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what are the alternative ways to coil a rope into backpack

Original Post
Sergey Shelukhin · · Seattle, WA · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 14

So I know how to use the standard method of making a rope backpack, where at the end you pass a bight/loop thru the upper loop of the coil, then pass ends thru that loop and cinch (I believe it's described in FotH). Someone also taught me a very similar method where after you pass the loop thru the upper loop of the coil you kinda pull it down over the top loop of the coil, so when it cinches it ends up where the narrow part of the coil is (where you loop the rope around a few times). That way the backpack ends up higher on your back, and seems more stable, maybe it's just me.

However someone at some point has shown me some different method of finishing the rope backpack; I remember that it was obvious how superior it was, I just cannot remember any damn thing about how it was done.
Does anyone know the(an?) other method of finishing the rope backpack? Youtube video would be helpful :)

Mike Cara · · Hendersonville, NC · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 21
Greg D · · Here · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 883

^^^. No. That's not what he is looking for. Re read his first sentence.

rgold · · Poughkeepsie, NY · Joined Feb 2008 · Points: 526

True, it isn't what he's looking for. But really, there isn't any good reason to look for something else---the usual system is fine. Getting something to carry in a good way depends more on not making the coils too long than on trying to lower the anchor point.

However, there are coiling tricks that most folks don't know. Check out this video, and keep watching to the end for a final really useful tip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfvioMwTVUo

matt c. · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 155

this is what you are looking for. 2:20 is the key part.

youtube.com/watch?v=yFW51Yw…

rgold · · Poughkeepsie, NY · Joined Feb 2008 · Points: 526

Nope, that's the second method the OP described.

Greg D · · Here · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 883
matt c wrote: this is what you are looking for. 2:20 is the key part.
No. That was lame and so like decades ago. Let's see: Stack the rope before you coil, and stack again after you coil? Her dee der. No.

Nice vid Richard.
DavisMeschke Guillotine · · Pinedale, WY · Joined Oct 2013 · Points: 225

You could kiwi coil and not worry about a backpack.

Steven Groetken · · Durango, CO · Joined Sep 2012 · Points: 390

Flake into a rope bag with backpack straps. Little to no risk of strangulation either.

rgold · · Poughkeepsie, NY · Joined Feb 2008 · Points: 526

If you really feel it useful to raise the anchor point, then after pushing the bight through the top loop as in all the illustrated methods, wrap the bight down past all the circular wraps, push it through to the other side below those wraps, and then run the free ends through the bight and tighten. This will center the anchor point in the wraps rather than at the top of the coil.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

General Climbing
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