Gear
Beginner Basics:
For those new to the sport, the best ways to become self sufficient are to invest in your own gear and connect with others who have experience. To help get started I have created a basic gear checklist for beginners.
o Harness- A climbing grade harness will get you started and eventually you can upgrade to a canyoneering specific harness if you desire.
o Helmet- A climbing grade helmet is recommended and should be worn while on technical route as well as during the rope retrieval/pull.
o Gloves- Breathable gardening gloves with latex palms will stick to the sandstone and protect your paws while on route. Gloves can be purchased in a pinch at the local gas stations and hardware stores.
o Descending Device- A rappelling device with friction settings and lock off points is recommended.
o Personal Anchor- A lanyard or daisy chain is an essential piece of equipment for every level of canyoneer. The PAS or personal anchor system can be bought manufactured and an adjustable or looped PAS is recommended.
o Water & Snacks- Water and snacks are often over or under packed in the bag. Preparing the perfect amount of food and water to sustain you during an afternoon adventure may take trials and mishaps. Please keep the glass in the car, plastic bottles and hydration packs are recommended.
o Backpack- If you are a beginner tagging along on an adventure it is a nice gesture to bring a bag with extra room for ropes and gear.
Clothing
Hat- Sun blocking, Lightweight ball caps, without a button on top (ex. running hats, or 5-panel) work best with helmets. Floppy sun hats are nice on hot hikes and approaches and can fold up well for storage.
Sun Hoodie- Polyester UPF or sun blocking shirts with long sleeves and hoods provide comfort and protection from the sun. External drawstrings could become a hazard while on rappel.
Pants Vs. Shorts- Lightweight pants will protect your legs (somewhat) from vegetation and the sun. Shorts are the most comfortable during hotter days but require skillful travel, especially off trail.
Shoes- Scrambling up steep sandstone slabs requires a good approach shoe with sticky rubber soles. Approach specific shoes by La Sportiva, 5.10, and Black Diamond are often recommended.
Experienced Leaders
Experienced Leader & Anchor kit- Perhaps the two most important things to take into a canyon with you are an experienced leader and an anchor building kit. Without these two vital components a seemingly easy afternoon adventure could turn quickly into a disaster. Leaders should be able to evaluate the teams gear and sure they have all of the essentials to safely descend the route. The recommended gear is a minimum of what you will need and it is always recommended to pack extra ropes and gear. If there are beginners or brand noobs on the team a minimum of 2 experienced leaders is recommended. Individuals training to become leaders are expected to have the basic gear and then some. I made a list of things to consider for those new to the sport wanting to better prepare for leading their adventures.
o Backpacks- Technical adventures require gear, to organize and haul that gear you’ll need a good backpack. Packs ranging from 40+liters to as small as 18 liters can get the job done, with all of the bells and whistles such as hip-belts and breathable frames. Nylon packs such as these will suffice for a year or two of rugged use in red rock country with the occasional patch job. Packs made with durable abrasion resistant shells such as vinyl or polyester TPU tend to be long lasting workhorses preferred in the red rocks.
o Rope- 8-9.5mm static canyoneering rope is recommended for Sedona adventure routes. A 220’ foot rope will be long enough to for most routes if accompanied with a 220’ pull chord. . Ropes with a sheath that can withstand high abrasion and contact with sandstone are recommended.
o Pull Cord- A 1/8 inch Amsteel Super pull cord is light and static enough to work like a charm. A small pull cord bag will make managing the cord an easier task. The downfall could be that the thin diameter is harder to manage and may form knots or tangle easier. The thin cord is also designated as pull cord and would be difficult to rappel off of in an emergency. (220+ feet recommended).
6mm cords and larger are heavier and will take more space in your pack, but the up side is that they can be more useful in an emergency situations.
o Carabiners- Carabiners have many uses on technical adventure and canyoneering routes. 3 to 4 screw-gate carabiners will be useful for blocks, trailing rope bags, and hauling gear. Climbing grade carabiners are the standard.
o Rope Bag- An optional piece, but highly recommended piece of equipment that could make your rope management easier, and drops more efficient. Rope bags makes trailing the rope easier, you can clip the bag to your harness then drop it once a clean landing spot is in view. Bags are also easy to stuff and can make rope management a smoother process.
o Fiddle Stick/ Retrievable Anchor- A toggle or retrievable anchor system is recommended for reducing rope grooves in the rock, preventing rope stick issues.
o Knee/ Elbow Pads- Recommended for those overhung starts where your knees are worth more to you than your pride.
o Headlamp- Keep a charged headlamp in your pack, a ziplock bag or dry sack will protect it from the elements.
o Communication Device- Safety whistles are the original method of communication in canyons, but a nice pair of walkie talkies will make communicating even easier without disrupting the peace of the canyons. *** Phones tend to work as well. Whistles are highly effective on big rappels and windy days and are recommended with discretion.
o Cell Phones- Cell phones tend to be great navigation and communication devices in the front and back country.
o Hydration- A hydration bladder may do the trick, but are prone to leaks, punctures, and dirty sipping valves. A Nalgene or water bottle is less prone to leaks and punctures and may be a better vessel in rugged red rock country.
o First Aid- A small first aid kit could come in handy, a set of tweezers definitely will.
o Trekking Poles- Your uphill assist for those long approaches, a good pair of telescoping trekking poles can be used to detect rattle snakes, cross flooded washes, or make a stint for an injured individual and should easily stow away in or outside of your pack.
Anchor Building Kits :
o Knife- It is recommended to have a sharp knife or multi-tool easily accessible.
o Adjustable Wrench- A small adjustable wrench will come in handy.
o Webbing- 50 feet of neutral colored 1 inch climbing grade tubular nylon webbing is recommended to keep in your pack. This webbing will prove to be useful in a variety of situations from backing up/ replacing existing anchors, extending the pull chord, lower packs, and edge protection.
o Rapides- 5/16 stamped quick links, or climbing grade rap rings.
o Nut Tool- A nut tool is a piece of climbing equipment that is lightweight and will help to remove webbing from those tight cracks.