ART RopeGuide

The ART RopeGuide is a canopy device that guides your climbing line over a limb, reducing friction and protecting the bark at your anchor or redirect. It is aimed at climbers who want smoother rope travel than a bare branch union gives.

What it does in the canopy

Climbing over a bare union wears your rope, damages bark, and adds friction you fight on every advance. A rope guide sits on the limb and gives the rope a smoother path. On a moving rope system that means easier hitch tending, and at a redirect it keeps the line running where you want it.

Read ART's instructions for the setups it is rated for, including whether it is approved as a primary anchor or only as a guide or redirect.

Inspection

Check all metal parts for grooves, cracks, and sharp edges, and inspect any textile parts for cuts and abrasion. Make sure it is set on a sound limb. Compare cambium savers and other friction savers in this section.

Reducing friction at the anchor is good for more than the rope. Less friction means less effort when you advance your hitch, and less heat and wear on hitch cord. Over a season, a rope guide can noticeably extend the life of your climbing line.

Set it on a sound limb of suitable size, and check it from below before committing your weight. If you are unsure how ART intends it to be installed, practice low or ask a trainer.

Keep it in a dry bag between jobs.

Life-support gear must meet the applicable standard (ANSI Z133 and the manufacturer's instructions), be inspected before every climb, and be used only by trained climbers.