Best shoulder length sling climbing I'm normally the sort to clip 8-10 alpine draws to my harness, being a shoulder-length sling with two biners and triple them up so they are about the length of a standard quickdraw when hanging un-extended. Because the material is Dyneema, the price difference is a jump from traditional nylon slings. daisy chains (2 per person) aiders (6 per team of two) ascenders (2 per person) fifi hook; helmet; comfy, well-padded harness with detachable leg loops Apr 12, 2019 · We tested the 60cm double-length version of this sling and weighed it at 20g, tied with the Trango Low Bulk 11 Sling as the second lightest of all that we have tested. One way to determine a good length is to coil the loop in half - and then half again - so that the four individual loops are all the same length. Q&A 4 shoulder length slings over the shoulder and 8 single biners racked in two groups of 4. . We also removed all fanny packs from this review and dedicated an entire review just to those. The Contact Sling wraps up extremely small and I hardly notice it on my harness. This method works even if you rack double-length slings under single-length slings. 1). It features an adjustable length from 23 inches to 52 inches, widened soft shoulder pads, sturdy sling swivels, and is made of high-quality nylon material. If 1/2lb makes it breaks your climb and you're not climbing 5. Add the following: two double-length slings for rigging Oct 23, 2012 · Related: How to Identify Bad Climbing Bolts. I adjust the climbing rope until my weight is on it, and my backup personal anchor (a sling) is slack but connected. Trad routes occasionally wander over rock faces, making it necessary to extend your pieces of protection with quickdraws or shoulder-length (24-inch) slings. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. Shoulder some slings: Another option for stowing double-length slings is to leave them at their full length and clip one carabiner to each sling. 11+ trad, then youre probably better off losing 1/2lb body weight or getting more skill/experience. When you need a certain sling, you can simply unclip the carabiner from one of the two ends and pull it. I also take at least one 'biner per sling, adding a second 'biner on just a few slings (for chock placements). An improvised daisy chain is a double shoulder length sling with several overhand knots to create loops for clipping into the masterpoint. Sewn draws are ok for sport but I find their extra stiffness a drawback with trad gear, in addition to their reduced versatility. Jul 20, 2012 · The hardmen that taught me to climb all used an over-the-shoulder gear sling on one side, and sewn or knotted slings on the other shoulder. Apr 12, 2019 · In both width and weight, the Sterling Dyneema Sewn Runner is very similar to the Black Diamond Dynex Runner. 8 shoulder lengths (2 with light weight lockers), 2-4 dbl. You can use a bungee or a double length sling or two shoulder length slings. Climbing pack Available in three lengths and with color coded slings; these long draws are made up of two Bravo carabiners joined by an 11 mm Monster Sling. Double-length slings are more cumbersome but useful for slinging horns, chickenheads, and other natural protection. Controversial. Futzing with over the shoulder slings sucks more then carrying an extra 10 carabiners. Two shoulder-length (24”) slings can be used instead of a single 48” sling, by clipping one to each bolt. Nov 27, 2017 · Coppolillo recommends carrying different-length slings in trad areas, like those at Red Rock near Las Vegas, where the routes can wander. Jan 16, 2025 · FIGHTECH Shoulder Brace for Torn Rotator Cuff for Men and Women - 4 Sizes - Support & Pain Relief (Black, Large/X-Large) Best. In the past, my favorites have been bluewater titans and mammut contact. Sep 25, 2020 · What length is best? Slings tend to come in lengths of 30cm, 60cm, 120cm, 240cm, and even 480cm long. Bulk webbing is just accessible nylon. Try doubling one sling, extending it with a quickdraw, or girth-hitching a second sling to the For drier environments, plain nylon slings work just fine; they last longer and can be safer. Cord is helpful for producing custom-length slings, like a cordelette, that may be utilised in anchor structure or in friction hitches for rappels and help climbing. Standard slings are 48-inch sewn loops, but individual runners can vary a few inches, to better fit larger- or smaller-chested climbers. The initial set-up for the Frog ascending system. Growing Cord. Discover the fascinating world of slings and runners: From the many ways to use them down to how to choose the right one for your very own climbing adventure Also bring 8-12 lightweight shoulder-length slings. This also makes for a quick and