eye splice
Lighter, more supple construction. Easier on the hands during long days on bark-running systems. Popular with experienced climbers.
Best for: All-day climbing, bark-running DdRT
Popular Ropes
Teufelberger KM III
Kernmantle
Core + sheath • 32-strand cover
Diameter: 11–12mm
Material: Nylon / Poly
Stretch: Low (static)
Devices: Zigzag, Rope Runner
Braided core carries the load, woven sheath protects it. Consistent diameter and low elongation — standard for SRT and mechanical ascenders.
Best for: SRT, mechanical devices, rope access
Popular Ropes
All Gear Husky Bull Rope
Bull Rope & Rigging
Double braid • 3-strand • 12-strand
Diameter: 1/2″–3/4″
Material: Polyester
Abrasion: High
Splice: Eye & end-for-end
Built for lowering wood safely. Double braid for maximum strength. 3-strand is easy to splice. 12-strand hollow braid for lightweight tag lines.
Best for: Rigging, bull rope, lowering, tag lines
Shop Rigging Rope →
Arborist Rope FAQ
Common questions from professional climbers and crews
What type of rope do arborists use?
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Arborists use static or semi-static ropes made from polyester, nylon, or blended fibers. Climbing lines are typically 11mm to 13mm in diameter, available in 16-strand, 24-strand, or kernmantle construction — each designed for life-safety use in the canopy. Rigging and bull ropes are separate lines used for lowering limbs and wood, typically 3-strand or double braid in 1/2" to 3/4", with larger diameters used for heavy rigging. Arborist climbing lines are typically rated above 5,400 lbs (24 kN) and designed to meet or exceed ANSI Z133 and/or EN 1891 Type A requirements.
What is the difference between SRT and DdRT tree climbing?
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SRT (Single Rope Technique) uses a fixed line with mechanical ascenders — you climb at a 1:1 ratio, meaning 10 feet of ascent moves 10 feet of rope. It's faster for tall trees and uses legs more, saving upper body energy. DdRT (Doubled Rope Technique) runs the rope over a crotch and back down, giving you a 2:1 mechanical advantage — you lift roughly half your body weight, but move twice the rope. DdRT offers better versatility for limb walking and canopy movement. Most professional arborists use both systems depending on the job. SRT ropes need low stretch and consistent diameter — kernmantle ropes are commonly paired with ascenders, while double braid lines work well with devices like the Petzl Zigzag. DdRT ropes need supple, round construction that feeds smoothly through cambium savers (24-strand or 16-strand braids).
What is the best rope for tree climbing beginners?
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For new arborists learning DdRT (the system most climbers start with), a 24-strand polyester climbing line in 11.7mm to 12.7mm is the most forgiving choice. It holds friction hitches well, has a round firm hand that's easy to grip, and works with most standard hardware. Look for ropes rated above 5,400 lbs and designed to meet or exceed ANSI Z133 and/or EN 1891 Type A requirements. Popular starter lines include the Yale XTC Fire, Samson Voyager, and Teufelberger Fly. Avoid rock climbing rope — dynamic ropes are not suitable for arborist work due to high stretch and incompatibility with tree climbing systems.
Kernmantle vs double braid — which is better for tree climbing?
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It depends on your climbing system. Kernmantle ropes have a load-bearing core wrapped in a protective sheath — they're low-stretch, resist milking (sheath slipping over core), and are commonly used for SRT with ascenders. Teufelberger's Xstatic and drenaLINE are examples with 32-strand covers designed for toothed ascender cams. Double braid ropes have a braided sheath and braided core where both core and sheath contribute to strength — they can be spliced and work well for both DdRT and SRT. Devices like the Petzl Zigzag and Rope Runner Pro are typically used with double braid arborist lines. Many pros carry both: a kernmantle line for SRT removals and a double braid for DdRT pruning.
How do I choose the right hitch cord for my climbing line?
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Your hitch cord should typically be 2–3mm smaller in diameter than your climbing line for optimal grip and performance. For an 11mm climbing line, use 8mm cord. For 12–13mm lines, 8mm or 10mm depending on the hitch. Polyester hitch cords grip well and are the most common. Technora-core cords offer higher heat resistance for climbers who descend quickly or work heavy friction hitches. Common hitches include the VT, Distel, Blake's, Knut, and Schwabisch — each performs differently depending on your rope and cord combination.
