AID CLIMBING

Here are a few pieces of specialised aid gear. We do not stock all of these items but can generally obtain them to order - so please don't leave it until the last minute!

Rockshoes for your hands! Jammers are fingerless rock shoe rubber-backed things for protecting the backs of your hands whilst hand-jamming. They fix firmly in place with a system of clever velcro straps and are perfectly comfortable wear. They are reported to work very well on grit. Made from leather, rubber and velcro. Charming Crack here we come!!
65g 

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Size Small Medium Large Size Stock Small 0 Medium 1 Large 5+

High-tensile, non-stretch, zinc oxide strapping tape.
Three sizes are available:
1.25cm x 9m
2.50cm x 9m
3.75cm x 13m 

Quantity:  

Size 1.25cmx9m £2.50 2.5cmx9m £3.50 3.75cmx13m £4.99 Size Stock 1.25cmx9m £2.50 5+ 2.5cmx9m £3.50 5+ 3.75cmx13m £4.99 4

Sore wrist or tweaked finger that needs support, but you still can't stop climbing?! Metolius's 100% cotton tape may be the solution to keeping you on the rocks. 1 ½" (3.75cm) x 15 yards (14.25m approx) should last for many routes. Zinc oxide adhesive keeps it in place and is moisture resistant. PS. If it still hurts more tape is not the solution - see a Doctor!

 

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Little black rubber thingies to roll over your appendage and protect it! Designed to enable boulderers to keep bouldering, even when they split a tip. According to bouldering Lake District guru Greg Chapman they work best on Grit. Need to be forced on to finger and warmed up, then maybe taped into place. Packet of three.

By the way, ignore the sizing info on the packet - they only ever made one size in the end. 

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The BetaStick is the first Clip Stick/Boulder brush that has been designed and produced in the UK. It has been developed as a dual purpose tool to aid Sports Climbers and Boulderers. Could also be used to by-pass tricky aid sections.

A 365cm (12ft) extendable reach allows high first bolts to be clipped and out of reach holds to be brushed. It telescopes down to 83cm. The use of the BetaStick when sports climbing can increase safety and confidence, especially as loads of UK sports crags have loose and polished starts!

When the BetaStick is required for cleaning holds the Metolius M16 Bouldering Brush slots simply into the head and is securely held with a Velcro wrap. The angle has been set to optimise purchase on both Crimps and Slopers. The brush is also easily removed for hand held brushing.

The head system has been engineered to take the majority of Karabiners on the market, with a gate capture system that can be tweaked for the specific job. Works equally as well with wire gates and screw gates.

Why waste good finger tape lashing a tooth brush or Karabiner to a mop handle when the BetaStick does it all!

Comes complete with Metolius M16 Bouldering Brush (but not the quickdraw!) and instructions.

This is the new 2008 Standard Clipstick which is more compact and transportable than the previous version.

550g. 83cm to 365cm.

NB: Unfortunately due to its length this item has to be posted by carrier which is expensive relative to its cost so we have had to add a postage charge of £3 to each order. This charge is extra to any other postage charges incurred, including the Priority Post charge. 

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5+

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Postage Postage Charge Post £3

Using a Beta Clipstick to equip a route at Malham.

A compact version of the Standard Clip Stick as above. This one extends to 274cm (9 feet) but telescopes down to only 67cm ( 2' 2"). A dual purpose tool to aid Sports Climbers and Boulderers. Could also be used to by-pass tricky aid sections. When the BetaStick is required for cleaning holds the Metolius M16 Bouldering Brush slots simply into the head and is securely held with a Velcro wrap. The angle has been set to optimise purchase on both Crimps and Slopers. The brush is also easily removed for hand held brushing.The head system has been engineered to take the majority of Karabiners on the market, with a gate capture system that can be tweaked for the specific job. Works equally as well with wire gates and screw gates.
Comes complete with Metolius M16 Bouldering Brush (but not the quickdraw!) and instructions. The compact version also has a clip on the handle so that it can be easily attached to a harness gear loop.

460g.

NB: Unfortunately due to its length this item has to be posted by carrier which is expensive relative to its cost so we have had to add a postage charge of £3 to each order. This charge is extra to any other postage charges incurred, including the Priority Post charge. 

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Postage Postage Charge Post £3

A long version of the Standard Clip Stick, measuring 5.49m (15') and closing down to 1.18m.

700g. 118cm to 457cm.

NB: Unfortunately due to its length this item has to be posted by carrier which is expensive relative to its cost so we have had to add a postage charge of £3 to each order. This charge is extra to any other postage charges incurred, including the Priority Post charge. 

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3

Postage Postage Charge Post £3

A completely different version of the clipstick idea, using an avalanche probe style pole that means the whole device is smaller when compacted and can easily fit in a rucksack.

Measures 2.85m (10') and closes down to 54cm (21").