easy way to carry the cordelette. Mar 16, 2012 · I decided that the best alternative was to give her my harness. Photo: Breanna Keller. These dimensions are the measure of the sewn loop. It will be harder to equalize the anchor if the bolts are at different heights. Lengths: 12" (25. Draws and extending quick-draws Slings and runners generally come in single and double sizes, with the single length being at least 2-3 times longer than the average quick draw. A PAS is necessary for transitioning into rappelling. Want to learn more about these and other trad climbing skills? Popular Uses for Climbing Slings . Aug 7, 2020 · Make an emergency climbing or rappelling harness using four shoulder-length slings. The length is given as the end to end distance, so the actual length of fabric will be double this. They’re sized to fit neatly over one shoulder and give approximately 24 inches of extension when clipped with a biner on each end. However, they can also be solid gate carabiners. When I am trad-climbing (actually generally when rock-climbing), I carry 60cm (shoulder length) and 120cm slings. Metolius Rabbit Runner Sling review Best climbing slings for rock and ice Durable Spectra slings for climbers Versatile over-the-shoulder climbing sling Lightweight double-length climbing sling Metolius Rabbit Runner features and benefits Top-rated slings for alpine climbing Sewn end loops for easy gear access Climbing gear for men and women 22 The 60cm version is the over shoulder length and the 120cm is the twice over shoulder length. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Mar 27, 2019 · A typical sport climbing rack might include the following: ten to fifteen quickdraws; two shoulder-length slings; two to three extra carabiners; two to three locking carabiners; one belay device; You’ll need some extra gear for arranging the belay anchors on multipitch sport routes. 6 is a good start if you supplement with sport draws for long pitches. I personally dont like using sport draws for trad climbing so I carry 10 regular shoulder length slings and 2 double length slings on longer stuff, all racked with 2 carabiners on my harness. So a 60cm sling is made from a 120cm piece of webbing that has had its ends sewn together. Mar 5, 2024 · Quickdraws are simply two carabiners connected by a sewn sling, and they’re used to quickly and easily secure your rope to protection in the rock—which, in sport climbing, means bolts. Reply Jan 7, 2025 · The EZshoot Gun Sling 2 Point Rifle Sling is a lightweight and adjustable sling that is perfect for outdoor sports. The rappel extension helps eliminate this issue Oct 26, 2016 · When rope drag might be an issue, use the full length of the sling. As one of the lightest slings available, this is a great choice Mar 13, 2024 · Single-length slings should be the mainstay of your sling collection. Apr 10, 2020 · All mine are made with a tripled shoulder-length slings (alpine draws?) I usually carry 12 for multipitch climbs. Single-length slings (60cm/24 in. Girth-hitch the sling through the two tie-in points on your harness and snug it up, keeping the bar tack close to your belay loop (fig. Apr 23, 2024 · The double-length sling from Metolius I’ve been using is nice, but its extra width means takes up more space on my harness and isn’t as good for long extensions. For the aspiring traditional or alpine climber, we recommend purchasing at least eight of these, up to as many as 16, each paired with two lightweight wiregate biners, such as the Wild Country Helium Carabiner or Black Diamond Oz Longer slings are more effective at reducing rope drag than a quickdraw, but are also heavier and bulkier. They are designed to be carried on your harness gear loops just like a normal quickdraw, which gives you quick and easy access to shoulder length slings. I've just bought a Yates big wall harness and I have to say I like it. g. Some 60cm slings set up as alpine draws, the rest over my shoulder. Jun 3, 2022 · To extend your device, use a double-shoulder-length sling or your personal anchor system (PAS). In normal multipitch id much rather have trad draws with 2 biners than single biner. A quickdraw is meant to make your life easier than the alternatives—fiddling around with shoulder-length slings or loose, single carabiners. This is the second style of emergency or makeshift harness shown on my ch When it comes to climbing, slings are the connecting link between you, the wall and your belay device – a symbiosis that requires both trust and a certain amount of technical know-how. These slings also run about 2 inches shorter than standard length slings…weird. Aug 20, 2019 · The Beal Dynamic Sling is a 8. unless I am climbing at my Yeah, this is probably the best way. 4 cm), 16" (40. 