gear slings

[Stavrogin]

i realize they're all pretty much the same, but what do y'all use/what is your favorite? which ones do you hate? do hardmen really just use a runner instead of some fancy padded sling? do you use a different sling for cragging vs. alpine? discuss.

 

also, this isn't meant to be a discussion on why you should rack your gear on your harness instead of on a sling, but if it goes there, so be it.

[fenderfour]

REI cheapo padded gear sling ($15?). On alpine trips I will usually use a 1" shoulder sling. There's less bulk and a little less weight.

 

For aid I use a double sling with no padding. I need to pony up $80 to get a nice bigwall rack...

[matt_m]

Metolius gear loops sling - keeps all the gear from sliding together which very quickly becomes a pain.

[catbirdseat]

I started out with the El Cheapo REI sling, but as I started to carry more gear on harder routes, I hated the way everything ran together in a jumble, so I bought a Metolius model with four separate loops. I got rid of the extra loop that attaches opposite the main one. It is a pain in the ass and it prevents one from swinging the gear out of the way. I like this sling, but I know people who hate it with a passion. To each his own.

 

When I am carrying a light alpine rack, I still use the REI, because it is lighter and adequate for that use.

[minx]

Metolius gear loops sling - keeps all the gear from sliding together which very quickly becomes a pain.

 

i thought i'd like this sling. i didn't it does keep all the gear from sliding together but if you decide to swith sides with it suddenly all your big stuff is up front. it's also harder to slide your gear out of the way if/when you need to.

[kenp]

the REI padded sling works fine for dry, summer routes. I Like the option of being able to switch sides and to be able to move everything back out of the way. I carry biners on one side, pro on the other on longer routes and a non-padded sling for most alpine climbs.

[Ireneo_Funes]

Metolius sling with the 4 gear loops. But I'm not a hardman and I'm very clumsy also.

 

For easy alpine when I'm not taking much gear I just use a shoulder-length runner.

[Blake]

 

 

http://www.gearexpress.biz/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=G&Product_Code=9085

[catbirdseat]

Metolius gear loops sling - keeps all the gear from sliding together which very quickly becomes a pain.

 

i thought i'd like this sling. i didn't it does keep all the gear from sliding together but if you decide to swith sides with it suddenly all your big stuff is up front. it's also harder to slide your gear out of the way if/when you need to.

The shoulder strap is asymmetrical. If you want to switch sides and still keep the small stuff in front, all you have to do is invert the strap, with the fuzzy side up. That'll teach your partner not to rack on the wrong side! Actually, it isn't any less comfortable that I can tell.

[Mike_G]

I'm anything but a tradmaster, but I've got the Metolius as well and I've had good success with it. It's comfy and keeps everything well separated.

[bigwalling]

hmm... I have a gear sling for free but I have never carried enough gear to need it.

[chirp]

I am quite fond of the simplicity and aesthetic quality of my sling...my personal "cat of nine tails" keeps me honest.

 

[kurthicks]

My harness has gear loops. Gear slings get in the way unless you're climbing easy routes.

[dbconlin]

I had some gear sling, but found I prefer a tied runner made out of that 5/8" tubular webbing (I think). If that makes me a hardman, so be it!

 

I just cannot imagine carrying a trad rack on harness loops.

Edited April 30, 2005 by dbconlin

[mec]

I've got one of those fancy, schmancy metolius gear slings with all the loops and crap. It is great for easy stuff, aid, and keeping my gear sorted. But when I am trying harder routes, I just put my rack on my harness. I used an old generic tubular style webbing for awhile, but it was a bit annoying since it always seemed to get in the way. The biggest problem with the metolius sling is climbing chimneys. There is really no way to get the gear out of the way...