Question for rock climbers...

**boarstone** · 03-21-2010, 09:52

Can a cable hex nut(s) be used to hang from rock outcroppings when no trees are around? Exp. in the desert? If so, what is a good size, say no less than no more than size? As a generic for starters as I don't want to buy a whole set. Or a suggestion for a hanging setup? Thanks.

**pgibson** · 03-21-2010, 10:32

Yes it can be done, there are a few conversations around about doing it. I sold off most of my climbing gear last year so I have not gone out to give it a shot. But I would say that you get a few of the smaller sized hex's from Black Diamond, Hexes can be set in more than one orientation giving them several effective sizes. Just be aware that depending on the placement, a loaded piece of rock gear can be hard to remove so you may want/need a "nut tool" also.

**boarstone** · 03-21-2010, 11:05

...and yes, I kinda figured I'd have to lug the nut tool. But what size to get? Mid range? 5-8 5-10?

**mbiraman** · 03-21-2010, 11:06

Now your saying "cabled hex nut" ,hex being the word i'm curious about. Hex nuts haven't been in popular use since the seventies .Do you mean standard wired nuts or do you actually mean Hex nuts. If i was to use hex nuts i would use spectra cord or something like that, not wire.
That issue aside its hard to know what nature is going to give you in the way of cracks at the right height for hanging whether in the desert or high country. Some areas produce bigger cracks than others , sort of the standard for that area. I'd probably carry mid sizes.
If it were me and i didn't have any climbing gear i'd take some longer lengths of webbing or cordage for wrapping around rocks , horns etc, and then have my sleep setup so i could go to ground if i had to. Also if there is climbing or bouldering in the area you could put the question to the local climbing shop. Some areas produce allot of irregular cracks so the crack is all different sizes, some areas produce allot of parallel cracks, harder for you to deal with. If your going to visit the area multiple times you could check it out for cracks on your first visit and buy nuts later. Hope this helps, good luck

**pgibson** · 03-21-2010, 11:08

I would say 2-6 would be the best with maybe a larger 8 and 10 tossed in. smaller cracks seem to me what I run into more, but that is just a guess.

**warbonnetguy** · 03-21-2010, 11:25

i'd buy the smaller sizes too, probably more smaller cracks around, and smaller nuts are easier to pack

**boarstone** · 03-22-2010, 11:31

Thanks for the info and responses...and I'll check out the rock while out there. I just hate to lug a tent, but...so it goes. I think I'll modify the tent's rain cover and make a sil-nylon one, will be so much lighter.

**mbiraman** · 03-22-2010, 14:13

Where abouts are you going???

**Scottybdiving** · 04-15-2010, 21:52

Has anyone tried these Camp USA Tricams. I like the nylon ties instead of wire rope and they can be used passively or actively. I am thinking about getting a set of 4 and giving them a try. I would like the adaptability to attach to rock ledges on my Salmon River trip. I think I could have used them on several occasions in Grand Canyon.

**Take-a-knee** · 04-15-2010, 22:23

Originally Posted by Scottybdiving

Has anyone tried these Camp USA Tricams. I like the nylon ties instead of wire rope and they can be used passively or actively. I am thinking about getting a set of 4 and giving them a try. I would like the adaptability to attach to rock ledges on my Salmon River trip. I think I could have used them on several occasions in Grand Canyon.

They work best in horizontal cracks, real easy to place.