3mm in diameter piece of climbing rope sewn into a sling. It is a mere 10mm wide and weighs only 22g for the 60cm double-length version, although this weight is a bit higher than other 10mm wide slings due to the added weight of the plastic sleeve that covers the bar tack. You’re back at the base of El Cap, ready to jug the ropes you fixed on the radically overhanging Tangerine Trip The Mammut Contact Sling wins our Editors' Choice award for the best overall climbing sling because it far outperforms the competition, leading the way when it comes to weight (a mere 19g), bulk, handle, and the ability to quickly and easily use it as an alpine quickdraw. 8ft sling = 120cm sling Nov 20, 2003 · Figure 1. Jan 7, 2025 · The EZshoot Gun Sling 2 Point Rifle Sling is a lightweight and adjustable sling that is perfect for outdoor sports. Any other favorite shoulder length slings I should try out? An Alpine Quickdraw is the most common and versatile way of carrying a double-length sling with two carabiners, and being able to quickly and simply make one and then release and extend it is a critical component of how well a sling functions. shoulder lengths (1 locker apiece), 2 sport draws, 25' of cordelette, at least one of the dbl shoulder slings from knotted tube webbing. The coiled loops together should be the same length as a single shoulder-length sling and should fit over one should in the same manner. A couple double-length runners, several shoulder-length slings, and a few draws can alleviate issues posed by secondary pulls, he says. The big problem is how best to carry these slings, so as to make them quick to deploy and to reduce tangles. keeps them from snagging the gear in the bag or making huge rat's nests. I'm sure the CIA has been actively tracking him ever since the gulf war and we have who knows how many operatives in Baghdad at any point in time. I've never seen anybody preclip gear to slings, bandolier style or with quick/alpine draws. Sep 19, 2019 · Rappel extensions started becoming in vogue around 2006 after a climbing accident in Wyoming where a friction hitch backup was likely tended or pushed down by the device causing the climber to lose control and eventually rappel off the end of the rope. Fold it over on itself and clip the other end of the sling into your belay loop with a locker. Use 9/16 inch tubular webbing for nylon slings. Sling Length. Mar 9, 2023 · Alpine draws consist of two non-locking carabiners, also known as snap gate carabiners, and a 60cm or “shoulder length” sling. Throw the sling over one shoulder and under the opposite arm so that they run diagonally across your torso. ) are a useful length—roughly 2 or 3 times longer than most quickdraws; they're a good length to wear over a shoulder or as an alpine quickdraw. May 18, 2021 · 1 shoulder-length sling; Wiregates tend to be a little more versatile than solid-gate ‘biners because of their lighter weight. Usually bring 8-10 alpine shoulder length draws, 3 double length slings with carabiners over the shoulder ( for extension, anchor building, slinging shit, and rap tether), and often like 4 regular lightweight sport draws. Besides keeping the stands an equal length, this method makes it easier to rack multiple slings over your shoulder. (Like 1/2lb). Commercially sold daisy chains are usually three to four foot slings with bartacked (sewn) three inch clip off pockets (as seen in the images) Jul 6, 2014 · So my cordelette length is determined to be the loop size which, when folded in half twice, comes out to about the length of an ordinary shoulder-length sling, and that's how I carry it. , 25cm x2 + 18cm x6 + 12cm x6) + at least one shoulder length sling + random binners to have as much diverse rack as possible. Aug 31, 2020 · We field tested 10 of the best climbing slings and runners in 2025 to see which nylon and dyneema offerings are worth your money. As far as brands go, I absolutely recommend the mammut dyneema slings. They're available in a range of lengths – your typical trad rack will have 60cm, 120cm and maybe a 240cm length sling on it, but bigger and smaller ones are also available. Metolius' Monster 22" Open Loop slings run at about $7, making them one of the most expensive shoulder length slings we tested. On most easy walls, your anchor will consist of two to three modern bolts equally spaced apart. It is only one gram heavier than the two lightest slings, the Mammut Contact Sling and the Petzl Pur'Anneau Sling. 