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TR Self belay backup options 29-Jan-2015 At 12:43:04 AM Miguel75

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I used to run a modded Grigri 1 as Phil said and then moved to a modded GG 2 as my main device with a WC ropeman2/microcender as the backup. I also use a steel D mallion (rated to ~35kn) as my attachment point so there's no real chance of cross loading anything. This set up worked really well on vertical climbs once I'd figured out the perfect weight to hang off the end of the rope; (like Harold); too much weight and the GG would lock up all the time, too little and it wouldn't feed very well.... On slabby climbs it was a little bit of a pain as I had trouble getting the rope to feed well through the GriGri though funnily enough self belay on a slab almost felt like leading; climb to a good stance, pull rope through the GG, move up some more... Anyway I then moved to a microtraxion on the main line backed up by a microcender or the ropeman2.

For really long climbs, >30m I just run a single rope and have both devices attached. If I can't set up an anchor below the lip of the climb I pad the daylights out of the area where the rope runs over the lip and rebelay anywhere on the climb there might be sharp edges...

Usually the top piece I have on a short sling (single sling doubled over) to keep it out of the way of the microtraxion. I used to think it horrible to have to attach a device to rap with once I'd finished the climb and so used the GriGri, though now I find the ease of using the microtraxion/microcender/ropeman so much better that I don't mind getting to the top and attaching an ATC or GG to rap with.

If you're keen to use the GG, I reckon use it as the main device with the minitraxion as the backup. I reckon having it on your belay loop makes it easier to handle, though comes with it's own risks like catching the handle on your harness or another bit of gear... Even then, if the GG gets caught on something you've still got the minitrax as a back up.

Petzl has lots of good info in the menu on the right side of this page;
http://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/To-read-for-self-belaying?ActivityName=Multi-pitch-climbing&l=INT#

Single rope systems;
http://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/Installation-on-one-single-rope-with-two-ascenders?ActivityName=Multi-pitch-climbing&l=INT

Double rope system;
http://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/Setting-up-a-self-belay-system-on-two-ropes-with-two-ascenders ?ActivityName=Multi-pitch-climbing&l=INT