What type of rope is specified for rappel?

• A. Dynamic rope
• B. Nylon cord
• C. Static kernmantle
• D. Polyester kernmantle

Answer: (C)

Rappelling requires a rope that stays nearly the same length under load so your descent remains controlled and predictable. A static kernmantle rope is designed for that exact purpose: it has very low elongation (static) and a durable core-and-sheath construction (kernmantle) that can handle the friction and wear of lowering. Because it doesn’t stretch significantly, you can control speed, stop reliably, and manage anchors more safely.

Dynamic rope, on the other hand, is built to stretch to absorb a fall, which would cause you to descend unpredictably and can be unsafe for rappelling. Nylon cord isn’t a proper climbing rope and lacks the certification and construction needed for safe descent. Polyester kernmantle is a kernmantle rope, but the explicit low-stretch characteristic described by static kernmantle is what makes it the best fit for rappelling.