John Quintavalle

User Need Statement:

John needs a redundant and reliable way to bail from a climb and retrieve gear left on the wall.

User Background:

• Has been climbing for 30 years. 

• Mostly did sport climbing and some trad climbing.

• Grew up climbing on the east cost, mostly in west Virginia.

• Has experience doing multi-pitch routes in Yosemite. 

User Pain Points:

• Lack of redundancy when using bail 'biners is a concern – there is only one point of failure. 

• He would often need to leave carabiners behind when doing a project.

• Once had to leave behind a $100 cam while trad climbing.

• Has had to leave entire quick draws before. 

Insights:

• John said that sport climbers need to leave a bail 'biner 40-60% of the time they go out for a climb. 

• Climbers who are working on projects are more likely to use a bail 'biner. 

• John was more concerned with safety and redundancy than reducing weight. He said this varies from climber to climber. Some, typically the most skilled, are more concerned with weight.