The different standards of rope are:

SINGLE ROPE

Used in single form as the name suggests. Designed for rock climbing, best suited to relatively straight pitches and routes that do not require an abseil descent. Single rope should always be used for Sport climbing.

HALF ROPE

Half ropes, as used in double rope technique, are recommended for trad climbing, mountaineering and long rock routes where abseil descents are required. Also recommended whenever runners are of dubious quality notably on ice and snow.

MOUNTAIN WALKING or TOUR ROPE

Used to assist security on mountain walks, glacier or ski mountaineering trips. Normally 8mm dynamic, in a choice of lengths, with and without tie-in markers. Not suitable for rock or mountain climbing.

TWIN ROPE

Now of limited use, with a requirement to clip both ropes every time. New low weight half ropes with greater safety and usefulness have virtually replaced this type.