Canyoning equipment (2nd part): individual and collective equipment.
Do we already know what equipment we need to be autonomous in canyoning?
In the previous chapter We talked about all the clothing for canyoning, the different wetsuits, dry suits, kayak jackets, boots, etcetera. In this second article we will focus on the technical equipment of which the individual and collective canyoning equipment is made up.
Waist harness
The ideal harnesses for canyoning are pelvic or waist harnesses (type C), with a high belay point.which can be metallic (stainless steel) or textile. It must be made of sturdy, scratch-resistant components, etc. Must have a PVC butt pad to protect us on slides and abseilings, preserve our neoprene and allow us to slide easily down slides.
To be taken into account:
- According to the regulations, the stringing point must have a resistance of 15KN.
- The standard does not make any requirements for material holders. The plastic ones can bear loads of about 5 kg and the textile ones about 25 kg.
- It is advisable to have padding at the waist. There are now designs with a good fanny pack to protect your lower back.
- They are available in different sizes and designs.
- It is advisable not to let it dry in the sun. Wash it with fresh, warm water and neutral ph soap. Rinse with plenty of water and do not tumble dry.
- For safety reasons, the harness should always be checked before each use. Check the straps. Wear or cuts could mean that they should be removed. Check stitching seams, fraying or tears, condition of material holders, abrasion at lacing points, webbing and buckles.
A top of the range harness is the model Kong Target:
Another more economical option is this other model from the brand Climbing Technology:
Anchor ropes
Anchor ropes are our insurance in canyons. We will always carry two, one shorter and one longer. They must be approved and can be fixed or adjustable. Preferably choose those with a dynamic rope, as it will dissipate much better in the event of a fall.
Each line will be attached to a B or K type safety carabiner. We will attach them to the ventral ring of our harness, depending on the type of harness. We can do it through a maillon carabiner, with a lark's head knot directly to the textile or directly to the metal ring if it allows it, as in some models of harnesses.
Plan to replace them after intensive use.
One option could be the anchor line Edelrid Switch Double
Ropes
In canyons we will use the ropes for abseiling, to secure exposed passages, to belay a partner or to hoist loads in a self-rescue manoeuvre. Semi-static ropes shall always be used. They are ropes suitable for progression, highly resistant to abrasion and friction, not very elastic and do not withstand factor 2 falls, unlike climbing ropes, which is why they can be used for climbing.
The most commonly used are type A and type B.
- Type A: offer a wide safety margin. They are used in caving and canyoning, with diameters from 9.5mm to 16mm.
- Type B: offer a smaller safety margin. They are smaller in diameter (thinner), between 8.5mm and 9.5mm. They are for groups with more experience and more technical rappelling.
To be taken into account:
- The canyoning ropes (many of them) are made in high visibility colours for quick location underwater.
- Some of them are configured with treatments that ensure that the rope does not shrink, does not need to be wetted before use and is waterproof, allowing it to be used in winter conditions because it does not freeze.
Descender devices
In canyoning today, there are many types of descenders available. Among the best known and most versatile are the eight descender, the double eight descender and the Oka.
Descender eight
The descender eight allows us to rappel with one rope or with two ropes and also allows us to set up unclimbable rappels, among other technical manoeuvres, with different locking keys depending on which one we are most interested in.
A good option is the descender eight classic Fixe canyoning descender:
Characteristics:
- Brand: Fixe
- Weight: 145g
- Large bore diameter: 77mm
- Small hole diameter: 35mm
Descender eight double
The descender eight doubledeveloped by the French caving committee and produced in France, allows us to abseil on single and double ropes. The locking key manoeuvre is very practical to do and also allows us to perform various technical manoeuvres with it, in addition to abseiling.
Oka de Kong
The Kong Oka descensor has a design that also allows for rope ascents in emergencies or rescues where it is difficult to do so with other devices. It is simple, fast and safe to use. It has a large number of braking positions.
Helmet
To be taken into account:
- The first helmet designed for the mountaineering appeared in the 1960s.
- We found specific helmets for children and womenwith different sizes.
- The maximum life from the date of manufacture, even if the product has never been used, it is of 10 years.
- The qualities of our canyoning helmet are: comfort, adaptability, ventilation, drainage, lightness and front attachment.
- The most recommended are the ultralights, hyperlight and the hybrids.
- For your maintenance it is advisable to avoid high temperatures and intense light, to wash them with fresh water and only neutral soap, and to leave them to dry in the shade. Store in a cool, dark place.
- Any hull that has suffered a major impact must be removed.
One option could be the Singing Rock Pentaa very light and simple helmet, ideal for use in sport climbing, mountaineering, traditional climbing or via ferrata.
Backpack
There is a wide variety of canyoning backpacks on the market depending on their capacity, resistance, technical grade or drainage. In them we will keep all our equipment for the descent of the canyon.
Characteristics:
- Made of PVC, 1100D polyester, thermoplastic polyurethane.
- Bright colours, making them more visible in the water.
- The capacity ranges from approximately 25 to 55 litres.
- Between 25 and 35 litres would be for more occasional use or short distance canyoning.
- Between 40 and 55 litres would be for more continuous use, for long-distance canyoning, expeditions and canyon guides.
A good option is the Alcanadre Guide 45 Petzl. A comfortable and ergonomic 45 litre backpack, designed for experienced users.
Watertight canister
The watertight canister is watertight and airtight. They are available in various sizes depending on your needs. The most commonly used in canyoning is the 6.4 litre capacity Curtec jerry can.
It is ideal for carrying our first aid kit, safety equipment, thermal blanket, clothes, food, mobile phone, etc. inside.
They are very resistant to sudden knocks against rocks and water. The lid is usually attached to the canister by means of a cord so as not to lose it in the water.
Carabiners
In canyoning, as in other sporting disciplines, we will use a wide range of carabiners.
Carabiners have different strengths depending on whether they are open, in transverse or longitudinal position.
Among them all, the most commonly used carabiners in canyoning are type B safety carabiners, with screw or automatic locking..
Also HMS carabinersideal for the dynamic knot due to its geometric shape, highly resistant and very functional. Widely used for tensioning zip lines, guided rappels, handrails, rescue manoeuvres, etc.
The K-type carabiners are designed for via ferratas. The standard requires them to have a larger closure opening, which makes them ideal for canyoning anchor ropes, as we are constantly anchoring with them at the head of abseils, handrails, etc. and we want the opening to be large.
And finally, the Q-type snap hooksThe steel construction makes them ideal for carrying in the canister as safety equipment. They allow us to set up a fortune rappel and abandon it at the head of the rappel. They are also very suitable for canyoning or caving exploration and opening, due to their low cost and light weight.
Razor
A pocket knife is another must-have accessory in your personal kit for emergency situations, such as cutting the rope.
It is recommended to carry it in the harness or close to us, either with some kind of elastic device that allows us to deploy it quickly in case of emergency.
The Petzl Spatha includes a hole for a carabiner.
Whistle
The whistle is part of the safety chain equipment. It is essential to have it at hand, either hanging on the chest by means of a lanyard or on the helmet by means of an elastic strap that allows us to use it easily.
With it we will communicate with our group mates during the descent of the waterfalls.
Daisy Chain Tape
This is a polyamide webbing of approximately 1.20m that can be used for different purposes. With it we can anchor ourselves and others at the head of the rappels, as it has different rings. It can also be used as a pedal for climbing back up when we free ourselves from the anchor ropes at overhanging headlands and as a self-rescue element in different manoeuvres.
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