Aspiring to move through the mountains with ease requires the proper gear. In episode one, we learn about an indispensable tool of the modern ski mountaineer, the 6mm hyperstatic rope.

 

Keeping the friction in play: the single strand skinny rope on rappel. Photo: Gavin Hess

Keeping the friction in play: the single strand skinny rope on rappel. Photo: Gavin Hess

The first episode of our Gear Shed podcast gets straight to the point. There’s no equivocating as Gavin Hess, Adam Fabrikant, and Billy Haas go deep discussing ski mountaineering ropes with some added side chatter about the rappel device of choice when using a skinny rope in the hills.

The podcast title, “The Skinny on Ski Mountaineering Ropes,” is part play on words and a big part of reality for many moving through the mountains in a light and fast manner. You’ll hear this on the podcast and see it here; the ropes mentioned require a clear understanding of these skinny ropes’ limitations and proper applications. The good folks breaking down these special-use-ropes (Gavin, Adam, and Billy) have a ton of experience practicing with them in a controlled environment and in the field.   

Most of the ropes discussed land in the 6mm category, which means one must have working knowledge and experience with the ropes’ properties relating to friction, durability, and propensity to tangle. Further, we focus on hyperstatic ropes. In other words, ropes with little relative stretch. These ropes are not designed with lead climbing in mind.   

You must understand the specific progress capture devices your skinny rope is compatible with. You must understand the specific scenarios when using a hyperstatic line is reasonable and best practice. The podcast and articles on The High Route will help you sort the skinny rope noise and advise when and how to use these ropes, but for fear of going ALL CAPS on anyone out there, know your gear, and if you need proper instruction, please seek out an experienced guide—and practice practice practice before committing to a high-risk environment where you may deploy these skinny ropes.

(All that sounds like a disclaimer.) 

Ok—that’s out of the way for the time being. Gavin, Billy, and Adam dive in and provide insight into their experiences with the ropes and how they use them to move more efficiently in technical terrain. For example, the industry standard Petal Rad Line is 22g/m at 6mm diameter. At ~600g for a 30m rope, when a mission calls for a RAD Line, the minimal weight and easy stowing make it a no-brainer to bring along for many ski mountaineers. 

These skinny-rope-panelists discuss the ropes they prefer and the items they leave out of the pack. And, to round it all out, there is some back and forth regarding rappel devices and set ups while using these ropes. This aspect of the podcasts is key as 6mm of cord running through a rappel device doesn’t generate a ton of friction. As we begin populating The High Route with more gear related stories, we’ll include pieces on ski mountaineering ropes, proper belay/rappel devices, and how to best use the gear mentioned in the podcast.  

On that note, we’ll leave you with these words from Adam: 

“Whether you’re getting one of these lighter ropes or the more robust ropes, everything we’re chatting about is pretty minimal. But if there’s a higher level of uncertainty [on a ski mission], I’m going to go over prepared. And when it’s a route that I know, like the back of my hand, that’s when I might start going with that more minimalist mentality. So, it’s awesome to push ourselves, but we don’t want to push anything too far.

Thanks for listening, and if you have a specific question for Gavin, Billy, or Adam, for the time being, you can email editor@the-high-route.com or leave a comment on our website.

You likely know the drill. You can find The High Route Gear Shed Podcast on Apple Podcasts and most places you listen to your pods.