How long does arborist climbing rope last?
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Rope lifespan depends entirely on use and care. With weekly professional use, most climbing lines last about 1 year. Regular use (a few times per month) may get 1-3 years. Occasional use can extend to 4-5 years. Unused rope should be retired after 10 years regardless. Inspect your rope before and after every climb — retire it immediately if you find exposed core, deep sheath abrasion, flat spots indicating internal damage, melted or glazed fibers, or if it has taken a shock load. When in doubt, retire the line. The best time to replace your rope is before it fails.
Is nylon or polyester better for arborist rope?
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Polyester is the standard for arborist climbing lines. It has low stretch for efficient ascending, excellent abrasion resistance against bark and hardware, high heat tolerance for friction hitches, and maintains its strength when wet — nylon loses a percentage of its strength in wet conditions. Nylon's higher elasticity is useful for fall-arrest applications in rock climbing, but that same stretch works against arborists who need stability and control during ascent and descent. Most modern arborist climbing ropes use a polyester sheath, sometimes over a nylon or blended core for optimized stretch and strength properties.
How strong does arborist climbing rope need to be?
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Arborist climbing lines are typically rated above 5,400 lbs (24 kN) and designed to meet or exceed ANSI Z133 and/or EN 1891 Type A requirements. Climbing lines commonly range from 11mm to 13mm in diameter. Most professional climbing lines exceed these minimums — typical 11.7mm to 12.7mm ropes from Teufelberger, Yale, and Samson test at 6,000–7,000+ lbs breaking strength. Keep in mind that knots reduce effective rope strength by 20–50%, so the rated breaking strength is always higher than what you'll see in a real climbing system. Always look for ropes rated to EN 1891 Type A and/or ANSI Z133 standards.
Why Arborists Choose ROPE.com
Cut-to-Length
Buy exactly what you need
We cut every rope to order. Need 120 feet of climbing line or 200 feet of bull rope? You get that length, not a pre-packaged coil with 50 feet of waste.
Shop arborist rope →
Pro Brands Only
The names you trust on every job
Teufelberger, Samson, Yale, Sterling, Maxim, Petzl. We only carry manufacturer-direct rope built for professional arborist use.
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Free Shipping Over $199*
No surprises at checkout
Orders over $199 ship free. Most in-stock items ship within 1–2 business days.
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Rope Experts on Staff
Real people who know rope
Questions about diameter, device compatibility, splicing, or construction? Call us. We splice, cut, and test rope every day.
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Professional Arborist Rope & Climbing Gear at ROPE.com
Professional tree care demands gear that performs under real-world conditions. Every arborist rope, tree climbing line, bull rope, and accessory in our collection is sourced from manufacturers who build specifically for the tree care industry. These are purpose-built tools designed for canopy work, controlled rigging, and all-day climbing.
We carry both DdRT and SRT climbing lines because professional arborists rely on both systems, often within the same job. A doubled rope system typically runs a 24-strand polyester climbing rope paired with a friction hitch like a Distel or VT for smooth control in the canopy. For SRT, climbers move to low-stretch lines such as kernmantle or tightly constructed double braid ropes paired with mechanical devices like the Rope Runner Pro or other ascenders for efficient vertical movement and removals.
Arborist Rigging Rope & Bull Rope
Rigging is where rope selection matters most. Choosing the wrong diameter or construction introduces unnecessary risk. Our arborist rigging ropes and bull ropes are available in 3-strand, 12-strand hollow braid, and double braid constructions, typically ranging from 1/4″ up through 3/4″ and beyond for heavier applications. Every rope is cut to length, so you get exactly what the job requires without dealing with excess bulk on site.
Whether you’re outfitting a single climber or managing a full crew, ROPE.com supplies arborist climbing rope, rigging rope, hitch cord, throw line, and hardware trusted by working professionals. Our by-the-foot model gives you full control over length, and our team understands how to match rope to your climbing system, hardware, and daily workload.
