Which part of the rope is the inner core and is usually 75% of the tensile strength?

The inner core of a rope, referred to as the kern, is the primary component responsible for the majority of the rope's tensile strength, accounting for approximately 75%. This inner core consists of durable fibers that provide the necessary structural integrity and resistance to breaking under load.

In contrast, the mantle (or sheath) is the outer layer of the rope, which primarily serves to protect the core from abrasion, environmental damage, and other external factors. While the mantle is crucial for the rope's overall durability, it does not significantly contribute to the tensile strength compared to the inner core.

Understanding the distinction between the kern and the mantle is important for proper rope usage and maintenance. Recognizing that the kern is the strength-bearing component helps in assessing a rope's capabilities in rescue scenarios and ensuring that it is suitable for specific tasks within technical rescue operations.