Details of My Canyoning Harness
Here is my canyoning harness. For the swiftwater canyons I run, I setup my harness as described in the V7 Level 1 Course. I liked the concept of group members having a similar gear making solving problems and dealing with emergencies easier. With everyone carrying a little extra, no one person ends up having to support the team when needed.
You can approach you harness kit two ways:
- Gear Based – Buy all this gear and you’re good-to-go. It works, but the problem is the gear is only half of the solution… You need to know how to use it.
- Task Based – I set up all my harness with these questions in mind:
- Can I go down rope?
- Can I go up rope?
- Can I self-rescue?
- Can I connect to an anchor?
- Can I build an anchor?
- Can I do a partner rescue?
I have found, with training and practice, I can do all of these task with a variety of gear. So I carry just what I need to be the best team member I can.
Left Side
Rescue
Foot Loop – Having a dedicated foot loop makes for faster self-rescues.
VT Prusik – The VT Prusik is the single most useful piece of kit you can carry. Check out the HN2 Episode about VT’s here.
Pulley and Rope Grab – I use the Petzl RollClip and Tibloc to make the most compact efficient system needed for mechanical advantage systems.
Progress Capture Pulley – Rarely needed but when it is it’s worth the weight. This is another key piece in executing basic rescues and solving problems.
Non-Locking Carabiner – Handy for storing gear
Center
Movement
Variable Friction Descender – It is important to have one of these to deal with the varying conditions while on rappel.
Chest Ascender – Having a chest ascender ready to go makes you more efficient when you need it. Having one that is operated by one hand is even better.
Shock Cord – I put this around my neck to keep my Croll in the upright position when I’m using it. It stays around my waist most of the time.
Long/Short Lanyard – Having two lanyards as a Personal Anchor System (PAS) is imperative to safety when doing maneuvers on rope such as traversing and knot passes. Using a captive carabiner on the long one help keep my Basic in place.
Hand Ascender – Having a one-handed rope grab at the ready is key for self-rescue maneuvers. I prefer the Petzl Basic due to its compact size and single handed operation.
Knife – A knife is a key piece of safety equipment when working with ropes and moving water. Having it easily accessible will make you happier when you need it.
Right Side
Rigging
Master Carabiner – This is the first on last off carabiner when rigging a system. Having a different looking carabiner makes managing an anchor easier. The Vlad keeps your anchor organized.
4 Working Carabiners – These are locking carabiners used for general rigging.
Canyon Draw – This is made up of two locking carabiners a 60cm sling and a figure 8. It is primarily used for rigging releasable anchor systems.
Non-Locking Carabiner – Handy for storing gear