Activity for STW
| Type | On... | Excerpt | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Answer | — |
A: Is an emergency blanket effective as a ground sheet? Yes, you can use an emergency blanket as a substitute for most of a tarp's uses, but as you suspect it's not going to be as durable. The Mylar that they're made of is surprisingly tough and I doubt that it would rip or tear, but I would expect it to develop plenty of very small punctures and begin t... (more) |
— | almost 8 years ago |
| Question | — |
Does leaving a knot in a static cord damage the cord as it does with dynamic rope? I've heard to never leave a knot in a climbing rope for an extended period of time as it can deform and weaken the core of the rope. I'm unclear if the same is true for static cord and rope as well. I have two prusik loops which have been tied continuously for years and used as auto blocks. One of... (more) |
— | almost 8 years ago |
| Answer | — |
A: Why static rope rather than webbing for toprope anchors? It's not specifically answering your question (I don't use either rope or webbing in my anchors, yet) but I really wanted to say that I'm a huge fan of having a chunk of static rope near my anchors. It's one of my most unexpectedly handy pieces of gear. The main reason I got it was for rappelling t... (more) |
— | almost 8 years ago |
| Question | — |
Top Rope Anchors - is a figure-8 on a bight stronger or just easier to untie than an overhand knot? I've been learning to build basic TR anchors; a sling clipped to two bolts with a master point in the loop of a figure-eight on a bight. While learning this I struggled to get a tidy figure-eight knot in the sling–especially on a three-point anchor. I asked my friends who overseeing me if I c... (more) |
— | almost 8 years ago |
| Question | — |
How long is an activated charcoal filter good for after initial use? I have a water filtration system that uses activated coconut shell carbon as its media. The filter is listed as being able to purify up to 50 gallons, but I won't be using it for anywhere near that amount in any one use. How long is the filter usable after initial use? If I use it to purify a coupl... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
| Question | — |
How should a climbing rope be cleaned? What products and process should be used to clean a climbing rope when it gets sufficiently dirty? How would I remove as much dirt and grime as possible without negatively affecting the strength or lifespan of the rope? (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
| Question | — |
How should a climbing rope be stored? I've purchased my first climbing rope and am wondering how it should be stored when not in use. I have a rope bag which I assume is a good home for the rope; should it be kept tightly coiled inside the bag; loosely flaked, or stored entirely differently? (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
| Answer | — |
A: How to avoid pendulum descent when belaying? As others have mentioned if you're within reach of the wall then keep your feet on the wall and walk down backwards (keep your butt level with your feet). As for an overhang, provide you're top-roping, the easiest thing to do is to have your belaying partner stop you (don't descend until your stable... (more) |
— | almost 11 years ago |
| Question | — |
If an autoblock inteferes with a belay device will a fireman belay have any effect? When rappeling I understand the need for a backup--whether an autoblock below the belay device, or a second person providing a fireman belay. My understanding is that using an autoblock incorrectly can result in the autoblock rising up the rope to the point where it presses on and interferes with th... (more) |
— | about 11 years ago |
| Question | — |
What is the correct way to attach an autoblock to your harness for rappelling? When rappelling and using an autoblock consisting of a french prusik knot it seems there may be some options on how and where to attach the autoblock to my harness. Is there a correct placement on the leg loop to attach the autoblock? Is there a correct orientation for the carabiner? (more) |
— | about 11 years ago |
| Question | — |
Should a carabiner ever be clipped to the tie-in loops and should anything other than a carabiner ever attach to the belay loop? I'm a beginning climber and am trying to resolve conflicting instruction related to tying into my harness. During a recent outing a friend (an experienced climber, but not an instructor) was showing me the basics of switching from climbing to rappelling. The basic steps followed were: Climbing t... (more) |
— | about 11 years ago |