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Storing gear in sunlight

Original Post
Nate Berman · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 85

Is storing gear in sunlight bad? I have all of my slings/runners/cordelette stored on a rack next to a window. Should it be moved somewhere with no UV exposure?

jacob m s · · Provo, Utah · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 135

yes UV light is bad for soft gear, metallic parts are just fine. But As i understand it, glass absorbs most UV light. So would i move it, yes, but if it didn't happen today i wouldn't be worried.

I mean its not like our gear is protected from the sun when we go climbing outside.

Nate Berman · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 85

And Its been there for about a year, is it still safe to use?

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276

Probably fine. I'd use it. Some people will tell you to buy new slings if you question them. The ol' "Is your life worth the risk?" question. It's your call, in the end.

Take it out of the sun and leave it out of the sun for storage.

Khoi · · Vancouver, BC · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 45

Why not just leave your gear where it is but cover it up with something?

Problem solved!

20 kN · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 1,346

Funny thing, about 10 years ago the UIAA said all nylon was UV stabilized and thus UV doesent really affect strength that much. I still kind of disagree with them on that one though.

Thomas Beck · · Las Vegas, Nevada · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,025
Nate Berman wrote:Is storing gear in sunlight bad? I have all of my slings/runners/cordelette stored on a rack next to a window. Should it be moved somewhere with no UV exposure?
Yes. Any webbing/sling material or rope is going to last a lot longer and preserve closer to it's original specs if you keep it cool and out of direct sunlight.

To answer your second question; if it's stiff and/or faded I'd replace it as you can.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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