Mountain Project Logo

Homemade gear sling... Thoughts?

Original Post
photocodo mcclung · · Hendersonville, NC · Joined May 2012 · Points: 115

I spend a few hours today making a gear sling and wanted to get some opinions from people who have used this type. I have only used single, over the shoulder slings. Everything fits pretty well for me but the actual slings feel a little low to me. I put in a small daisy on the shoulders with the top loop being bigger for quick clipping to the anchor. I hacked up a retired harness for the buckles but all the rest of the webbing is new. All thoughts or suggestions welcome, this is my first one so its definitely not gonna be perfect.
Sorry for the crappy cell pics

Cody

front

daisy

buckle

back

loop

side

Meme Guy · · Land of Runout Slab · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 325

wait for it…

yer gonna die

Mark Hudon · · Lives on the road · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 420

Looks good. Load it up with a ton of gear and report back.

BirminghamBen · · Birmingham, AL · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 1,620

Craftsmanship looks nice but it looks a bit low to me.
My Trango double rack sits a few inches higher relatively (I'm 5'7").
I think you'll find tightening it up helps the functionality.

Locker · · Yucca Valley, CA · Joined Oct 2002 · Points: 2,349

Good job dude!

wpfister Pfister · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2013 · Points: 55

This is the second time you've inspired me to make my own gear! I saw your etrier post and went out, bought some webbing, and made my own too. I may do the same here... Nice job!

NC Rock Climber · · The Oven, AKA Phoenix · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 60

That is not something that I would use, but the craftsmanship looks great.

Evan Lukow · · Roanoke, VA · Joined Jan 2011 · Points: 0

I think its great. Agree with a bit long but look like superb craftsmanship. What else have u made? I have a friend back in CO that made me a custom crag bag. Wish I had skills like u guys. Awesome job.

E

Mark Hudon · · Lives on the road · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 420

Check out the Yates version of this rig. It rides much higher than yours does.

RustyLane · · Minneapolis · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 55

Looks a little heavy and would not work while wearing a pack, I always climb with a pack on trad routes (unless it is a short route) which in that case I would not need all that gear.

photocodo mcclung · · Hendersonville, NC · Joined May 2012 · Points: 115

Its more for aid than trad, however I wouldnt be opposed to using it for longer 6-8 pitch routes that I was doing in a day. I am going to shorten the shoulder straps so it sits higher on my body, it is riding a little low right now. I am also going to shorten the slings and maybe do two equal length slings like on the yates vs. one short and one long sling like the fish or misty mountain. It is pretty comfortable so far loaded with gear but I still havent had a chance to use it yet. I will post some pictures of the modified version. Hopefully I can get to it today.

Thanks for all the comments. I enjoy making this stuff, plus I only spend about $10 in materials for this so its way cheaper than buying one.

Steve Williams · · The state of confusion · Joined Jul 2005 · Points: 235

I think your gear loops would be better if you put
flexible plastic tubing on them before sewing them
to the harness. You can pick them up for cheap at Home Depot.

Matt Kuehl · · Las Vegas · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 1,712

Nice craftsmanship!

I use an old A5 gear sling for aid and my favorite gear loop is the very highest under the armpits. It essentially would be just slightly below the strap that runs from front to back. On the A5 the gear sling is also adjustable with a simple water knot. On another note, although this might not be common, I clip infrequently needed items to the very back strap between my shoulders. Its a little hard to reach but is a good home from infrequently used pieces that add clutter otherwise. My 2 cents.

Keep it up and nice work.

Ken Noyce · · Layton, UT · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 2,648
Steve Williams wrote:I think your gear loops would be better if you put flexible plastic tubing on them before sewing them to the harness. You can pick them up for cheap at Home Depot.
Just what I thought when I saw it. The plastic tubing makes unclipping gear much easier.
photocodo mcclung · · Hendersonville, NC · Joined May 2012 · Points: 115

OK, I took some advice and made a few changes.
1. shortened the shoulder straps 3in in the back so I still have adjustability in the front.
2. Made both side loops the same length and a bit shorter (similar to yates)
3. put heat shrink tubing on all four side loops
4. added a smaller loop in the back for stuff I dont use very much

Fits better when it is shorter and the loops seem easier to get a hold of.

Cody

front

side

back

side

Evan Lukow · · Roanoke, VA · Joined Jan 2011 · Points: 0

Much props

Well done

Locker · · Yucca Valley, CA · Joined Oct 2002 · Points: 2,349

Nicely done on the improvements!

Steve Williams · · The state of confusion · Joined Jul 2005 · Points: 235

Great job, Cody.
I'm sure you'll like taking your gear
off the loops with the covers.

Mark Hudon · · Lives on the road · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 420

That rig looks damn nice!

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Big Wall and Aid Climbing
Post a Reply to "Homemade gear sling... Thoughts?"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.