Source: ottawacitizen.com
With summer camping ahead of you, there's absolutely one item you shouldn't be without. The rope.
Ask any outdoor enthusiast what they bring on their outdoor camping trips, and they'll tell you a rope is must. It can assist you in countless ways you're sure to appreciate. Let's unspool a deeper look.
HISTORY
Ropes have been used for hunting, pulling, fastening, carrying and climbing. They were even used during prehistoric times. Originally plant fibres or vines would have acted as ropes, but as far back as 28,000 years ago there is evidence of twisting and braiding techniques. As the years progressed, it appears the early Egyptians were the first civilization to develop special rope-making tools. The use of such ropes pulled by thousands of workers allowed the Egyptians to move the heavy stones required to build their monuments. Around 2800 B.C., rope made of hemp fibres was used in China, and, ropemaking spread throughout Asia, India and Europe over the next several thousand years.
MATERIALS
Most of the time, when using rope for a practical purpose the type of rope doesn't much matter. Except for certain specialty applications, like climbing or sailing - which required specially made ropes - you can generally use any rope for numerous applications.
When shopping, you can choose from natural or synthetic fibres.
Natural ropes are generally softer and more pliable than synthetic ropes and often more esthetically pleasing. However, as much as these natural fibre ropes hold knots very well, they also wear out much faster than synthetic ropes.
Natural fibres commonly used today include: cotton (like clothesline rope, soft and pliable); sisal (bristly and splintery, less costly, but may be stiff and develop kinks); and hemp (the strongest of natural ropes with good flex, it is soft and pliable but can decay quickly).
Synthetic ropes come in a wide variety of sizes, colours and constructions. They are strength-rated so you can tell how much load they can take before breaking. However, many synthetic ropes are very slippery, have trouble holding knots, and are usually stiffer than natural ropes. Synthetic fibres commonly used today include: nylon (the first synthetic fibre used to make ropes and is stretchy, pliable, and strong, but weakens when wet); polyethylene or polyester (similar to nylon, but maintains strength when wet); and polypropylene (good for waterrelated purposes).
PRACTICAL USES
Here's a list of uses where a rope can be used to make your hiking or camping easier:
Hanging food: When camping, you always want to hang your food about 30 metres downwind from your campsite. A good polyester rope is perfect if you're tying your food up to keep it out of a bear's reach. It's strong and abrasion resistant for hoisting the food over branches.
Clothesline: If you're on a multiday camping trip you'll probably have to wash your clothes at least once if you want to maintain any semblance of friendship. Just tie both ends of a rope to two trees and you'll be able to safely hang anything and everything on the line.
Shelter: A sturdy nylon rope will allow for some give when your tarp is weighted down by water or snow. As well, tie the rope between two trees and lay your tarp over top. Secure the edges to the ground and you have a makeshift A-frame tent.
Travel aid: If somebody in your group is having troubles navigating challenging terrain or crossing a stream, a rope comes in handy. Send out a confident member to lead the way, and have them secure the rope when they reach the others side. All the followers can then grab hold of the rope for support.
Backpacking: Consider a polypropylene rope for its light weight and low cost.
Towing Device: When you have something heavy to haul or move, tie the rope around the object and get the team organized to pull together. If you're cross-country skiing, it's a solution when towing a sled of gear.
Tie downs: If you're tying your canoe or kayaks to the roof of your car you want a rope that's both strong and resistant to abrasion. A polyester rope will do the trick.
So, when you're camping this summer, remember that if you find yourself in a dire situation, having a rope with you is better than none. Whether you're tying a tourniquet, building a raft or stretcher, or rappelling down a cliff face, you'll be happy you brought a rope.
Dave Brown is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Ottawa Outdoors Magazine - www.ottawaoutdoors.ca. To comment e-mail Brown at editor@ ottawaoutdoors.ca.
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