Brand: Sterling
Category: Climbing Webbing & Cordage
Recommended by John Willard, Founder & Lead Guide @ Willard Mountain Guides — Conway, NH
Highlights: durable, friction hitch, rappel backup
The Sterling 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 Loop is a robust friction hitch and autoblock designed for versatility and reliability in climbing. Crafted with advanced aramid fiber, it offers exceptional strength and durability, making it an essential tool for climbers seeking safety and performance on ropes 7 mm or larger. 1. **Material Composition**: Made with redesigned aramid fiber for enhanced strength and durability. 2. **Diameter**: Measures 6.8 mm, ideal for compatibility with ropes 7 mm or larger. 3. **Versatile Use**: Functions effectively as both a prusik and Klemheist knot, providing multiple applications in climbing scenarios. 4. **Length**: At 13.5 inches, it offers ample length for secure attachment and ease of use. 5. **Lightweight Design**: Lightweight construction minimizes added weight to your climbing gear, enhancing overall performance. 6. **Safety Features**: Engineered to provide reliable friction and secure grip, ensuring safety during climbs. 7. **Color**: Available in a khaki color, blending well with outdoor environments. The Sterling 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 Loop is ideal for climbers engaged in ice climbing and other outdoor climbing activities. It performs best in cold, rugged environments where reliable gear is essential for safety. Suitable for both novice and experienced climbers, this loop excels in scenarios requiring secure knot applications, such as ascending or descending on ropes. It is particularly valuable during winter climbing expeditions or technical ice routes, where precision and reliability are paramount.
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.
John Willard's review
my "third hand"
Recommended by John Willard, Founder & Lead Guide @ Willard Mountain Guides
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 John Willard say about the Sterling 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 Loop - 13.5 in. Khaki 6.8 Mm?
my "third hand"
Why does John Willard recommend Sterling?
John Willard recommends the Sterling Sterling 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 Loop - 13.5 in. Khaki 6.8 Mm for climbing webbing & cordage. my "third hand"
Is the Sterling 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 Loop - 13.5 in. Khaki 6.8 Mm a good climbing webbing & cordage?
Yes — John Willard recommends the Sterling 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 Loop - 13.5 in. Khaki 6.8 Mm by Sterling as their climbing webbing & cordage pick. my "third hand"
More from John Willard's Rock Climbing
View John Willard's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
9 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
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 in Multipitch
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
