Review: Sterling Quest

As with most things in climbing, balance is key. This is true from footholds and gear placements, to the cord that keeps you safely tethered to your partner. To satisfy the latter, I picked up a 60-meter, 9.6mm Sterling Quest. Light enough to pack on mountaineering adventures, but long and durable enough to use at the crag, the Quest is a versatile workhorse. Sterling has been making quality ropes since the early 90s, and the Quest is just the latest example. I went with the 60, but it comes in 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80-meter lengths. It's designed for heavy use, which provides me peace of mind when tying into the sharp end. $220 for the standard version.