Brand: Sterling
Category: Climbing Ascenders, Pulleys & Rescue Systems
Recommended by Doug Dobkowski, Outdoor Educator, Guide — North Conway, NH
Highlights: durable, heat resistant, rappel backup
The Sterling 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 Loop is a versatile and robust friction hitch and autoblock designed for climbers who demand reliability and strength. Crafted with advanced aramid fiber, this loop excels in performance as a prusik or Klemheist knot on ropes 7 mm or larger, making it an essential tool for your climbing gear. 1. **High-Strength Material**: Constructed from durable aramid fiber, ensuring enhanced strength and longevity. 2. **Versatile Use**: Functions effectively as both a prusik and Klemheist knot, providing flexibility in climbing techniques. 3. **Optimized Diameter**: At 6.8 mm, this loop is designed for compatibility with ropes 7 mm and larger, ensuring a secure grip. 4. **Length**: Measures 13.5 inches, offering an ideal size for effective friction and ease of handling. 5. **Lightweight Design**: Engineered to be lightweight, minimizing added weight to your climbing setup without compromising on performance. 6. **Enhanced Friction**: Provides reliable friction for controlled descents and secure positioning during climbs. 7. **Color**: Available in a subtle khaki color, blending seamlessly with natural outdoor environments. The Sterling 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 Loop is ideal for climbers engaged in ice climbing and other outdoor adventures where secure rope management is crucial. It performs best in cold, rugged conditions, making it a reliable choice for winter expeditions or alpine climbing. This product is suitable for both intermediate and advanced climbers who require dependable equipment for technical ascents and descents. Whether you're navigating icy terrains or executing complex climbing maneuvers, this loop excels in providing safety and control.
Price: $30
- Who it's for
- Climbers and rappellers who want a dedicated friction hitch loop for third-hand backup, hauling, or rescue systems. It suits those who prefer a purpose-made aramid loop over tied accessory cord.
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise it as a reliable, durable third-hand backup for rappelling and rescue use. No criticism appears across the nine notes — feedback is uniformly positive but thin on detail.
- Worth noting
- Made from heat-resistant aramid material, which hosts flag as essential for rappel friction hitch use. Works for klemheist hitches, ascending, descending, and pulley/rescue systems.
Doug Dobkowski's review
I use this as my "Third Hand" when rappeling. I like how it grabs the rope and it is made out of heat resistant material which is essential when rappelling.
Recommended by Doug Dobkowski, Outdoor Educator, Guide
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Sterling 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 Loop - 13.5 in. Khaki 6.8 Mm for?
Climbers and rappellers who want a dedicated friction hitch loop for third-hand backup, hauling, or rescue systems. It suits those who prefer a purpose-made aramid loop over tied accessory cord.
What do experts say about the Sterling 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 Loop - 13.5 in. Khaki 6.8 Mm?
Hosts consistently praise it as a reliable, durable third-hand backup for rappelling and rescue use. No criticism appears across the nine notes — feedback is uniformly positive but thin on detail.
What should you know before buying the Sterling 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 Loop - 13.5 in. Khaki 6.8 Mm?
Made from heat-resistant aramid material, which hosts flag as essential for rappel friction hitch use. Works for klemheist hitches, ascending, descending, and pulley/rescue systems.
What does Doug Dobkowski say about the Sterling 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 Loop - 13.5 in. Khaki 6.8 Mm?
I use this as my "Third Hand" when rappeling. I like how it grabs the rope and it is made out of heat resistant material which is essential when rappelling.
Why does Doug Dobkowski recommend Sterling?
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Sterling Sterling 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 Loop - 13.5 in. Khaki 6.8 Mm for climbing ascenders, pulleys & rescue systems. I use this as my "Third Hand" when rappeling. I like how it grabs the rope and it is made out of heat resistant material which is essential when rappelling.
Is the Sterling 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 Loop - 13.5 in. Khaki 6.8 Mm a good climbing ascenders, pulleys & rescue system?
Yes — Doug Dobkowski recommends the Sterling 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 Loop - 13.5 in. Khaki 6.8 Mm by Sterling as their climbing ascenders, pulleys & rescue systems pick. I use this as my "Third Hand" when rappeling. I like how it grabs the rope and it is made out of heat resistant material which is essential when rappelling.
More from Doug Dobkowski's Multipitch
View Doug Dobkowski's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
10 experts recommend the Sterling 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 Loop - 13.5 in. Khaki 6.8 Mm.
Cora Hanson, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
This is the friction hitch I use as my third hand backup while rappelling, as well as for any type of rescue situation.
Recommended in Sport Climbing
Dan Morley, Rock Climbing Guide
To make a klemheist hitch to the static rope for your personal fall protection while working at the edge. This device can also be used for ascending, descending, and rescue systems.
Recommended in Top Rope Anchor Gear
John Willard, Founder & Lead Guide @ Willard Mountain Guides
my "third hand"
Recommended in Rock Climbing
This is a great choice for friction friction hitches and rappel back-ups or "third hand".
Recommended in General Climbing Gear
Jarrod Blundy, Founder/Guide at Onward Mountain Guides
Better than a tied-off accessory cord, this lives as my backup friction hitch loop for buddies and building pulley systems.
Recommended in Ice Climbing Kit
Friction on the rope, third hand rappel, rope grab for hauling
Recommended in Rock
Chris Johnson, Apprentice Climbing Guide, Professional Ski Patroller
The go-to aramid prussik loop. I nearly always use a third-hand backup for my rappels and the Hollowblock is a durable, easy to use choice.
Recommended in Trad Climbing Gear
Philip Burnett, Weber State University Rental Manager
Great third-hand loop.
Recommended in Winter Alpine Climbing
My favorite friction hotch material. I use the short version.
Recommended in Rock Climbing