6 cm) or, 20" (50 Feb 23, 2022 · 10 shoulder-length slings; 1 double-sided gear sling; 3 double-length slings; 1 60m x 10. Once upon a time slings were measured in feet and the length referred to the amount of tape needed to make them. When setting up a belay station, 60cm slings tend to be too short. This is the length that we put into use. Most trad climbing racks include at least six “alpine draws‚” which are shoulder-length slings tripled over between two carabiners so that they hang short on your harness but can The best personal anchor will always be the climbing rope. How many cams and alpine qd depends on how hard the climb would be, but general scrambling with some small pitch climbing around 4 cams and 6 qd, but I' Apr 23, 2025 · Editor's Note: We've spruced up our review on March 23, 2025, tossing in some extra details on the recommendations you can sling over your shoulder. In most cases, the non-locking carabiners are wire gate carabiners. On a climbing harness already heavy with gear, carrying light draws makes a difference. While in the pack to-and-from the crag, I take all the shoulder length slings and stack them together and tie a big overhand knot in the middle with them. Therefore: 4ft sling = 60cm sling. To throw out a personal opinion, I like using the rope but so far I also like having a redundant personal anchor. Top. New. Nowadays, extendable draws are made with Dyneema slings because it’s lighter and absorbs less Shop for Slings at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. Now however we measure them in centimetres and refer to the end to end length. One for "mission critical" placements uses a pair of ultralight lockers. When discussing sling length it helps to understand that sling length is measured from the middle of the pouch to the release tab, which approximates a sling in a loaded configuration (folded in half). If you create your own slings, tie your nylon webbing using a water knot that’s long tails (at least 2″ long). Another popular length is 120cm (48"), a sling that is most frequently used for equalizing multiple pieces of protection in an anchor. 5mm lead rope; 1 60m x 9mm static haul rope; 1 progress-capture pulley; 1 swivel for haul bag; Personal Gear. So a cordelette is overkill most of the time and just takes longer to setup and take down, and only creates one power point. Sep 28, 2018 · It's time for me to replace all my fuzzy slings with fresh ones. I then proceeded to guide the route wearing a bowline-on-a-coil. I guess that makes it about an eight-foot loop when it has been tied, which probably comes out to a bit under twenty feet before knotting. If you're climbing with a gear sling, be sure these slings are on top of the gear sling and Jul 22, 2012 · It's strange that Hussein has NOT been assasinated by now. While it is heavy and bulky compared to the super thin and light Dyneema slings featured in this review, we chose to recognize it with a Top Pick award for clipping into a Belay or Anchor. Aug 18, 2019 · Double-length slings fit perfectly over the shoulder without doubling, and so are suitable to rack gear on as well. On longish trad routes or multipitch I usually do both and split it pretty even between over-the-shoulder nylon slings with a wiregate each and the rest as dyneema alpine draws. Sep 1, 2023 · The most commonly used length is 60cm (or 24"), which is commonly referred to as “shoulder-length,” and most frequently used to extend a piece of climbing protection to reduce rope drag on the leader. Old. I descended the rock portion of the route by rappelling in a diaper harness made out of a double shoulder-length slingand everything worked out fine. Sep 30, 2016 · Personally I prefer longer QDs (18cm and 25cm) to shorter (10cm or 12cm) ones and try to carry all three sizes (e. Anchor Options. Because both of your ascenders are toothed ascenders take special care to make sure your setup is auto feeding, you really don't want to whip onto an ascender, both because ascenders cut ropes at like 4kn of force, and also because you will fuck up the sheath of your . Then I take my double lengths, fold in half, and then overhand them all together. For an alpine rack I would carry less cams, more nuts, some 60cm alpine qd and two 120cm slings with biners clipped end to end around chest. I'll bring 6 to 8 shoulder-length slings and 2 to 4 double-shoulder-length slings. A plea to climbing brands worldwide: standardize on a color scheme to distinguish between sling Climbing slings are strongly-sewn loops of nylon or dyneema tape. Sling length is probably the most commonly discussed attribute of a sling. When using a double boolean as central point, that uses already most of the sling length. Figure 2. Dec 4, 2008 · These are most commonly slings of 60 cm (aka Shoulder length or 4 foot) and 120 cm (aka double length or 8 foot), but may also include snake slings, cordelettes and daisy chains. These can be racked over the shoulder by both the leader and the follower (fig. ptfffhkadzbghzmvdqxdfvssabtvwnlutcapbbrnplxiydqcechemwxoathqdaweiqivlcmxxpkvwrbeykkbkzrt