Includes a stuff sack with a loop for attaching to your harness with a krab.

654g. 54cm to 285cm. 

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Cunning three headed skyhook that gives a variety of placements. Tape not included. 

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Simple but well designed chromemoly skyhook. Tape not included. 

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Deeper, longer skyhook, for pronounced flakes. Tape not included. 

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60cm of 10mm tape is ideal for skyhooks such as the BD Cliffhanger and Grappling Hook. It will also do for the BD Talon but needs threading in a different way.

Skyhooks are only really designed for direct aid but even when using them for marginal lead protection, 4kN compares fairly well with the likes of many micronuts which are often as low as 2kN.

Please click the image to see the methods used in more detail. 

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Handy soft hook device for keeping rope(s) in order on hanging belays. Simply clip the hook to the belay with a krab and lap rope into hook.

The hook can be closed and tightened up to transport the rope.

Internal diameter 7.5cm. 49g. 

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0

Also known as "Mashies". These are for ultra-marginal placements for direct aid only. They are designed to be carefully hammered into indentations in the rock that will accept no other device. They are available in several sizes, in singles or doubles (see picture) and in either copper or aluminium (please note there is no Aluminium Head 0).

Number Sizes
0: 4mm x 10mm
1: 5mm x 12mm
2: 6mm x 12mm
3: 8mm x 17mm
4: 10mm x 17mm

Sorry - we can't get hold of these at present. Try the Yates Website. 

Size 01234

Head CopperAluminium

Type SingleDouble

Clever small self-closing cable device for tying off rivets and bolts that have lost their hangers. 4g.

Sorry - we can't get hold of these at present. 

4mm diameter and 55cm long with 2 swaged loops - perfect for attaching to a hammer for ripping out stubbon gear. 51g.

Sorry - we can't get hold of these at present. Try the Yates Website. 

"Use on extremely marginal aid placements only"!

Activation:>1.5kN. Reduction in system peak loading 1.5-2kN. Runner Strength: 7kN.

Colours vary. Length 30cm. 50g. 

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Classic steel (and therefore hard-wearing) Fifi hook for the top of your etriers. Price is per hook, not per pair. Tape not included. 26g.

Check out Andy Kirkpatrick's Pyschovertical.com for some sound advice on using a Fifi Hook. 

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Lightweight aluminimium Fifi in various anodised colours - complete with sewn tape loop. Price is per hook, not per pair. 20g.

Check out Andy Kirkpatrick's Pyschovertical.com for some sound advice on using a Fifi Hook. 

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An asymmetrical Y-shaped lanyard in flat sewn webbing (also known as a Cow's Tail). For use only in rope manoeuvres (and most definitely not for Via Ferrata). Features: Asymmetric Y shape for greater safety and ease of movement, choice of long or short lanyard according to the situation, permanent connection thanks to the 2 arms, even when passing intermediate anchor points, terminations fitted with a "String" to keep the connector permanently in the correct position, flat sewn webbing for greater resistance to shearing and sharp edges, as well as to abrasion and aging.
Technical specifications : Short Arm: 32 cm, Long Arm: 58 cm, Weight: 90g  

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Lightweight, 4-step, ladder-style aider (etrier) that stores compactly in its attached pouch when not needed. Made of 3/4" flat nylon webbing, overall length: 60" (1524 mm), step spacing: 12" (305 mm), weight 6.5 oz (184 g). Strengths: End to end 18 kN, Grab Loop 22 kN, Steps 4.4 kN.  

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Also known as etriers. These are well designed and well made. Two sizes are available, 4 step and 5 step. The price is per single aider, not per pair. They come in various colours - if you order two, we will always send different colours. If you are ordering one and you already have one, the please send an email accompanying the order and stating what colour you don't want. 

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Colour Red Blue Colour Stock Red 1 Blue 1

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Colour Red Blue Yellow Green Colour Stock Red 0 Blue 0 Yellow 0 Green 0

Easy Aiders are a new type of etrier without rungs. They streamline the process of moving up the rungs in a traditional etrier. Just clip the next placement and pull on the tail to instantly adjust foot height exactly where it is needed. No more fighting the feet out of, and then back into your etrier. The wide, comfortable stirrup (2 3/4" width) greatly reduces foot fatigue and buckles securely into place. 228g. 

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Type Left-Hand Right-Hand Type Stock Left-Hand 1 Right-Hand 1

The Easy Daisy works in a similar way to the Easy Aider and greatly increases the speed that you can move at. 105g. 

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Colour Yellow Blue Colour Stock Yellow 2 Blue 2

A compact and light pocket etrier that is about the size of your hand and packs into its own self-contained pouch that can be hung on the back of your harness when it is not needed. Perfect for occasional use on alpine routes. 146g.  

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An finely adjustable etrier with one stirrup. 142g.  

