I avoided the cams/nuts due to weight as well. I figured if I could make it work without, I'd be happier. Besides, I think it was easier finding rock protrusions I could wrap the amsteel around rather than trying to find appropriate placed cracks to jam a cam into. I spent a morning in the desert and found a 1/2 dozen suitable hang spots. So, when I go backpacking, I just need to alot about 1 hour to find my hangin' rocks. (..oooh, I like the sound of that "Hangin' ROCKS!")
This is an interesting post. As an ex-climber and a new hanger i automatically thought of nuts and slcd's for alpine situations or rocky places in general. I think using slings was good practice for you and we all might look at that as it opens more hanging opportunities . I would not discount climbing nuts tho , because their cheap and light. Camming devices are great but expensive unless your already a climber. I think its worthwhile taking a lesson from a climber on nut placement and then when your out and hanging with your slings look around and see if there are any suitable nut placements. It may turn out that there are lots of possibilities and then you could buy some nuts to take with you. I think we should give ourselves every opportunity to have a good hang. Thanks for the post and pics.
Last edited by mbiraman; 11-24-2009 at 22:08.
" The mind creates the abyss, the heart crosses it."
“The measure of your life will not be in what you accumulate, but in what you give away.” ~Wayne Dyer
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I love that country... I want to hang there!
- MacEntyre
- MacEntyre
"We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." - Ben Franklin
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too bad i got rid off my cams and nuts years ago......
Peanuts
"A womans place is on the trail"
WOW, thanks!!! Great pictures.
I think I have an opportunity to try some of your techniques this weekend at RRG. Where we are camping has some HUGE boulders. As the hike in is less than 2 miles, I'll carry 2 12' straps extra & hope for the best.
In my emergency kit I have about 13' of spectra cord, so I'll try rigging just using that too.
When you have a backpack on, no matter where you are, you’re home.
PAIN is INEVITABLE. MISERY is OPTIONAL.
Tricams are small, light and just a few can cover an very wide range of placements. Plus they've another level of flexibility in that you can use them like nuts. Two or three of the smaller ones should cover most needs.
Good call on the tricams - there is a certain art to placing them, but when you've got it figured out they do offer great coverage for the cost and weight.
They can be slightly finicky to place depending on rock type, and I've met my fair share of climbers who hate them and refuse to place them, but placing a piece on the ground, with as much time as you need to fiddle with it, is a bit easier than getting a solid placement when you're haning off one arm, pumped, with your leg going all Elvis on you...
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