gear

Ok, let's be clear here - climbing may be enjoyed by many women, BUT it is still a male-dominated sport (which, by the way, is just fine with me). However, I have this one climbing buddy - this guy - who clearly loves me only for my rather ample rack.

Last night I got one of THOSE voice mail messages. "Hey, Ladianne.....we're going to this awesome crag. Haven't climbed with you in a while......if you get this before tomorrow, give me a call and let me know if you have time to go." Having an addiction to vertical terrain, I immediately thought, "hmmmmm......that crag is great......maybe I could work it out......." But THEN it hit me! Ha! He just wants to get his hands on my gear!

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As I view all the recent photos posted these days, I come to realize something. Few if any climbers carry a gear rack over their shoulders anymore. Not just the sport climbers are racked up with quick draws on their harnesses, but even longer crack leads show few pieces racked on the harness. Did I miss something along the way here? When did the gear rack go down in history as needless?

I've climbed roofs and tight squeeze chimneys with minimal gear on my harness, knowing a slinged rack will jam me up or fall off if I tumble over a roof move. And maybe the huge range of cams available today allow for lighter loads versus carrying 2 of each size of hex nut before.

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