What is rope drag and what strategies reduce it on a traverse?

• A. Rope drag is friction from rope running over rocks or gear; reduce with shorter rope angles, placing protection to guide rope, and using directionals.
• B. Rope drag is a type of rope wear; reduce by using smoother rope.
• C. Rope drag only occurs in indoor climbing; strategies do not apply outdoors.
• D. Rope drag is desirable as it helps catch falls.

Answer: (D)

Rope drag is the friction the rope experiences as it runs through protection and over rock or gear while you traverse. When the rope changes direction through protection or rubs along edges, friction wastes energy, makes movement harder, and can wear the rope over time. The best way to cut drag is to arrange protection so the rope is guided smoothly with short, gentle angles, and to use redirects or directionals that keep the rope away from edges and from going through lots of pieces of gear. This keeps the rope moving more freely, makes clipping and movement easier, and reduces unnecessary wear.

Other ideas miss the point: rope drag isn’t just rope wear, and simply using smoother rope won’t stop friction along the rope’s path. It isn’t something that only happens indoors, and drag isn’t something you want—it hinders movement and control.