Is manila rope the same as hemp rope?

Different Plants, Different Ropes

Manila rope and hemp rope are frequently confused — and sometimes the terms are even used interchangeably in casual conversation or at the hardware store. But they are genuinely different ropes made from different plant fibers.

• Manila rope is made from the fibers of the abacá plant (Musa textilis), a relative of the banana plant native to the Philippines. The name "Manila" comes from the Philippine capital, which was historically the primary export hub for abacá fiber.
• Hemp rope is made from fibers derived from the stalks of the Cannabis sativa plant. Industrial hemp has been cultivated for rope-making for thousands of years across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Despite their different origins, both fibers produce twisted, tan-colored rope with a similar rustic appearance — which is the root of the widespread confusion.

How Do Manila and Hemp Compare?

While they share a natural-fiber identity and a classic look, manila and hemp have meaningfully different performance characteristics:

Manila rope holds the distinction of being the strongest and most popular natural-fiber rope. It has excellent low-stretch characteristics, which made it the go-to rope for maritime, agricultural, and industrial uses for centuries before synthetic ropes became dominant.

For a deeper look at how natural ropes fit into the broader history of cordage, see how rope-making evolved from ancient times to today.

Why Is Manila Sometimes Called Hemp?

The mislabeling goes back decades. For much of the 20th century, "hemp" was used loosely as a generic term for any coarse, natural-fiber rope — regardless of what plant it actually came from. Sailors, farmers, and hardware retailers alike would call any tan twisted rope "hemp" out of habit. The practice stuck, and you'll still see manila rope incorrectly labeled or described as hemp rope in some retail settings today.

That habit is why our natural manila rope is listed as "Manila Rope | Hemp": many people still search for it as hemp rope. It is manila (abacá) fiber, not hemp from the cannabis plant. RightRope doesn't sell true hemp rope. For the natural-fiber look, choose natural manila, or Promanila if you want a synthetic that won't rot.

Natural Manila vs. Synthetic Alternatives

If you love the classic look of manila or hemp but want better durability and easier maintenance, it's worth knowing that a synthetic version of manila exists. Promanila rope (also called Unmanila) is engineered to closely replicate the matte, tan appearance of natural manila while offering significant practical advantages:

• Does not rot, splinter, or shed fibers
• Weighs significantly less than natural manila rope
• Resists moisture and UV degradation better than natural fiber
• Easier on hands during handling

For a full side-by-side breakdown, see what's the difference between Manila rope and Promanila rope.

If you're trying to decide whether a natural or synthetic rope is the better fit for your outdoor project overall, this guide on synthetic vs. natural fiber rope for outdoor use is a great starting point.

Another Natural-Fiber Neighbor: Sisal

Manila and hemp also get confused with sisal rope, another common natural fiber. Sisal comes from the agave plant and tends to be stiffer and less strong than manila. If you're comparing options across natural fibers, check out what sisal rope is and how it compares to manila for outdoor and decorative use.

Practical Takeaway

If someone hands you a coil of coarse, tan, twisted rope and calls it "hemp," there's a reasonable chance it's actually manila — the stronger and more widely available of the two. When sourcing rope for a specific job, always confirm the actual fiber type. The differences in strength, weight, and moisture behavior can matter depending on your application. When in doubt, RightRope's experts are available to help you choose the right rope for your project.