Ropes Guide: Types, Uses & Care Tips

Published by Action Outdoors – NZ Owned & Operated

Rope has been an essential tool for humans for over 15,000 years, with fragments dating back to prehistoric times. From natural fibres like hemp and manila to today’s modern synthetic ropes, cordage has evolved to meet the needs of industries, adventurers, and everyday users.

Whether you’re into boating, camping, climbing, or gardening, choosing the right rope is vital for safety, durability, and performance.

Natural Fibre Ropes

Although synthetic ropes dominate heavy-duty and safety applications today, natural ropes still play an important role.

• Hemp Rope – Strong and traditional, though less common today.

• Sisal Rope – Affordable, holds knots well, and is perfect for gardening, staking plants, or bundling.

• Manila Rope – Made from the abaca plant, this is durable, weather-resistant, and still popular for recreational use (think tug-of-war) and decorative projects. See Action Outdoors’ Manila Rope collection →

🌱 Eco tip: Natural fibre ropes are biodegradable, making them a sustainable choice for outdoor projects.

Synthetic Ropes (Modern Options)

Synthetic ropes offer greater strength, consistency, and resistance than natural fibres. They’re the go-to choice for marine, industrial, and outdoor activities.

Nylon Rope

• High tensile strength and abrasion resistance

• Stretches up to 30%, making it ideal for absorbing shock loads

• Resistant to mildew and rot

• Sinks in water and loses around 15% of its strength when wet
  👉 Shop Action Outdoors Nylon Rope →

Polyester Rope

• Also known as Terylene, Dacron, Trevira

• Very strong (2.5x stronger than manila)

• Low-stretch, handles well, and resists UV, rot, and mildew

• Popular in boating, climbing, and safety ropes
  👉 Shop Action Outdoors Polyester Rope →

Polypropylene Rope

• Lightweight and cost-effective

• Floats on water and won’t shrink when wet

• Good flexibility, chemical resistance, and UV-treated for NZ/Australasian conditions

• Ideal for watersports, camping, and general outdoor use
  👉 Shop Action Outdoors Polypropylene Rope →

Rope Care & Storage Tips

To get the most out of your rope, proper care is key:

• Storage: Keep ropes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

• Prevent kinks: Always coil ropes neatly after use.

• Stop fraying: Seal rope ends with whipping, tape, or heat-shrink tubing (avoid melting ends – this can cause sharp, dangerous edges).

• Safety first: If a rope shows signs of damage, stress, or deterioration, retire it immediately. If in doubt, throw it out.

With good care, ropes can last around 5 years – but always inspect before use.

Modern Rope Innovations

Beyond traditional uses, ropes are now being developed with eco-friendly materials and high-tech fibres like Dyneema® and Kevlar®. These offer incredible strength-to-weight ratios, making them popular in sailing, rescue operations, and industrial lifting.

For everyday Kiwis, this means more options for safe, reliable, and sustainable rope solutions – whether in the garden, on the farm, or out at sea.

More Outdoor Essentials

If you’re kitting out for outdoor projects, we’ve got more than just rope:

• Adhesives & Sealants → – perfect for repairs and DIY builds.

• Cleaners & Lubricants → – keep gear lasting longer in tough NZ conditions.

• Fillers & Epoxies → – great for boat, home, and outdoor equipment maintenance.

• Sprays & Specialty Products → – from rust prevention to protective coatings.

Pairing the right rope with the right maintenance products ensures safety, durability, and performance for years to come.

Need Rope Advice?

At Action Outdoors, we stock a wide range of manila, nylon, polyester, and polypropylene ropes for every need. Our NZ-owned team is here to help you find the right rope for the job.

📧 Questions? Contact us at admin@actionoutdoors.kiwi