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Climbing & Packhauling
In rough terrain it is sometimes necessary to adopt basic rockclimbing techniques to pass a particular obstacle such as a difficult passage or a small rock face. We offer some ideas here for how to tackle such terrain. However, we stress that we are not experienced rockclimbers and that this article is written for bushwalkers who may occasionally need to cross challenging terrain. The guidance given here should be read with that in mind. Note that there are also some similarities here with crossing rivers. Any activity on vertical rock is extremely hazardous and should be undertaken with great care. If you are uncertain of your capabilities, you should seek expert guidance from a rockclimbing instructor. Assess and plan Firstly, assess the obstacle. Is there are a safer alternative route? If so, you should use it rather than risk injury attempting to climb. Is climbing the obstacle within the capabilities of all members of your party? If not, and you cannot see or find a safe alternative route, you may need to reassess your plans. If you decide to attempt to cross the obstacle, plan your movements. If you can see an obvious or well-worn route up/down/across the rock, you should follow it. If not, look at the rock and attempt to discern an easy route. As with crossing a river, be prepared to change the route you have in your mind if the path you are following becomes untenable. Secure all loose straps and protrusions to avoid damage or the pack being caught on a snag half-way up. If you intend to haul your packs up the rock using a rope, send most of the party up the rock face before the packs, leaving just enough people at the bottom to tie the packs to the rope. This gives you more people to share the hauling work at the top, and fewer potential targets for falling rocks at the bottom. If you are climbing with your pack on, make sure that the straps are done up tightly enough to prevent the pack from moving around, but loosely enough to allow freedom of movement. Climbing - When climbing, always maintain three points of contact with the rock. That means two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand; despite what experienced climbers may say, your teeth don't count. - Test the stability and reliability of a rock before committing too much weight to it; if it's unstable, find another hold. Small plants found growing in the rock are often not stable handholds and cannot be relied up, although decent-sized shrubs can sometimes be used after adequate testing, as long as your whole weight is not hanging off it. - Never commit yourself to a route you may not be able to back out of; if you do, you could be stuck unable to climb further but unable to retreat either. - If you dislodge a rock, the traditional climbers' call to warn others of the danger is 'Below!' |
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©2005-2012 Lachlan Shield |
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