p14,15 Outdoor TOM:SGBGolf_NEW_template 26/02/2009 12:59 Page 15
SGB Outdoor
either, although saving a few grams here will never do any harm. The most
important thing is to keep the pack slim, so it doesn’t interfere with arm
movement, and to make sure it isn’t so high that it restricts the head –
particularly significant if a helmet is worn. Simple back systems keep the
weight closer to the back and therefore affect balance less.
One place I’d never try to save weight is gloves. Grabbing and holding on
to wet rock means they get very wet, very quickly. It’s worth experimenting
with different types including fleece, neoprene and the usual Gore-Tex or
eVENT fabrics, but whichever is chosen, it’s definitely worth carrying at
least one spare pair, possibly two.
Map, compass, spare layers, first aid kit, emergency shelter or bag, lunch
and a flask of something warm is as necessary here as it is when hill
walking, and a head torch should be added in winter.
That’s the entry level stuff dealt with. All that’s needed now is a good
guidebook or two and a few epic mountain days to start gaining
experience.
The big conundrum facing every scrambler is at which point to start
carrying a rope. There’s no simple answer. This is when scrambling starts to
become climbing and specialist skills and knowledge are also needed
before the rope can play any useful part.
But assuming the desire to learn these skills, and it’s outside the
constraints of these pages to suggest ways of doing this, then the aspirant
scrambler definitely needs to add a bit of basic climbing kit to the
Christmas list.
A rope is a good starting place but this is always going to be a
compromise. For big routes, where most of it’s going to be pitched, and
there’s a possibility of needing to abseil off, then a full length 50m climbing
rope is appropriate. But for the easier roped UK scrambles, where just the
odd crux pitch needs protecting, a short length – perhaps 20m or 30m, will
usually suffice. Obviously it will be used alone, so will need to be around
10mm (single rope), and it’s probably best to go for some kind of dry
treatment too.
To go with this, each climber should carry a few tape slings to act as
runners and anchors for belays. A selection of 120mm and 240mm will
cover most eventualities. And each sling really needs its own karabiner,
preferably locking. Each climber should also carry a simple belay device and
an HMS style karabiner, which can be used for abseiling too, and a simple
Alpine style harness, with adjustable leg loops will be comfortable when
worn yet light enough to carry, when it’s not needed.
And finally, a helmet should be considered, especially when scrambling in
any sort of gully, or on steep ground beneath others, which is very likely on
most three-star UK routes.
Of course, nuts and hexes and other types of protection can be carried
and used, but these are most likely to be needed as the routes start to get
tougher and longer, and by then, the scrambler will have developed
enough experience to have a better idea of what to carry and when.
Disclaimer
Scrambling can be dangerous and even with the right equipment, and
when following established safety procedures, there is still an inherent risk
involved.
FEBRUARY 2009 SGBOUTDOOR 15
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