This may sound like a total newb question, but bear with me. I've done absolutely zero aid climbing, and I've never had to use an ascender otherwise.

I'm taking my wife up a couple routes in yosemite later this month, and I'm afraid she won't be able to pull a few of the cruxes (or maybe even longer portions) as the second. Would there be any reason why she couldn't use an ascender to jug over these sections? I was thinking about the Petzel Ascension for this.


None of it will be overhanging. Could she get away with just one ascender girth hitched to her belay loop, or should you always use two?

You need two to climb. Otherwise you are tying a foot step in the rope each time you want to go higher, which is an emergency technique only.

Of course this could be done. I don't think it is a particularly good idea, but it is possible, and it has been done many times, usually as part of a more improvised scenario rather than a pre-planned one. There are definitely some considerations. One thing to remember is that the belayer will be holding the rope while the second is jugging. That means you will be holding the entire weight of the second with a belay device while the second jugs the line. Usually when climbers intend to jug, the line is fixed; ie the rope is tied to the anchor and not being held by a belayer. If not done correctly, it can be quite uncomfortable to have to hold the full weight of the climber for the duration of the jugging. Furthermore, in multi-pitch climbs it is a real possibility that you will not be aware when the switch has occured (free to jugging) due to poor communication.

Also, remember that when the second is jugging, the belayer will not be able to take in slack (unless you are using two ropes). Significant slack will develop in the line while jugging and without back-up knots, a fall while jugging will result in a fall back to point where you started jugging.

It can be done with one ascender if you are still able to use some holds and free climb while moving the ascender, but this is difficult and I'd not recommend it. It is much easier with two, or at least one ascender and a grigri. It can also be done with friction hitches instead of ascenders.

Bottom line, it can be done, and is a useful thing to know how to do in case you NEED to do it. But I'd think carefully about whether it is a good idea to pick a route in which this is likely to happen rather than just choosing route that she can confidently climb.

I wouldn't go up on a route that I didn't think my partner could climb, its a bad idea and asking for trouble. If you absoultly have to do these shenannagins, theres lots of ways to do it. I would go with two ascenders or use one ascender with a grigri. She will also need a way to attatch her feet, with either a sling or an aider(edit-or bites in the rope).

Either way, these things should be sussed and practiced well beforehand. You both need to be dialed on how to set this up and execute before you leave the ground, as it will be no fun to figure this out while hanging in the middle of a pitch.

Better get her a second ascending device of some sort to retain marital bliss. Keep in mind that she'll have to be 'secure' while removing ascenders from the rope and while you pull up the slack. Suggest some practice before going 'live'.

She also needs her ascending system slings worked out and settled and practiced climbing with prior to setting out on the route. It is horrible to be jugging up a rope with a system that is not dialed in for you and will tire her out and suck very quickly. I would recommend you set up a Frog system for her and tell her she always needs two points of attachment to the rope.

If you need to get her over some cruxes than you need to rig a haul. With an auto block device this is relatively easy because you have built in progress capture. If you have to do this alot you are going to hate your day. Just don't take it out on your wife.

Check out page 17 in this:
www.petzl.com/files/all/en/activities/sport/Solutions-Multi->>>
You can do the same thing they show with just the auto-block belay but there is a lot more friction. Both these methods keep your climber on belay. I don't like your jugging idea at all. If your wife will assist the haul by trying to climb it should go relatively well.

She could prolly get by with a grigri and a ropeman if it's just a few small sections.

Yeah, I was thinking of a 3:1 like this:

A simple setup would be:

Grigri as lower ascender hooked to harness at belay loop
Handled ascender hooked up to adjustable footloop

Make sure the ascender is hooked up to the harness in some way with a sling. Back up knots should always be used but I have been unsafe from time to time and relied on the grigri as my backup. The amount of time versus risk is something you need to decide for yourself.

Probably better to teach her how to French-free, and leave some nice gear for her at the cruxes.

Just curious what routes you're thinking of... I think that info would add greatly to the discussion!

The Nose.

Yeah I heard its 5.9 and I can lead 10a sport so I figure we'll be fine.

Hey Price - the guy said he was a N00b - doesn't sound to me like anyone is trolling....why be such a jerk? You guys think everyone on here has nothing better to do then Troll all day long?

You're seeting an negative example of climbers ettique....

Remember - we ALL started somewhere....remember the saying "There is now such thing as a stupid question."

as far as efficiency goes with a pulley vs carabiner on a z drag, you'll lose around 40% efficiency without a pulley according to jared ogden in his big wall book. it feels it too, amazing what a little micro rescue pulley can do to make things move smoother...

You'll be fine! The Euros do it all the time. If I had a nickel for every time I saw a Euro dude up there working on the Freerider with his ladyfriend dutifully jugging her way up behind him....

If it's just a short crux, belay your second off the anchor and be prepared to haul for a few feet if needed. A light pulley at your prusik could make some difference, but you're likely only going to be hauling one or two throws - any more and reconsider your route.

Yeah, I was thinking of a 3:1 like this:

Did I get trolled? Ouch.