what is this used for?

Belay sling
Belay Sling

Sounds like they want you to use it to secure yourself to the anchor, or to extend your rappel device. Oddly worded description though.

Craig T wrote:Sounds like they want you to use it to secure yourself to the anchor, or to extend your rappel device. Oddly worded description though.

Seems like an unecessary piece of gear. Can just tie a knot in a regular sling and use it for the same purpose.
How much does it cost?

It's used to give you a great overview and maximum security at your belay stance. I've always felt my belay stance overview could use improvement.

Looks like an expensive way to extend your rap

I don't quite understand the point... but here's what I found on google...

polloloco wrote: I don't quite understand the point... but here's what I found on google...

This makes sense. I use this technique to rappel. It's nice to be able to extend the rappel device and then easily be able to clip into bolts on the next rappel station. I wouldn't use it as a hanging belay though. I'd rather clove hitch with the main rope and belay off the belay loop.

I wouldn't pay almost $20 for a sling that I can configure out of 7mm cord for $2.

"what is this used for?"

To get you to spend money on a new product that was thought up by one of the company's product designers. They need job security + you need a new bit of gear = money exchange and both sides are happy.

Just use a sling you already have.

climbing.com/video/rock-cli…

So basically, it's a PAS that has half the versatility, at the same price. Seems incredibly stupid. I can do all of those things (and more) with the PAS that I always have on my harness.

What the hell is going on there? Is the loop created by somekind of rivet surrounded by bar tacks? No thanks.

Rick Blair wrote:What the hell is going on there? Is the loop created by somekind of rivet surrounded by bar tacks? No thanks.

I don't think it's riveted, just bar-tacked. If the "pocket" were to fail, then an extended rappel would still hold as long as you clip the free end back to your belay loop (which you should be doing anyways). Still not very safe though, as you would have your rap device not going through what would at that point just be a sling. No good reason to get one of these over something like the Alpine PAS.

Yeah, I zoomed in on the product page, its bar tacked.

Only way I am using this is if I can also wear a down t-shirt at the same time.

Gavin W wrote:So basically, it's a PAS that has half the versatility, at the same price. Seems incredibly stupid. I can do all of those things (and more) with the PAS that I always have on my harness.

A PAS works if you have one (and has other uses). If not, a $5 sewn sling knoted in the middle works fine or even a $2 piece of webbing with a couple knots. And you can use a sling for other purposes, obviously...

Thanks for the replies. Embarrassingly, I bought one 8 years ago when I first got into climbing and I've never used it nor have I been able to figure out what it's for exactly. I originally bought it thinking it was a cheap alternative to a belayer's harness...you know, your belayer could slip one leg in the large loop and belay from the middle loop. That way you and your partner only needed one real harness between the two of you. I think I thought the small loop was for people with small legs. Man. How am I not dead?

those usage instructions show people belaying off of that non-redundant loop that's essentially held by 2 bar tacks and leaving the other end free...

seems very unsafe. I'm sure mammut makes good bar tacks, but I figured there was a reason the overlaps in sewn slings had 5 bar tacks...

it looks like it's a purpose-built time saver for pretty much exclusively people who do lots of multi-pitch sport and rappelling. like the alpine equalizer thingy. just a very specific tool for when you know exactly what you're doing and need to save the oz.

but belaying off of 2 bar tacks, man i cant get over that.

a bar tacked overhand loop? genius. Derp

Well I really like mine- It is great for multi-pitch raps- been using one for a decade at least. I don't even own a PAS. Every loop is full strength by design - the sling is twisted and sewn (not just "bar-tacked"). They make a short version and a long. The short one is more than enough. I don't really care for the longer one. Each to his/ her own I guess.

Canyoneering gear. For long rappels thru with lot of hanging intermediate anchors.

It provides a very easy-to-read system for guides to be able to keep their clients safe. Unlike a sling, it only has one use and is easily identifiable (there might be lots of slings on the client's harness). And this is the point, the client knows what it is for, the guide can see with a glance that all is well. Unlike a PAS, there is little to confuse the eye.

SteveMarshall wrote:those usage instructions show people belaying off of that non-redundant loop that's essentially held by 2 bar tacks and leaving the other end free... seems very unsafe. I'm sure mammut makes good bar tacks, but I figured there was a reason the overlaps in sewn slings had 5 bar tacks... it looks like it's a purpose-built time saver for pretty much exclusively people who do lots of multi-pitch sport and rappelling. like the alpine equalizer thingy. just a very specific tool for when you know exactly what you're doing and need to save the oz. but belaying off of 2 bar tacks, man i cant get over that.

There are 5 bar tacks. There's 4 at the intersection and 1 on each of the two loops.