I’m a terrible dirtbag. I prefer to buy premium versions of many products because, to me, the cheaper versions just will not cut it. Like, there’s no way that “parmesan” could ever substitute for actual 24-month aged parmigiano reggiano straight from the teat of Italy. But the other thing I like about premium products is that, though they’re slightly more expensive up front, their quality ensures that they last longer and work better than their knockoff counterparts over the long run. Dirtbag econ 101.

A quality climbing rope is one of those products that you shouldn’t skimp on. Consider how inexpensive a few hundred bucks is when you think about what you’re getting: your life! But there are other things that go into make great climbing ropes: they don’t abrade easily; they don’t kink; they don’t get super dirty; and they’re easy to tie, clip, and handle.

The Mammut Crag series of ropes tick all of these boxes. As more and more climbing companies outsource their rope productions to budget rope manufacturers, it’s more important than ever to buy ropes from companies that actually know how to weave and spin yarn, and do it in-house. Mammut has been making ropes since 1862, and it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing.

I’ve been testing side by side two of the Mammut Crag ropes: the ultra thin 9.0mm Crag Sender and the 9.5mm Crag Classic. It’s illuminating to climb on these ropes and see how similarly they perform in terms of their quality, handling, knot-tying, durability, resistance to kinking, and overall feel. I’m super impressed with these ropes!

The 9.5mm Crag Classic is more of an all-around workhorse rope. It feels really light and easy going on its own, and that extra girth adds to the sense that this rope is built to handle everything you can throw at it.

But if I had to pick just a quiver-of-one rope for all my climbing needs, I’d have to go with the 9.0mm Crag Sender. It does everything the Crag Classic does, but in a lighter and more nimble package. Whether I’m projecting or redpointing, the Crag Sender would be my go-to choice.

Some ropes, no matter what you do, just get kinked and stay kinky throughout their lifespan. Both of these Mammut Crag ropes are ready to go right out of the package. No crazy uncoil method required!

They don’t get very dirty or grimy, and have really held up over the past 10 months of use without showing any signs of abrasion or any need to trim the ends. This is just the mark of a well-made rope.

I highly recommend checking out Mammut ropes if you haven’t already. If you like a slightly beefier cord and have no need for anything longer than 60 meters, go with the 9.5 Crag Classic. But if you want to get a 70- or 80-meter rope, definitely get the 9.0 Crag Sender!

Where to Buy

Backcountry
REI
Mammut

What I like

  • Crag Sender is rated as a single, double, or twin, which means it can be used in a variety of contexts. Two Crag Sender ropes for meandering trad? Check. Or just grab one and project your sport route. All day!
  • Decent stretch and elongation means soft falls, but not so soft that it’s hard to hang dog up a route.
  • Bests UIAA standards for water absorption and dirt.
  • Center marks for easy raps.

What I don’t like

  • No complaints!

Specs for Mammut Crag Sender 9.0

  • 54 grams per meter (7 pounds 2.3 ounces for a 60 meter)
  • Static Elongation: 7.5%
  • Dynamic Elongation: 31%

Specs for Mammut Crag Classic 9.5

  • 59 grams per meter (7 pounds 12.9 ounces for 60 meter)
  • Static Elongation: 8%
  • Dynamic Elongation: 33%

How I tested these ropes

Ten months of single-pitch sport and trad cragging and multi-pitch desert tower climbing.