The poll would be better if you could pick multiple answers.
On multipitch routes I always carry a headlamp, even if I expect to get down really early. I also carry an emergency biner with the usual assortment of stuff that rarely gets used. It's useless until you really need it, eh?
I'm not a drinker, and I'm not into carrying a massive rack. 2 out of 4 isn't bad. Edit: Forgot about the socks and gloves on a beautiful day. Make that 2 out of 5.
(This post was edited by markc on Oct 2, 2007, 1:57 PM)
My chemistry professor used to always tell the story of how, during the war, they used to keep their beer cold by swinging it around in a wet sock. It always made him sound pretty crusty.
I should probably leave my hiking sword with the packs, eh?
DMT
my friends used to tell me that until one day, we got attacked by the black night. I was successfully able to fend him off with my sword, they dont give me shit about it anymore.
(This post was edited by Carnage on Oct 2, 2007, 8:00 PM)
[quote "marc801 As one of my wall partners used to say, at bivys, warm beer is better than no beer. Amen to that.
I started carrying a small prussic loop after my AMGA TRSM course. I use it to back up my brake hand on multipitch raps. I could just use a sling, but they are too long to put on below my ATC, and I get annoyed trying to tie knots in it and all, so now I just carry a prussic cord that is the right length, but that's definitely something I don't need.
I do agree that some people carry alot of crap that they don't need. last year a buddy of mine and I did snake dike and decided to go ultra light since the approach was so long (we walked a total of 17 miles cause there was a little extra, and we got lost for a while on the approach) and the climb was only 8 pitches. We didn't take belay devices, helmets, he climbed in a swiss seat, I carred all the climbing gear in the lid of my pack on my hip belt. I don't think we were any less safe than someone who took more gear, and it was easier for us cause we had less to carry.
nothing. useless crap weighs you down and slows you down.
Especially on some of the long approaches in Red Rocks, last time I was there it seems like we hiked an hour each way nearly every day.
Always always always cary a headlamp, even if you think you'll only be out for a few hours starting in the morning. You really do never know.
Also unless it is the peak of summer (where the nights only get down to 90 degrees) always bring something warm to put on. I always have a knit cap and a fleece at a min.
I should probably leave my hiking sword with the packs, eh?
DMT
my friends used to tell me that until one day, we got attacked by the black night. I was successfully able to fend him off with my sword, they dont give me shit about it anymore.
I just about wet myself when I read this... thank you for making my day!
I'm guilty of always taking twice the amount of gear required to a crag. I don't actually climb with it.... but I take it with me just in case.
nothing. useless crap weighs you down and slows you down.
Especially on some of the long approaches in Red Rocks, last time I was there it seems like we hiked an hour each way nearly every day.
Always always always cary a headlamp, even if you think you'll only be out for a few hours starting in the morning. You really do never know.
Also unless it is the peak of summer (where the nights only get down to 90 degrees) always bring something warm to put on. I always have a knit cap and a fleece at a min.
Maybe the headlamp, although I climb alot without my head lamp and I haven't had any problems yet.
It's ideas like this though, Always carry.... anything, that are what you have to get rid of to really go light and fast, it's more of a mindset than anything, and when in red rocks, I do often carry a headlamp, but you have to question everything.
Always always always cary a headlamp, even if you think you'll only be out for a few hours starting in the morning. You really do never know.
the petzl e-lite is a nice thing to have in this case. i keep it packed with my 4oz golite shell, which stays clipped to my harness at all times. 5oz of the best insurance out there.
In reply to:
Also unless it is the peak of summer (where the nights only get down to 90 degrees) always bring something warm to put on. I always have a knit cap and a fleece at a min.
actually, i'll disagree here to a point. in decent weather (spring and fall), if the low temps arent that cool- a wind proof shell is adequate. they provide a surprising amount of warmth in a pinch, but take up little space and weigh next to nothing.
The Petzl e-lite, two short prussik loops, and a small knife have taken up permanent residence in my chalk bag's zipper pocket. Just leaving them there seems to be the only way I can be sure I won't forget them, but this means they accompany me up fearsome 40' routes in the gym as well as 90' routes at Ragged and 180' routes in the Gunks.
The light has definitely justified its permanent residence status more than once (including in the gym after lightning knocked out the lights), I've never needed the prussik loops, and the knife has been employed once every several years.
Now if you wanted to broaden the question to "useless crap you hike to the bottom of the climb with,'' I could expand on the subject considerably.
I did Snake Dike with one in my pack and when my partner saw it, he said "Are you nuts? You know there's a pit in there, right? That's like 2 ounces you have to carry out!"
I did Snake Dike with one in my pack and when my partner saw it, he said "Are you nuts? You know there's a pit in there, right? That's like 2 ounces you have to carry out!"
Me: Have some avocado.
Partner: Mmm. Ok, this is really good.
Thats classic! After having recently finished that route, Yes I can say 2 ounces I would sweat over, and yes also, after those 1000' of slabs I would sure appreciate having carried it.
I just recently took a can of Peach Halves for a ride up Intersection rock this last weekend. He had a good time, until I eated it.
I'm not that useless. Someone needs to be ropegun.
Screw rope gun, I need a beer gun. Them twist offs hurt my sensitive hands. Promise to be my beer gun and I'll never ask you to lead the hard pitches again.
I'm not that useless. Someone needs to be ropegun.
Screw rope gun, I need a beer gun. Them twist offs hurt my sensitive hands. Promise to be my beer gun and I'll never ask you to lead the hard pitches again.
I once saw a group of young bucks toproping at Cooper's Rocks in WV. We were in an area with a casual walk to the road that might take five minutes, yet the majority of them had headlamps strapped to their helmets. It was midmorning in the middle of summer. Most lines there top out under 35', so the risk of being benighted is pretty low.
They might have been preparing for a lengthy rescue operation. They repeatedly rigged single-point anchors, dangerously cross-loaded biners, etc. Despite several warnings and friendly offers to help, they were sure they were getting along fine.
You could probably get by with one kidney, as well. That would be a great way to drop weight for the next sick project. V2 here I come!
left testicle...
j-
It might be more useful than you think. If you think you don't need it, maybe you can hollow it out and use it as a "front" chalk bag...maybe put a brush in there, or some bus fare...If it's a weight issue, just punch holes in it
I've climbed with a guy who carries 20 draws, most of them four footers, up every pitch. And in addition to his large set of cams, he also carries four OP Link Cams. Those thing are like 5 pounds each!
And he's no noob, either, he climbs a ton!
As for me, only thing I can think of is: I carry more nuts than I usually need (doubles on the small end). But hey, they're light.
30 /
27%