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At 35 litres, this is the smallest of purpose built haul bag we know of. Constructed of a burly vinyl-laminated nylon duck, with a harness system that tucks away in seconds when it's time to haul. Waterproof skirt, double-walled for durability and sewn flush with the bag’s body so water will run off in a storm.
Weight: 1.81 kg (4 lb)
Volume: 35 L (2100 cu in)
This is the smallest of the bags in the picture.

 

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1

70 L of internal volume but thick waistbelt and shoulder straps make it easy and comfortable to carry on approaches and walk-offs. Burly vinyl construction allows it to stand up by itself and its tuck-in harness system makes for easy hauling. Also, the unique double-wall skirt design gives you fast access to gear and provides a water-tight closure.
Weight: 2.44 kg (5 lb 4 0z)
Volume: 70 L (4300 cu in)
This is the medium sized of the bags in the picture above.

 

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145 litres holds plenty of gear for two-nights plus, the Zion Haul Bag features the thickest suspension system on the market. 2 cm EVA foam surrounded by 840 denier ripstop nylon for long-lasting comfort on scrambles and approaches. The waistbelt is a full 17-cm wide in the back and tapers around the hips for security and support, and the shoulder straps have top-tensioners to hold the bag more securely. The Zion sports the Rapide Attachment System that can be disengaged in seconds flat. And like all BD haul bags, you’ll find a double-wall draw skirt.
Weight: 4.29 kg (9 lb 8 oz)
Volume: 145 L (8,900 cu in)
This is the largest of the bags in the picture above.

 

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Extremely tough - made to very high standards and superbly designed.
All the straps hide away for hauling.
Superior 33 oz. urethane-coated nylon.
Main body sealed w/microwave seam & stainless steel rivets. Double layer of 1050 denier Ballistics nylon forms bag's bottom - with drain hole & clip-in points. Double layer of 1050 ballistics forms the weatherproof storm collar. Storm collar features an innovative cut which repels water & is easy to get in & out of. Storm collar has easy-to-thread cam-lock buckles to seal out weather & compress bag's upper profile. Thick, padded ergonomically cut shoulder straps have load-stabilizing top riser adjustment strap & sternum strap. Precision-laminated & die-cut waist belt helps distribute load to hips. Carrying suspension system comes off in minutes. Four point hauling suspension is offset for ease of access to your gear. Carry handles inside of hauling suspension straps.Internal gear loops help organization. Zippered pocket on inside keeps small items handy.


Metolius say: Durathane Haul Bags - Our new Durathane™ material is the toughest haul bag fabric on the planet! Durathane is 10 X more abrasion resistant that the vinyl-coated nylon used in most other haul bags. Sure, it costs a little more, but typical vinyl bags wear out in 2 or 3 walls. Our testers have been telling us that Durathane haul bags can last for 20 walls or more! If you want to buy only one haul bag for your entire big-wall career, Durathane haul bags are the only choice.


37" tall x 18" dia. plus 16" collar (940mm x 457mm plus 406mm), Weight: 8 lb. (3.6 Kg), Capacity 157 litres.

The El Cap we keep in stock - the bags below can be obtained to order. All are made from Durathane to the same high standards.
 

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31" tall x 18" dia. plus 15" collar (787mm x 457mm plus 381mm), 125 litre, 3.4kg 

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27" x 16" x 10" plus 5.5" collar (686 mm x 406 mm x 254 mm plus 140 mm), 69 litres, 2.1 Kg.
 

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25" x 12" x 9" plus 4" collar (635 mm x 305 mm x 229 mm plus 102 mm), 46 litres, 2.1 Kg.
 

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Metolius Haul Packs are designed for multipitch climbs where the pack can be carried most of the time and hauled on steeper/harder pitches only. They are smaller than the Haul Bags and made of a lighter weight version of Durathane.

Sizes are:
Express: 37 litres, 1.2Kg.
Shield: 33 litres, 0.94Kg.
Mescalito: 24 litres, 0.85Kg.
Zodiac: 15 litres, 0.62Kg.

We do not stock these but they are generally speedily available to order. 

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Innovative big wall waste disposal system. Environmentally responsible. Durathane haul bag construction makes this system light, durable and flexible - no more heavy, rigid tubes! Comes with 6 WAG Bag kits each containing: One Waste Bag with Poo Powder, Zip-Close Disposal Bag, Toilet Paper and Hand Sanitiser. WAG Bag Kits are degradable and are approved for disposal in landfills. Poo Powder is a specially engineered mix of a non-toxic polymer-based absorbent (similar to what is in baby nappies), along with an organic decay catalyst and odor neutralizer (no perfumes). When liquid waste comes in contact with the powder, the powder gels the liquid waste, encapsulates the solid waste, removes odors and begins the decay process. Refill WAG Bag kits are available.

