Students are always asking what we carry on our harnesses, so I made a list of what stays in my personal rescue / caving pack. Working from that pack I will add or subtract gear to the harness load depending on the requirements. With the items listed below you can pretty much setup about any anchor system needed in the Southeastern United States, configure multiple ways of making mechanical advantage, build a quick set of 4s, break into active lines, build a traveling haul, make a hasty or patient harness, do pickoffs, setup a high directional, and build guided rappels, contingency lowers, and re-belays. You can also setup a twin trackline highline and provide equalizing tension to both lines using only the gear listed. All of the equipment below will work with our preferred 8.3mm rope (4100 Lb. MBS) or any rope up to 11mm. We prefer the smaller / lighter rope sizes since we rarely, if ever, work two person loads on rescues.

  • Petzl Falcon Ascent Harness
  • Edelrid Helmet
  • Petzl Pixa 3 Headlight
  • Petzl Cordex Gloves
  • Sterling ATS Descender / Petzl Reverso
  • Petzl GriGri+
  • 6 ea. Locking Carabiners (minimum of 2 being HMS style such as the Petzl William)
  • 2 ea. Sterling Pico Double Sheave Pulleys 
  • 2 ea. Rock Exotica Omni Block Single Pulleys (1.1”)
  • Tricam Set / C4 .5, 1 and 2 Cams
  • 2 ea. Short 6mm Prusik Loops 
  • 2 ea. Long 6mm Prusiks Loops 
  • 25’ Sterling PowerCord
  • 15’ 1” Webbing
  • Rock Exotica Tri-Rig Rigging Plate or Petzl Mini Paw
  • 2 ea. Dyneema Slings
  • 120’ Static 8.3mm Imlay Canyon Fire Rope
  • Climbing Gear (Frog System or Rope Walker depending on the pitch)