Mammut Twilight 7.5 twin/half rope -thoughts?

Hi all,

I've never used a half or twin rope set-up, but it seems like it would be fun to try and learn something new. These look like a reasonable way to get into it. Any thoughts on these ropes?

I have these ropes. I've used them for maybe 25 pitches as twin ropes. They are definitely ropes. 

I had a set and liked them for what they were. Very lightweight and compact for long multi day trips where weight, space, and long raps are an issue.

That said because they are so thin and supple they did tangle more than I liked . I think for everyday use something a bit stiffer and slightly thicker might be better. I have the Mammut  8mm version now (Phoenix I think) and find them slightly more user friendly.

Edelrid has a nice looking set Apis Pro I think.

I have Mammut Twilight 7.5mm and a Serenity 8.7mm both in 70m length. I find it to be a great and flexible system for mountaineering and have used it for alpine rock, multi-pitch ice, and easy scrambling.

Some potential configurations:

- Climb on the serenity as single rope and the twilight stays in the pack until it's time for 70m raps
- Climb on both ropes using twin or half rope technique
- Climb on the twilight alone for easier snow or glacier travel, accepting some level of risk
- Fold the 70m twilight in half for a fully rated 35m "twin rope" system
- Scramble unroped and carry the twilight in the pack until it's time for 35m raps
- And, of course, I've left the twilight at home and just climbed on the serenity as a single rope with 35m raps

These are my fancy ropes. I also have a cheaper, burlier rope for rock climbing.

I hope that helps!

I had 8.3mm mammuts that I'm looking to replace, sadly they stopped making 8.3mm. I really liked them.

Since main use of doubles for me was climbing in a group of three, I'm not sure how comfortable I'd feel hanging on a single 7.5mm rope as the second or third climber! Maybe I'd get used to it.

johndrico wrote: I have Mammut Twilight 7.5mm and a Serenity 8.7mm both in 70m length. I find it to be a great and flexible system for mountaineering and have used it for alpine rock, multi-pitch ice, and easy scrambling.

Some potential configurations:

- Climb on the serenity as single rope and the twilight stays in the pack until it's time for 70m raps
- Climb on both ropes using twin or half rope technique
- Climb on the twilight alone for easier snow or glacier travel, accepting some level of risk
- Fold the 70m twilight in half for a fully rated 35m "twin rope" system
- Scramble unroped and carry the twilight in the pack until it's time for 35m raps
- And, of course, I've left the twilight at home and just climbed on the serenity as a single rope with 35m raps

These are my fancy ropes. I also have a cheaper, burlier rope for rock climbing.

I hope that helps!

Great breakdown, thanks!

I've been going outside at night during quarantine and "hiking" around at night for up to 16 miles with a 50 pound backpack (filled w/ books incase I get robbed.). I've logged a few hundred miles since quarantine began. Last night I loaded up my pack with a full Springtime in the Sierra load, so crampons, shovel, 70m 9.5 rope, food, water, camping gear... came out to 35 pounds. Felt like nothing. So it's not an acute problem...
The 70m twilight is tempting because, as you said, it can be folded over into a "half rope", which is what I'd be mostly interested in doing. Using a twin rope(s) is something I'd want to learn from someone with experience, but I feel like I could figure out how to use a half rope correctly.

But yeah, the ability to rappel 70 meters (with a tagline) is one nice thing about the 9.5...

^
"Twin" rope use is simple - treat it as a single rope. Clip both strands to the carabiners. Just make sure the belay device is rated for the diameter.

I have a 7.7mm twin that I bought cheap for a tagline. Works great folded in half for simuling as well.