Field Trip Summary: This field trip builds on foundational climbing skills and introduces participants to outdoor rock climbing techniques. Participants will work in teams to complete skill stations and demonstrate proficiency in climbing techniques, belaying, knots, and rappelling. The field trip also emphasizes anchor evaluation, pro placement, and cleaning pro, providing hands-on experience with essential outdoor climbing practices.
Participants should take their pack and equipment with them at all times and eat lunch or snacks as time allows, as there is no scheduled lunch break. Helmets must be worn at all times while climbing or belaying, and proper communication signals, including the use of names, should be observed. Respect the climbing rope by avoiding stepping on it, as it is your lifeline and must be treated with care.
Before leaving, ensure all completed stations are signed off in your field trip book by an instructor and check out with the field trip leader. Do not leave the site without dismissal.
Please complete your self evaluation after the completion of this field trip: https://forms.gle/M2m2WaMatYfbUHbZ8
Duration: All day - Approximately 8 hours
Freedom of the Hills (FOTH): Chapters 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 as well as pg. 38-45.
Critical Skills to anticipate for Field Trip 4: Knots and hitches and extended rappel.
Critical Skills for Field Trip 3:
Knots and Hitches (FOTH pg. 158-168)
PBUS Belay Techniques (FOTH Chapter 10)
Belay Escape (FOTH pg. 221-222)
The demonstration in our skills video library and the demonstration in the previous field trip differ slightly from the graphic in Freedom of the Hills (Ed. 10). In the step that brings the rope from the anchor to the prusik:
The book illustrates a Munter Mule Overhand.
We use a clove hitch instead.
Proficiency for all critical skills is explained in the scoring rubric.
Practice and Objectives:
Rappel Setup (FOTH Chapter 11)
Learn and practice rappel techniques:
Discuss attaching to anchor points.
Discuss anchor materials.
Set up and execute an extended rappel using a belay device.
Please review precautions outlined in Freedom of the Hills and lecture notes.
Pro Placement (FOTH Chapter 13)
Practice pro placement, cleaning pro, and using a nut tool.
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
Rock Climbs (FOTH Chapter 12 and 14)
Learn and practice climbing techniques such as friction, crack, face, and traverse moves. Use of hands/feet (3 point stance), nose over toes. Complete at least nine climbs, including:
Chimney
Crack
Face
Overhang
Traverse
Slabs
Stemming
Two climbs of your choice
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.
Clothing/Accessories/Etiquette (FOTH pg. 168-170)
Discuss the following topics:
Discuss proper clothing
Helmet/harness/gloves gear check
Climbing etiquette (quiet when climbing, etc.)
Be an attentive belayer
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
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) Triple Runner 13 feet of 1 inch webbing for nylon triple runner (NOT pre sewn)
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 strong 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) 5-6 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 gloves for belaying
Leather gloves protect your hands from rope burn and improve grip, especially during rappels or extended belay sessions.
Day pack or large pack
A day pack allows you to carry your gear, food, water, and extra layers comfortably throughout the day.
UIAA-approved climbing helmet
A climbing helmet is essential for protecting your head from falling debris, impacts, or unexpected swings during climbing activities.
Approved climbing harness with belay loop
Your harness ensures secure attachment to the climbing system, providing safety and support during climbs and rappels.
Rock shoes
Rock shoes improve grip and precision, allowing you to climb more effectively and confidently on various rock surfaces.
Mountaineering boots Sturdy boots provide stability, traction, and support during rope ascension and while standing on uneven terrain.
Nut tool (optional)
A nut tool helps with removing protection gear during pro cleaning, ensuring safe and efficient gear retrieval.
Lunch/Snacks and Liquids
Energy-dense food and adequate water.
Warm/Waterproof Layers
Weather conditions can change unexpectedly, and warm or waterproof layers keep you comfortable and safe in varying environments.
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.