Runners, Cord, & More
Warning, in a section with this much talk of cordelette and slings.. its been known to get a little knotty . (nailed it)
Runners
A runner, also known as a sling, is a piece of climbing equipment used to attach a climber to an anchor or protection point. Pre-sewn runners are runners that come pre-sewn and are ready to use. They are available in different sizes and materials. Here is some information about the different sizes, materials, strengths, pros, and cons of pre-sewn runners:
Length: Pre-sewn runners come in different lengths, usually ranging from 30cm (12 inches) to 240cm (96 inches). The length of the runner will depend on the specific application.
Material: Pre-sewn runners are made of either nylon or Dyneema. Nylon runners are less expensive and have some stretch, which can be useful for absorbing shock during a fall. Dyneema runners are more expensive and have very little stretch, which makes them more durable and better for rigging.
Strength: Pre-sewn runners are rated for strength, which is measured in kilonewtons (kN). The strength of a pre-sewn runner will depend on its material and construction. Nylon runners usually have a strength rating of around 22kN, while Dyneema runners can have a strength rating of up to 24kN.
Pros: Pre-sewn runners are convenient and time-saving as they are already sewn and ready to use. They come in different lengths and materials, making them suitable for various applications. They are relatively affordable compared to other climbing gear.
Cons: Pre-sewn runners are not adjustable, so you must choose the correct length for the intended use. They are also not as versatile as runners that can be tied or adjusted in the field.
Some of the different sizes of pre-sewn runners and their typical applications are:
30cm (12 inches) - Used for alpine draws, misc. and connecting gear.
60cm (24 inches) - Preferred alpine draws for extending protection points and anchors.
120cm (48 inches) - Used for anchors, for creating slings, or for extending protection points.
240cm (96 inches) - Used for anchors, creating long slings.
Some of the top brands for pre-sewn runners in rock climbing include:
Black Diamond: Black Diamond is a well-known brand that produces a range of pre-sewn runners in different lengths and materials.
Petzl: Petzl is a well-known brand that produces pre-sewn runners that are lightweight and durable.
Mammut: Mammut is a Swiss company that produces pre-sewn runners that are designed for high-performance climbing.
Edelrid: Edelrid is a German company that produces pre-sewn runners that are made from high-quality materials and are durable.
Beal: Beal is a French company that produces pre-sewn runners that are designed for alpine climbing and mountaineering.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident, and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
OUTDOOR DUDES PICK-
Doesn’t really matter, you will find a personal preference for the feel of the material or the look of it. As long as it’s used correctly and has the proper rating for intended use, it will all buff out. side note… mammut runners feel like a life without sin.
CORD
8mm and under cordage is commonly used in rock climbing for situations where weight and bulk are critical, such as alpine climbing and mountaineering. Here is some information about different sizes, strengths, materials, and top 5 companies for 8mm and under cordage:
8mm: 8mm cordage is commonly used as an accessory cord for tying knots and making slings. It is usually made of nylon or Dyneema and has a strength rating of around 2,000 lbs (9 kN).
7mm: 7mm cordage is often used as a prusik cord for ascending and descending ropes. It is usually made of nylon or Aramid and has a strength rating of around 1,600 lbs (7 kN).
6mm: 6mm cordage is commonly used as a tagline or emergency cord. It is usually made of nylon or Dyneema and has a strength rating of around 1,000 lbs (4.4 kN).
5mm: 5mm cordage is commonly used as an accessory cord for lightweight applications, such as tent guylines or tarp tie-outs. It is usually made of nylon or Dyneema and has a strength rating of around 600 lbs (2.7 kN).
4mm: 4mm cordage is very lightweight and is often used as a prusik cord or for tying lightweight gear. It is usually made of Dyneema and has a strength rating of around 400 lbs (1.8 kN).
Some of the top companies for 8mm and under cordage in rock climbing include:
Sterling Rope: Sterling Rope is a well-known brand that produces a range of 8mm and under cordage, including accessory cords, prusik cords, and taglines. Their cordage is known for its strength and durability.
Mammut: Mammut is a Swiss company that produces a variety of outdoor gear, including lightweight cordage for alpine climbing and mountaineering. Their cordage is known for its high quality and strength.
Petzl: Petzl is a well-known brand that produces a range of climbing gear, including cordage that is designed for lightweight applications. Their cordage is known for its durability and strength.
Beal: Beal is a French company that produces a variety of ropes and cordage for climbing, including lightweight cordage for alpine and mountaineering use. Their cordage is known for its high performance and strength.
Edelrid: Edelrid is a German company that produces a range of climbing gear, including lightweight cordage for alpine and mountaineering use. Their cordage is known for its durability and strength.
OUTDOOR DUDES PICK-
Doesn’t really matter, you’ll find a personal preference for the feel of the material or the look of it. As long as it’s used correctly and has the proper rating for intended use.. it will all buff out. Another side note.. brighter and cooler than patterns matter... No fu*king yellow though.
ACCESSORIES
Prusiks are loops of cord that are used in climbing and mountaineering as a friction knot to grip a rope. Pre-sewn prusiks are available in different types, sizes, and materials. Here are some popular types of pre-sewn prusiks and their features:
Hollow Block Prusik: Hollow Block Prusiks are made of a hollow braid rope and are used to grip the rope without damaging it. They are typically made of Technora or Aramid materials and have a breaking strength of around 10kN. The advantage of Hollow Block Prusiks is that they provide a secure grip without damaging the rope.
Jammy Prusik: The Jammy Prusik is made of a Dyneema or Spectra core and a nylon sheath. It is designed to be used on wet ropes and has a breaking strength of around 15kN. The advantage of the Jammy Prusik is that it is easy to adjust and is suitable for use in wet conditions.
VT Prusik: The VT Prusik is made of a twisted core and a nylon sheath. It is designed to be used on a single rope and has a breaking strength of around 20kN. The advantage of the VT Prusik is that it is easy to adjust and is suitable for use on a single rope.
Some of the top brands that make pre-sewn prusiks include:
Petzl: Petzl is a well-known brand in the climbing industry that produces a range of pre-sewn prusiks in different materials and sizes.
Black Diamond: Black Diamond is another well-known brand that produces pre-sewn prusiks in different materials and sizes.
Sterling Rope: Sterling Rope is a popular brand that produces pre-sewn prusiks in different materials and sizes, including the popular Hollow Block Prusik.
Beal: Beal is a French company that produces pre-sewn prusiks in different materials and sizes, including the popular Jammy Prusik.
Edelrid: Edelrid is a German company that produces pre-sewn prusiks in different materials and sizes, including the popular VT Prusik.
Pros and Cons of Pre-Sewn Prusiks:
Pros:
Pre-sewn prusiks are convenient and time-saving as they are already sewn and ready to use.
They are available in different types, sizes, and materials, making them suitable for various applications.
They provide a secure grip on the rope and are easy to adjust.
Cons:
Pre-sewn prusiks are not adjustable, so you must choose the correct size for the intended use.
They can be more expensive than tying your own prusiks.
The breaking strength of pre-sewn prusiks may vary depending on the brand and model, so it is important to check the specifications before use.
OUTDOOR DUDES PICKS-
Bluewater VT prusik- Can streamline any process/system involving prusiks. It is rescue rated at a little higher price.
The Jammy- simple, can speed up any process that involves any friction hitch. The downfall is you can make your own in Seconds with cordage.
Hollow Block- very grippy! Great for friction hitches and is heat resistant. That’s about it though, should not be used to bear the load.
