Field Trip Summary: This field trip builds on the foundational skills from course lectures and the Freedom of the Hills text. Participants will work in teams to complete multiple skill stations, demonstrating mastery of essential climbing knots, belay skills, and climbing commands. The field trip also introduces anchor evaluation, fixed-line travel, and snow belays. Expect a mix of hands-on practice and demonstrations in an outdoor setting. Be prepared for wet and muddy conditions; avoid wearing expensive climbing gear. Consider bringing a sit pad suitable for muddy terrain.
Please complete your self evaluation after the completion of this field trip: https://forms.gle/7v3mDZXeevdwygk39
Duration: All Day – Approximately 10 hours
Freedom of the Hills: Chapters 8, 9, 10, 11 as well as pg. 38-45, 363-368, and 372.
Critical Skills to anticipate for Field Trip 3: Knots and hitches, Belay Escape, and Belay Techniques: Pull-Brake-Under-Slide
Critical Skills for Field Trip 2:
Knots and Hitches (FOTH pg. 158-168)
Demonstrate mastery of essential climbing knots:
Single bowline
Alpine Butterfly
Bachman
Clove hitch
Girth hitch
Prusik
Figure eight rewoven
Figure eight loop
Water knot
Grapevine/Fisherman’s Knot
Munter hitch
Autoblock
Mastery Includes:
Tying knots on request without assistance.
Explaining each knot’s purpose and safety considerations.
Applying appropriate knots to field scenarios (e.g., anchor building or glacier travel).
Belay with device and munter (FOTH pg. 167-168 and 204)
Set up and execute belays correctly without assistance and use the appropriate climbing commands.
Please note that you will use your tube style device for the belay with device part of the test, you cannot use your assisted braking device for this evaluation.
Mastery Includes:
Setting up belay systems (device and munter) correctly and in an appropriate amount of time.
Catching a fall without anchor failure.
Identifying situations in which to use the belay with device and with munter.
Climbing Commands (FOTH pg. 220)
Use the following commands consistently and correctly without prompting:
On Belay – Belay On
Test Belay – Test
Climbing – Climb
Take
Slack (x feet)
Up Rope
Off Belay – Belay Off
Falling! (Loud)
Use of names
Mastery Includes:
Using correct climbing commands and names appropriately and loud enough for your climbing scenario.
Practice and Objectives:
Belay Escape (FOTH pg. 221-222)
Observe a demonstration of the Belay Escape and discuss the function of the system.
Mule Knot
Munter-mule-overhand
Understanding of the system
Ice Axe Belays (FOTH pg. 363-368, 372)
Introduction to snow belay techniques:
Standing Carabiner/Ice Axe Belay
Sitting Hip Belay (FOTH pg. 204-206 & 372)
Introduction to sitting hip belay techniques:
Setup Belay
Slip - Slap - Slide technique
Please note that the approved approach differs from FOTH, you should be putting your control carabiner into your belay loop, not your two hard points.
Fixed-Line Travel/Hand Line (FOTH pg. 190-191)
Introduction to using fixed lines for climbing scenarios and the following skills:
Bypass knots
Bypass anchors
Extended Rappel (FOTH pg. 235-236)
Introduction to extended rappel techniques.
Rope Handling (FOTH pg. 154-158 & 430)
Practice coiling ropes for transport and storage. Including the following methods:
Butterfly Coil
Kiwi Coil
Anchor Evaluation (FOTH pg. 206-214)
Practice and discuss the following:
Setting and equalizing
Solid, Efficient, Redundant, Equalized, Non-Extending (SERENE) Anchors
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.
Carabiners
2 large locking pear carabiners
4 medium to large locking carabiners
6 non-locking solid or wire-gate standard carabiners
Locking carabiners are essential for secure belay systems, anchor setups, and rappel connections. They ensure safety during critical tasks. Non-locking carabiners are more versatile, ideal for attaching gear, securing runners, or creating temporary connections during climbs.
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 Cords
(1) 5-6 feet of 6mm accessory cord
(1) 3-5 feet of 6mm accessory cord
(2) 5-6 feet of 5mm accessory cord
(1) 9-10 feet of 5mm accessory cord
(Optional) Hollow Block or presewn prusik loop
Climbing accessory cords are versatile tools for ascending ropes, creating backup systems, and performing self-rescue techniques. The autoblock loop is a critical component of a self-belay or backup system during rappels. Different lengths and diameters of accessory cord allow for a variety of uses, from prusik loops to emergency knots, ensuring you're prepared for a wide range of climbing scenarios.
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.
Other Gear
Leather belay gloves
Leather belay gloves protect your hands from rope burn while providing a better grip, especially during rappelling or extended belay sessions. They ensure comfort and safety by reducing friction.
Day pack or large pack
A day pack is necessary for carrying your gear, food, water, and any extra clothing needed for the day. It helps distribute weight evenly and keeps your essentials organized and accessible.
UIAA-approved climbing helmet
A climbing helmet is vital for head protection against falling rocks, debris, or impacts. UIAA approval ensures the helmet meets international safety standards for climbing activities.
Approved climbing harness with belay loop
An approved climbing harness is crucial for attaching yourself to the rope and securing you during climbing activities. The belay loop is a reinforced attachment point for the belay device, ensuring secure belaying.
Ice axe
An ice axe is used for ice climbing and self-arrest techniques, providing stability and safety on icy terrain. It also serves as an essential tool for anchoring or cutting steps in snow.
Mountaineering boots
Mountaineering boots are designed for technical terrain and cold weather, providing warmth, support, and traction. They are necessary for safety when walking on snow, ice, or rocky surfaces in high-altitude or challenging conditions.
10 Essentials
Navigation
Headlamp
Sun Protection
First aid
Knife (Repair Kit)
Fire
Shelter
Extra food
Extra water
Extra clothes
The 10 Essentials are vital for ensuring safety and survival in the wilderness. Navigation tools help you stay on course, while a headlamp ensures visibility in low light. Sun protection is crucial for preventing sunburns, and a first aid kit is important for treating injuries. A knife serves multiple purposes, including gear repair and emergency tasks. Fire is necessary for warmth and signaling, and shelter ensures protection from the elements. Extra food, water, and clothing are essential to meet your basic needs during the field trip.