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Rave About Your Rack Please do not post retail SPAM.

Topic Date User

specialised Aussie rack question 21-Jan-2005 At 6:42:05 PM Robin

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Add thermals and a raincoat to the standard Ben Lomond rack. Been there three times and never got past the first pitch.

For most trad climbing i usually get by with; single rope, 14 quick draws, 2 or three slings (one used as a gear loop), one of each cam size, one of each of the rock wires - doubles for most mid size wires, a selection of micro wires and RP's down to #3. I don't carry corderlette or screw gates for the belay as I usually just use the rope end and ordinary biners. Take bolt plates if route bolted and be prepared to loop end of wire over bolt if bolt plates don't fit.

Usually this rack is a bit excessive but for an onsight you never know what you will need. Sometimes have to improvise when gear runs low e.g. use loop on cam as quickdraw, retrieve previous bit of gear when better placement found etc. (disclaimer: not saying these practices are safe)

I think the point that you need to know where you are going before you select your rack is on the money. Or if you come out with a limited rack choose your cliffs accordingly. Places like Hillwood in Tassie have fantastic sports climbing and you will only need a rope and about a dozen draws, Ben Lomond - big cams, big hexes....and a raincoat.