Field Trip Summary: This is the first of several field trips in which you will put into practice what you have learned from the text and course lectures. During this session, you will practice tying knots, handling slings and ropes, and learning belaying principles. This field trip takes place indoors and outdoors, so dress accordingly. There are no critical skills assessments, but please practice and be knowledgeable about your knots before this field trip.
Please complete your self evaluation after the completion of this field trip: https://forms.gle/F8rDv6WpZhZ3mZ2V6
Duration: All Day – About 8 hours
Freedom of the Hills (FOTH): Chapters 8, 9, and 10 as well as pg. 38-45 and pg. 430 & 443.
Critical Skills to anticipate for Field Trip 2: Knots and hitches, belay with device and munter, and climbing commands.
Critical Skills for Field Trip 1: None
Practice and Objectives:
Knots and Hitches (FOTH pg. 158-168)
Practice and demonstrate your ability to tie the following knots:
Single Bowline
Water Knot
Figure Eight Rewoven
Figure Eight Loop
Grapevine/Fisherman’s Knot
Alpine Butterfly
Mule Knot (check at belay escape)
Bachmann Hitch
Clove Hitch
Münter Hitch
Girth Hitch
Prusik Hitch
Autoblock Hitch
Please note that you will need to tie each knot/hitch successfully twice.
Climbing Commands (FOTH pg. 220)
Practice and discuss the following commands:
On Belay – Belay On
Test Belay – Test
Climbing – Climb
Take
Slack (x feet)
Up Rope
Off Belay – Belay Off
Falling! (Loud)
Use of names
Introduction to Belay Escape (FOTH pg. 221-222)
Observe a demonstration of the Belay Escape and discuss the function of the system.
This station will include the Mule Knot
Belay Practice (FOTH Chapter 10)
Practice and/or discuss the following skills:
Solid Anchor
Tie Into Anchor
Gloves
Aim Belay
3 Point Stance
Braking Position
Belay on Left
Belay on Right
Proper taking in and paying out of rope
Brake hand never removed from rope
No excess slack between climber and belayer
Test belay
Slip-Slap-Slide (SSS) and Pull-Brake-Under-Slide (PBUS) Belay Techniques
Please note that all belay skills will be checked twice. If you would like to use your optional assisted braking device, please check in with your instructor after you have finished your evaluations with your tube style device. Your critical skills evaluation at field trip 2 will be with your tube style device.
Climbing Harness Check (FOTH pg. 169-170)
Practice and/or discuss the following:
Approval of commercial harness
Chest harness
Efficient racking of gear
Rope Handling (FOTH pg. 154-158 & 430)
Practice coiling ropes for transport and storage. Including the following methods:
Butterfly Coil
Kiwi Coil
Ascending the Rope (FOTH pg. 443)
Practice ascending a rope with a sewn double runner.
Note this differs slightly from the prusik approach shown in the book, we will not be using a texas prusik/double foot loop, we will use a double runner instead.
10 Essentials Evaluation (FOTH pg. 38-45)
Evaluation of your 10 essentials. Please ensure you bring your 10 essentials to show. Be ready to discuss your gear choices.
Required Equipment
Carabiners
2 large locking pear carabiners
4 medium to large locking carabiners
6 non-locking solid or wire-gate standard carabiners
Carabiners are essential for securing your belay system, anchors, and other climbing setups. The pear-shaped carabiner is ideal for belaying, while locking carabiners ensure safety for anchor points. Non-locking carabiners provide versatility for attaching gear and managing runners or rope systems.
Webbing, Runners, and Slings
(1) Personal Anchor 18mm/120cm pre-sewn double runner or chain style PAS (Personal Anchor System)
(1) Single Runner 5 feet of 1 inch webbing for tied nylon single runner or 120 cm pre-sewn nylon or dyneema runner
(2) Double Runner 9 feet of 1 inch webbing for tied nylon double runner or 240 cm pre-sewn nylon or dyneema runner
(1) Triple Runner 13 feet of 1 inch webbing for nylon triple runner (NOT pre sewn)
(1) Tied Runner at least 9.5 feet of 1 inch nylon webbing in a color different from your other runners. This will be used for a chest harness which you will size in class and tie with a water knot.
Runners provide critical support for personal anchors and ascending systems. The nylon runner is durable for anchor connections, while the Dyneema runner is lightweight and is used with a carabiner for rope ascension.
Webbing is versatile for creating custom runners, anchors, or a chest harness. Different lengths allow for flexibility in various climbing scenarios, while color differentiation ensures clarity when assembling systems like chest harnesses.
Accessory Chords
(1) 5-6 feet of 6mm accessory cord
(1) 3-5 feet of 6mm prusik cord
(2) 5-6 feet of 5mm accessory cord
(1) 9-10 feet of 5mm accessory cord
(Optional) Hollow block or presewn prusik loop
Accessory cords are used for ascending ropes, creating friction hitches, or as backup systems during rappels. Having multiple lengths and diameters ensures adaptability for different applications. An autoblock loop adds an extra layer of safety by acting as a hands-free backup during rappelling.
Belay Device
(1) Tube style Belay Device.
(Optional) Assisted braking device
NOTE: If you bring an assisted braking device this needs to be in addition to the tube style device, not in place of.
A belay device ensures controlled friction for safe belaying and rappelling.
Leather belay gloves
Leather gloves protect your hands from rope burn and improve grip during belaying and rappelling sessions.
Day pack or large pack
A pack allows you to carry your climbing gear, food, water, and layers comfortably throughout the day.
UIAA-approved climbing helmet
A climbing helmet protects against falling debris or impacts during indoor and outdoor climbing.
Approved climbing harness with belay loop
Your harness is critical for safely attaching yourself to the climbing system and ensuring secure belaying or rappelling.
Mountaineering boots
Full shank recommended, three quarter shank allowed. Sturdy boots provide stability, traction, and support during rope ascension and while standing on uneven terrain.
10 Essentials
Navigation: map, plus compass, altimeter, and/or GPS (as appropriate, for the field trips, you just need a map and compass)
Headlamp: plus extra batteries
Sun Protection: sun glasses, sun protective clothes, sunscreen
First aid kit
Knife: plus repair kit
Fire: matches, lighter and tinder, or stove (as appropriate)
Shelter: tent, bivy, or emergency shelter (as appropriate)
Extra Food
Extra Water (means to purify)
Extra clothing
Bring all 10 Essentials and be prepared to show them to instructors. For the navigation "map," you can bring any map. The 10 Essentials ensure you are prepared for unexpected situations in outdoor environments, including emergencies, navigation, and sudden weather changes.