After a recent trip to the Obed for the first time, my partner and I were rather horrified at the amount of rusty bolts in the area. In fact, I would argue 95% of the bolts on all the routes are severely rusted. Having climbed at most of the crags in that region, it's the only area with that big of a problem. So, here's the question. Those of you that climb there, is this a concern for you too?
Given that new bolt hardware is easily attainable these days through ASCA and the various Coalitions, it is a problem that could be fixed......

Hey Pete. The bolts you are referring to are carbon steel. Some bolts are questionable but honestly, I would trust them all. There is a hardware replacement program at the Obed that has been replacing the fixed gear, as well as putting up stainless bolts to replace the old CS ones.

Sounds good. But how do you judge the strength of carbon steel that's rusted, I'm don't know. Anyways, good to hear there's a program under way.

I've always gone by the dimpling in the rust. No dimple = good to go. dimples = bad.