Main Haul Bag: 10.6oz. (300g), 500cu.in (80.2L), 15" tall x 6.5" dia. (380mm x 165 mm), NB Karabiner is for size comparison only (not included).

Obtained to order.
 

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This "toilet in a bag" waste kit is a biodegradable double bag system made from puncture resistant materials.

Each waste kit includes a zip close disposal/transport bag, a waste collection bag preloaded wiith "Poo Powder" waste treatment, toilet paper and a hand sanitizer. Non-toxic Poo Powder waste treatment treats up to 900g of liquid and solid waste allowing for multiple use (about 4 or 5 normal "goes"). It turns liquid waste to a solid for hygenic and spillproof transport. The Poo Powder waste treatment controls odors and contains a decay catalyst that breaks down solid waste.

The WAG BAG Toilet in a Bag waste kits are biodegradable and approved for landfill disposal. Although designed to be used with the Waste Case, they may be used by themselves and are ideal for big wall aid climbing trips, or indeed any outdoor situation.  

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5+

Strong and very reliable single-point suspension sleeping system for one giving a stable ledge that’s basic to set up and easy to adjust while you’re on it, perfect for ensuring a no-hassle, solid-night-of-sleep big wall bivy (just don't look down). It uses double ripstop 210d nylon with 1260 Ballistics reinforcements and the frame is built from double-butted 6061 T-6 45 mm (1 ¾", 45mm) machined and anodized aluminum. The ledge’s floor is tightened up using four pull straps, and the whole rig can be levelled using the six-point buckle suspension system.

Dimensions: 213 x 80cm. Weight (with Haul Sack): 6.13kg. 

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Strong, stable, reliable and easy to set up. The fabric is double ripstop 420d nylon with ballistics reinforcements and clip-in points labeled "Wall Side" and "Air Side". The frame and connectors are built from 6061 T-6 45 mm (1 1/8" ca30mm) machined and anodized aluminum. "HotShot" connectors make assembly easy with a sixth connector that lets the last pole slide past a rubber bumper and into place. The wall-side connectors are covered with bumpers for durability. It levels out using a six-point buckle suspension system, and the spreader bars maintain maximum width, even with two large hunky climber-type chappies on board. A large, reinforced mesh drain hole is built in the center of each bed in case it all gets two scary.

Dimensions: 213 x 130cm. Weight (with Haul Sack): 8.85kg. 

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In a ready-to-deploy stuff sack with a waterproof with a welded clip-in point labeled "Wall Side" and "Air Side", the Simple Fly can be set up in no time - which sometimes may be all you have. Made from 210d double ripstop, it uses a basic pull-over design with a double drawcord closure and includes a pole and two under-the-ledge straps for securing the fly to the portaledge in high winds. All seams are factory taped and the wall-side corners are reinforced with 1260 Ballistics.

Weight (with Haul Sack): Single = 2.3kg, Double = 2.7kg. 

Quantity:  

Model Single £179.00 Double £199.00 Model Stock Single £179.00 0 Double £199.00 0

Very strong and durable. Innovative spreader bar keeps the frame rigid and the bed tight. 1 1/8"aircraft quality 6061-T6 tubing for maximum strength and rigidity. CNC milled corner fittings for maximum strength, light weight and easy set-up. Anodized poles and corner fittings keep the parts from galling and sticking for easy set-up, corrosion resistance and durability. All tubing ends and joints are double or triple-walled for maximum strength. The heavy-duty (960/1080d Montana Polyester) bed is doubled in the high-stress, center section, and employs Durathane haul bag material for wall-side abrasion guards. Color-coded webbing risers are reinforced at the frame attachment and employ cam-lock buckles for super-smooth operation, even when weighted. The riser straps gather to a gusseted yoke to keep them free of tangles and then attach to a free-floating, full-strength, master clip-in loop. Includes Durathane haul sack.
Platform size: 2' 6" x 7' (0.76m x 2.2m)
Ledge Weight: 11lbs 7oz (5.2kg)
Haul Sack Weight: 1lb 5oz (0.6kg)
 

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As above, but:
Platform size: 3' 9" x 7' (1.2m x 2.2m)
Ledge Weight: 13lbs12oz (6.2kg)
Haul Sack Weight: 1lb 5oz (0.6kg)

 

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The innovative, top attachment point makes the Bomb Shelter Fly extremely weather-tight and provides a bomber master clip-in point for the ledge. Durable main body fabric is waterproof polyurethane-coated 420d Oxford and all seams are hot taped. Heavy-duty scuff guards protect the wall side of the fly and an easy-install storm pole protects in bad weather. Unique, triangular window lets you check weather or enjoy the view. (Made by Mountain Hardwear).
Weight: 6 lbs 5 oz (2.86kg) 

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As above, but:

Weight: 7lbs 5oz (3.32kg) 

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