Natural Manila rope, the strongest natural fiber rope. Often called hemp rope, though it isn’t hemp. Chosen for tug of war, gym climbing and nautical decor.
- U.S. orders placed by 3 pm ET on a business day ship the same day. We're closed weekends and a few holidays.
- Our average rating across all Right Rope products, from 900+ verified reviews. Read reviews (opens in a new tab)
- Not sure what you need? Open the chat button on this page and a rope expert will help you choose.
Great for
- The strongest natural fiber rope, with very low stretch and a good grip.
- High strength, low stretch and a rugged grip. We can splice a loop for hanging.
- Natural look for decor and indoor arts and crafts.
Another rope to consider
Specs
See all sizes
| Diameter | Weight (Lbs / 100 Ft) | Breaking Strength | Safe Working Load Limit (SWLL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 2 | 540 | 45 - 108 |
| 5/16 | 2.9 | 900 | 75 - 180 |
| 3/8 | 4.1 | 1215 | 100 - 243 |
| 1/2 | 7.5 | 2385 | 198 - 477 |
| 5/8 | 13 | 3960 | 330 - 792 |
| 3/4 | 17 | 4860 | 405 - 972 |
| 1 | 27 | 8100 | 675 - 1620 |
| 1-1/4 | 42 | 12150 | 1013 - 2430 |
| 1-1/2 | 60 | 16650 | 1388 - 3330 |
| 2 | 107 | 27900 | 2325 - 5580 |
| 3 | 241 | 57600 | 4800 - 11520 |
How it holds up
- Wet ropeShrinks
- Rot and mildewLow
- GripBest
- StretchVery low
Description
Manila rope is a natural fiber rope twisted in 3 strands from the fibers of the abacá plant, a close relative of the banana, and made in the Philippines. It's often called hemp rope, though it isn't hemp. It's the strongest natural fiber rope, with very low stretch, and it holds knots well and has the best grip in the hands, even when wet. That makes it a classic for tug of war, gym climbing ropes and nautical decor. For wet or humid places, Promanila gives the same look without rot or mildew, and Sisal is the better pick around pets.
- Runs slightly larger than stated, so it won't fit rope brackets of the same size
- Shrinks up to 15% in length when wet, and gets thicker
- Can rot or mildew over time if it stays damp
- Can leave splinters, so wear gloves when handling
- Coated in mineral oil, which helps it last and has a strong smell
Questions
About the rope
Is Manila rope the same as hemp?
No. It’s sometimes called hemp rope, but it isn’t actual hemp (cannabis). It’s made in the Philippines from the fibers of the abacá plant, a close relative of the banana plant.
Manila or sisal?
Sisal is lighter in color, softer and has a lower breaking strength. Manila is stronger and longer lasting. Sisal is the better choice around pets. Both make good indoor decorative ropes for arts and crafts.
Will it fit a rope bracket?
No. It doesn’t fit rope brackets of the same diameter. The diameter runs slightly larger than stated.
Is there a synthetic version?
Yes. Promanila is synthetic Manila. It lasts longer in humid or wet climates and doesn’t mildew or rot.
Tug of war and gym climbing
How do I care for a tug of war rope?
Store it in a cool, dry place indoors. Add rubber ends when you order to prevent fraying.
How do I hang a gym climbing rope?
Manila is a three strand twisted rope, so a loop can be spliced into the end and hung from a mount on the ceiling, without reducing the rope’s breaking strength. A standard 6 in eye splice should be adequate for most installations. We can splice the loop for you with your order, and shrink a rubber handle on the other end.
What size and length do gyms choose?
The most popular diameter is 1-1/2 in and the most popular length is 15 to 24 ft. We can cut any length.
