What was the most regrettable climbing related impulse thing you have purchased?

It was sort of a pre-planned impulse buy. I kinda knew it would happen; I needed a second rope for a trip to Red Rocks, and didn't get one prior to heading out for the trip. So a couple climbing days down, where we needed just one rope, it was time for Dream of Wild Turkeys. Hmmmm, ok, I've thought about it...a tag line is cheaper...but wow, those Dragonfly doubles sure look nice!! Was this really happening, I thought as we stolled into Desert Rock? I never pay retail...what am I doing? Walked out with those beautys with a huge smile on my face! Our last day we got out there...to Black Velvet...windy as hell. Couldn't even open our eyes the sand was kicking up so much. Waited a while...still windy.

Ropes are still brand new, and I don't/won't use em much in Tahoe...I love em, but, yeah regret it for sure!

But hey, climbing and skiing gear is one thing that has a much lower "regret" factor than any other purchases I make:)

A pair of closeout special Sportiva Kendos that were one size too small thinking I could reform them. Still occasionally cram them on, then the knife-blade into the toe feeling starts up in about 4 minutes.

I own 13 jackets. 3 Mountain Hardwear, 1 Arcteryx, 7 Sherpa, 2 Stoic. Jacket season is almost over so I've been rotating through and wearing 3 a day. Do I recognize the stupidity? Yes. Do I regret it? Hell no.

Austin Baird wrote:I own 13 jackets. 3 Mountain Hardwear, 1 Arcteryx, 7 Sherpa, 2 Stoic. Jacket season is almost over so I've been rotating through and wearing 3 a day. Do I recognize the stupidity? Yes. Do I regret it? Hell no.

I was a jacket whore for awhile myself.

Every single piece of gear I bought for my wife. I'd really hoped she would get into it, instead I will probably retire gear that was used five times in ten years.

Please tell me someone has bought one of these:

The only thing I really regret is the fig-8 I bought a couple years ago and still haven't used.

Edit: And the Supertopo guidebook for Red Rock.

Huge chalk-bucket.

Grappling Hook

Hang that upside down from the roof outside and you can dry stuff on it or hang plants from it!

Jasmine Kall wrote:Grappling Hook Hang that upside down from the roof outside and you can dry stuff on it or hang plants from it!

Sweet! Now if I could only find a use for those Hand-Jammies...

Condoms.

Stich wrote: Oh, man. The Kong Frog. Why didn't they catch on??!!! I know someone with a whole bunch of Revolvers. Eh, if you can afford them they are kind of cool. I haven't seen the Mad Rock Trigger wires. Anyone bought one of those stupid, single-slot BD ATCs?

I know when you first see the single slot ATC you think - WTF? I did too.

I own one now and LOVE it though. Hear me out...

I have a dedicated "gym bag" with harness, short rope etc etc. That way I can grab and go and not beat my outdoor stuff into a pulp. I do lots of lead laps at the gym and provide said belays in return. The single slot ATC RULES for this. Very specialized, sure, but I found it on sale for $14. I like the fact that it sits a bit better (centered) on the belay biner than a two slot one.

I am a Jacket Whore. Seriously, I have a jacket for every 10 degree temp range, wind range and precip range. Then.... I moved to TX where Jacket season lasts all of 3 months if I'm LUCKY. Love them all put they look lonely and wasted in my closet most of the time.

Tom R wrote: Sweet! Now if I could only find a use for those Hand-Jammies...

I found a pair of these and have used them. Once. I think they're considered aid.

Matt N wrote: I found a pair of these and have used them. Once. I think they're considered aid.

I had a friend.. well lets say aquaintance try to explain to me how using hand jamies was harder than taping up because they pumped you out more... Douche!

Monty wrote: I had a friend.. well lets say aquaintance try to explain to me how using hand jamies was harder than taping up because they pumped you out more... Douche!

The hardest part is not the pump. The hardest part is admitting to your father that you use Hand Jammies.

Austin Baird wrote:I own 13 jackets. 3 Mountain Hardwear, 1 Arcteryx, 7 Sherpa, 2 Stoic. Jacket season is almost over so I've been rotating through and wearing 3 a day. Do I recognize the stupidity? Yes. Do I regret it? Hell no.

HAHAHA I feel yah.... I have 3 down jackets, 4 fleece jackets, 2 softshells, 2 hardshells, and I only have 1 pair of hardshell pants, 1 pair of softshells, and thats it for pants.... WTF...

Stich wrote: Anyone bought one of those stupid, single-slot BD ATCs?

I bought one and sold it after I realized what I'd done. That and Wild Country Zeros are the two biggest things I regretted buying. I try pretty hard to buy smart.

Right now I'm starting to wonder about my latest rope purchase, bought a Sterling Ion (the 9.5 version) and wondering whether I should have just stuck with a 9.8 since it seems like I spend more time rope gunning than climbing with partners at the same level as me. I got it on sale 25% off though.

In a word...lederhosen.

1. crash pad
2. hexes

Wild Country Zero 00 that was in the clearance basket in my "local" climbing shop for a good 6 months. I don't think its even body weight aid.