A few months ago, I already bought a drytooling pick from Kuznia Szpeju for my Ergonomic and tested it on my training tower. With the confidence I gained in their pick and the drytooling grips, I decided to also get the replacement pick for the lightweight carbon ice tools Elite Climb Raptor. This report is […]
I have been rappelling regularly for over 10 years now and have tried a lot of different things. What you use, how, and where requires some experience, which of course cannot be fully conveyed in a short blog post like this. But in short: when climbing, you use different equipment than in canyoning or rescue […]
Recently, I showed an emergency rappel using a door anchor made from two crutches and two broomsticks in a reel. This video, which was intended more as entertainment, raised a few questions. One of them: How much load can a broomstick actually take as a door anchor? I tested it and explained the it in […]
Controversial and specific – I advise against imitation. It’s hard to say from how many skyhooks an anchor point can be considered “safe.” But I like to use two skyhooks with an aramid accessory cord as one questionable point. In the comments, some suggested tying a knot in the sling for redundancy… but I prefer […]
A high anchor point is generally much more comfortable than a low one when transitioning over the edge. So it’s great when there’s a tree close to the edge. But what if the tree is no longer that trustworthy? Here I’ve set up a system we can use to practice rappelling. Everything is “fixed” in […]
Arc’teryx PRO is aimed at professional users who need reliable clothing. This includes mountain guides, mountain rescue, air rescue, and more. On the Arc’teryx website, you can find more information about the Professional Program. The Alpine Guide Jacket is a breathable rain jacket made from N80d Gore-Tex Pro, designed for mountain guides and alpine use […]
This article was sponsored by AustriAlpin. The AustriAlpin RIG-IT three2give rigging plate can serve as a strong central anchor point for rescue and ropework systems. A special feature is the large opening, which allows for carabiner-free rigging. Material: Anodized aluminum Weight: 358 g Dimensions: 188 x 126 x 10 mm Standard: ppe reg. (EU) 2016/425, UIAA 130 […]
In the USA and Canada, it has been seen for a long time, and occasionally in the German-speaking region as well: ice climbers wearing rubber gloves. But have these people forgotten their expensive Gore-Tex gloves and spontaneously bought a replacement, or is this intentional? … It is intentional! In the 2022/2023 season, I first went […]
This article is intended to provide some ideas and not serve as a complete guide! Climbing, especially climbing alone, is dangerous, and small mistakes can have severe consequences. Therefore, always exercise caution and thoroughly test any “new” techniques in a safe environment first. This setup is designed for using the Grigri as the primary device. […]
The AustriAlpin RIG-IT one2three rigging plate is a strong central point for less complex anchor setups. Material: Anodized aluminum Weight: 242g Dimensions: 126 x 140 x 10mm Color: Red or Black Standard: PPE reg. (EU) 2016/425, UIAA 130 The plate has five holes with a 22mm diameter and one large opening.
As of 2019, when Petzl introduced the new Dart at the ISPO trade show, the comparison between the Lynx and Dart crampons required a fresh look. Previously, many climbers chose the Lynx simply because the Dart didn’t feature replaceable front points. With the updated Dart, that has changed. I’ve used the new Dart for a […]
Originally, a few years ago, I bought the Singing Rock Top harness for via ferrata routes. Later, as I started climbing more, I replaced it with a different harness. However, I still find it great for certain activities because it’s completely black, simple, and comes in a universal size – all for around €40 (as […]
This article was sponsored by Teufelberger. The Resc Tech is an exceptionally lightweight rescue rope with high breaking strength. Listed by Teufelberger as an “Accessory Cord,” it can be used similarly to a load-bearing prusik cord. Ideal for rappelling and setting up anchors from multiple fixed points. “The RescTech was developed as a lightweight and […]
Attention! Climbing is generally a dangerous sport. Climbing alone is even more dangerous. You are completely responsible for yourself and your safety. With Top-Rope Solo, you can secure yourself quite well, but you must recognize potential sources of error and handle everything carefully and attentively. The devices described here are not made for Rope-Solo and […]
Caution! Rope-solo climbing is very dangerous. Most devices are not designed for self-belay. This post is in no way a tutorial. Please test every system and technique in a safe environment to ensure nothing can go wrong! Petzl Shunt is Dangerous! The Petzl Shunt is a rope clamp without teeth. It grips the rope through […]
I chose this climbing harness when I wanted to make my entire climbing setup significantly lighter. And with only around 150 grams, this harness offers an almost full-featured climbing harness with sufficient gear loops and a tie-in loop. Data • Waistbelt and leg loops with breathable mesh fabric • Four large gear loops • Four […]
This setup was put together to climb Top-Rope Solo with two relatively thin half ropes. Rope-solo climbing is dangerous, and this post is not intended as a complete guide! Please do not put yourself in unnecessary danger and always test each system and technique thoroughly in a safe environment. Procedure: At the start of the […]
As I reviewed my ice climbing equipment with the idea of weight optimization, it occurred to me that significant weight could also be saved with the ice tool itself. Moreover, my old Petzl Ergo was a bit too aggressive for ice, and the AustriAlpin K.Ice.R was relatively heavy. So I looked at ice tools with […]
Introduction and Notes Ice climbing is dangerous and requires experience to assess the ice and the risks. This packing list is merely an idea and a guide, and it is by no means a comprehensive universal solution. So please think for yourself and take what you need to safely complete your climb! This packing list […]
This article was sponsored by Austrialpin. The Fifty:Fifty carabiner from AustriAlpin seemed a bit strange to me at first. After all, the locking mechanism is unique. It wasn’t until I received an ASAP for testing, where the energy absorber was attached to the chest harness using the Fifty:Fifty, that I slowly began to find the […]
In my years of climbing experience, I have tried different belay devices. You can hardly avoid an alpine tube if you are climbing multi-pitch routes or using half ropes. I became aware of the Beal Air Force 3 when I was looking for a belay device for thin ropes that would also be suitable for […]
This article was sponsored by md-textil. This item can be ordered from md-textil at any time – but only by email. It is not officially listed in the shop and is primarily intended for authorities. The item number is “A-605 Tactical Rope Protector 500mm” with a price of €59.95 (as of 2020). Or “A-606 Tactical Rope […]
This post is just an idea and a small impression. It is not meant to be a complete guide for secured solo climbing! Rope solo climbing, in particular, is dangerous! Here is a system I used for a long time when I first started with Top-Rope Solo. I hadn’t yet found any information on the […]