Can you explain the far end hauler. I got the basics but it would be great to get a Dr. Piton post about it.

Thanks buddy,
Caz

This how I do it...

John's system looks as though it will work OK.

The Far End Hauler is a system you use when you're soloing, which allows you to pass your pig around roofs and stuff when it gets stuck. It really has no use when you have a partner, because almost always your partner can free your pig[s] if [and when!] they get stuck. So I never bother with it when climbing with a partner.

When you solo, you pre-rig your pig with the Far End Hauler as shown in the post above. You use an "adjustable suspension point", using an upside-down hauling device such as a Mini-Trax [as shown], Pro-Trax, or Wall Hauler. Even an old Grigri will work, or for the adventurous, a Garda knot.

If your pig gets stuck when you're hauling, it will be plumb beneath you. Accordingly, you rappel down your lead rope until you are at the pig where it is stuck. You put a jug [or prusik, really a Klemheist] on the weighted haul line above your pig, and attach a pulley to it. Untie the backup knot [as shown in the photo above] and pass the free end of the haul line - which comes out of the other side of the Mini-Trax as shown above - through the pulley above to form a "Zed" in the haul line. Put your jugs on the free end of the "Zed" and pull. Your pig will magically slide up the haul line on a 2:1 mechanical advantage [3:1 if you pull up on the pig as you pull down!] and will free itself of the obstacle. Continue two-to-one-ing at the pig, or else jug your lead rope back up to the hauling station, and continue your haul from there.

Typically when Far End Hauling, I will slide the jug up the weighted haul line in five- or ten-foot increments. Is there anything else to understand? It's pretty simple.

Here's a photo of the system in action.



You can click here to read about the Far End Hauler at N00b dot com.

One small disadvantage of the rig, which isn't a big deal when soloing, is that because of all the crap on your haul line, you end up not being able to raise your pigs very close to the Power Point. Accordingly, you should extend your portaledge anchors a bit to bivi lower, so the bed of your ledge is a foot or two below the top of your pig[s] for easy access.

Cheers,
Pete