Beer on gear

We've all been there... You've got your gear and you've got your beer. Then... they mix.

Any ideas or worries about continuing use of a sling after its been beer soaked? Rinse with water and continue use?

Definitely wash it. Much like the bears in Yosemite, a dirtbag can smell PBR from over a mile away.

Other than that, you have zero safety concerns.

Beer stains add, on average 1-3kN to slings, and 2-4 falls to ropes. 

No worries

Judging by Cole and his beer strength equation, my ledge must be the strongest piece of gear I have. 

I say save the sling for those long routes where you might have an unplanned bivy, then you can suck on it and pretend you're in a pub.

I never even considered that beer could weaken my slings. It just doesn't seem probable.

Are you really afraid beer would weaken the material?

Beer is best used for Aiding through all of life’s cruxes

Nylon is weakened by acids and beer has a pH around 6, so it should weaken nylon given enough exposure. Of course, beer is a very mild acid, so the effect may or may not be noticeable in most climbing scenarios. Your Berliner Weiss and other very tart barrel aged fruit beers probably get into the concerning range of acidity.

HA! When I read your thread post I immediately thought of "Sending with Pabst"   : - ) 

Lewis Hardcastle wrote:

Judging by Cole and his beer strength equation, my ledge must be the strongest piece of gear I have. 

It's not cumulative. While 1 beer increases strength by 10%, a case won't increase it by 120%.

rocknice2 wrote:

It's not cumulative. While 1 beer increases strength by 10%, a case won't increase it by 120%.

This guy gets it, diminishing returns for sure. Not worth it after a couple stains