Every hole comes with its' uplifting rewards, and with its' sobering dangers.
Safety demands knowledge of, and use of equipment that will not fail the user.
OUTFITTERS
Derek Bristol's website and YouTube channel
Essential Gear for the "Frog System", compiled by Raymond Moul
Raymond Moul, self-proclaimed Underground Exploration Enthusiast, is a caver (CIG, NSS), and web developer living in Indianapolis. His cave videos are shared on Cavely.
Cavely is Raymond's wonderful YouTube channel, growing daily, currently with >1,300 subscribers! You can also find him on Instagram as r.moul Disclaimer: Raymond Moul states, "I think the list below covers the basics. However, you should probably run it by the people that you cave with since different groups have different preferences!
And it’s convenient to select gear that is very similar to the gear the person training you uses. |
PETZL ASCENSION - HAND ASCENDER
A left hand and right hand (one of each)
A left hand and right hand (one of each)
CHEST HARNESS
There are a few options.
You may want to choose the same style as the one that the people you cave with are using.
PMI Pit Viper Caving Harness
A caving specific harness, this is the one Raymond uses. They are different than Rock Climbing harnesses!
PMI Classic "H' Chest Harness
AV Spelshoulder Chest Harness
There are a few options.
You may want to choose the same style as the one that the people you cave with are using.
PMI Pit Viper Caving Harness
A caving specific harness, this is the one Raymond uses. They are different than Rock Climbing harnesses!
PMI Classic "H' Chest Harness
AV Spelshoulder Chest Harness
CHEST HARNESS - More-Comfort Options for those VertTeam members spending lots of time on rope
These are your harness options that provide a little more comfort, if you’re spending a lot of time on rope:
OR1 Goliath Frog Harness - FULLY PADDED
Petzl Croll L - Chest Ascender
BMS Rescue Rack - a rappelling rack [It looks like your friend is using one similar to this!]
SMC Micro Rappel Rack - Raymond Moul uses this rack for drops <100ft.
PMI 1-Ztep Foot Loop, Adjustable 28-46"
PMI Caver's Cow Tail
OR1 Adjustable Lanyard - An adjustable lanyard for your main ascender:
Petzl Sm'D Carabiner
You’ll need a few locking carabiners. Raymond Moul uses these, "because there is a red stripe that shows if you’ve forgot to lock them! You’ll need at least 2 of these, but, it certainly does not hurt to have 5 or 6 available to help with rigging, anything considered live support should be on a locking carabiner or maillon):
https://innermountainoutfitters.com/collections/carabiners/products/copy-of-amd-carabiner
Petzl Omni Caribiner - a Center Harness Attachment
Raymond Moul says, "You need 1 of these for your center harness attachment!"
However, if you don’t want to get the more expensive auto locking omni, then
the one listed below will work just as well. It is also The Most Common!
Maillon Rapide Semi-Circle Aluminum
Petzl Spirit - Carabiners
You should also have a few standard carabiners like these (maybe 3 or 4 on hand):
Final Thoughts
Raymond writes, "I think the list above covers the basics. You should probably run it by the people with whom you cave. Since different groups have different preferences, it's always Best to have gear that is very similar to the person training you in its' proper use.
These are your harness options that provide a little more comfort, if you’re spending a lot of time on rope:
OR1 Goliath Frog Harness - FULLY PADDED
Petzl Croll L - Chest Ascender
BMS Rescue Rack - a rappelling rack [It looks like your friend is using one similar to this!]
SMC Micro Rappel Rack - Raymond Moul uses this rack for drops <100ft.
PMI 1-Ztep Foot Loop, Adjustable 28-46"
PMI Caver's Cow Tail
OR1 Adjustable Lanyard - An adjustable lanyard for your main ascender:
Petzl Sm'D Carabiner
You’ll need a few locking carabiners. Raymond Moul uses these, "because there is a red stripe that shows if you’ve forgot to lock them! You’ll need at least 2 of these, but, it certainly does not hurt to have 5 or 6 available to help with rigging, anything considered live support should be on a locking carabiner or maillon):
https://innermountainoutfitters.com/collections/carabiners/products/copy-of-amd-carabiner
Petzl Omni Caribiner - a Center Harness Attachment
Raymond Moul says, "You need 1 of these for your center harness attachment!"
However, if you don’t want to get the more expensive auto locking omni, then
the one listed below will work just as well. It is also The Most Common!
Maillon Rapide Semi-Circle Aluminum
Petzl Spirit - Carabiners
You should also have a few standard carabiners like these (maybe 3 or 4 on hand):
Final Thoughts
Raymond writes, "I think the list above covers the basics. You should probably run it by the people with whom you cave. Since different groups have different preferences, it's always Best to have gear that is very similar to the person training you in its' proper use.