Long day, lots of gear, how do you pack?
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My partner and I recently did Touchstone in Zion in a day. We decided not to haul, instead we brought a 25L daypack full of water, food and 2 puffies. This meant that while following the free pitches, the second was carrying a backpack and the unneeded pieces of the rack. |
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I've never climbed Touchstone, so my opinion is probably worth less than Elena's furry friend. But I've gleaned a few pointers over the years that might help. |
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I'm a fan of short hauling group gear with a tag line (i.e. hand-over-hand hauling). But Touchstone does not require a tag line, as you know, and bringing it could seem like a waste. This is my preferred method for longer rock or steep alpine rock routes. But, many people would advocate not to haul on Touchstone so you had better harden the fuck up for the responses that will ensue. |
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Less water, less food, no puffies. |
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8 pitches shouldn't require the 2nd to carry aany more weight than the lead rack. Just pack it on your back. |
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Based on long days in The Winds last year (10-12 pitches), here's my experience: |
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After climbing a 1800 ft route in the Black Canyon that had probably 1100 ft of offwidths, I decided that I'd never, ever, ever, ever climb with a pack again. |
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Each climber carries their own crap. It's too easy to bring extraneous nonsense if you know your second will carry it in a pack. Bring only what you can carry yourself while on lead. |
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I NEVER hang shit off my harness like shoes or water..NEVER. it's a pain in the ass..cut down, cut down |
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john strand wrote:I NEVER hang shit off my harness like shoes or water..NEVER. it's a pain in the ass..cut down, cut down Tiny day pack with essentials..bring it upon the tag line..shouldn't be more than 1-12 lbs You did ask about racking...a gear sling ! lots of free biners and few quick draws..tons of wires..leapfrog cams on easy aidAgreed. Although a pack and a chimney don't go well together, I always wear a small pack when climbing multipitch. I don't like the extra crap dangling from my harness. It's really just a matter of personal preference whether you carry a small pack or clip everything to your harness. Neither is right or wrong. |
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A backpack that a hiker would have is all I take on a day climb. 2 nalgenes of water. a couple of snacks/lunch. gloves and hat. headlamp. and the smallest size of jacket(usually a fleece or hoodie) I could get away with spending the night where I'm at. Gear and a rope. And my car keys. |
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You can often bring the comforts of home (extra clothes, water, music, tight shoes) and haul, without needing a haul line. That's what I would have done on Touchstone, since all the non aid pitches are under 1/2 rope length and the route is straight up and down. |
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Depends on a route. In general I prefer to use a tag line, a Micro Traxion, and a 40L haul pack. It also provides us an easy retreat option. But for some routes (lot of chimneys, traversing pitches, etc) sometimes it is better to pack light and suffer a bit while seconding. |