Big Wall Racks

Big Wall Racks

Hey -- Does anyone have personal experience with any of the three wall racks below? In particular is there anyone who has used more than one of these and can compare them? Does anyone know if the Yates is sold anywhere in the Denver Boulder area, where I could see one in a shop?

I like the overall design of the Misty Mountain -- with the crossing webbing and the hook loop in the rear, but not a fan of having just two big loops on each side. When climbing trad, I strongly prefer a segmented gear sling over the traditional gear sling -- so I'm thinking the misty mountain isn't the best option for me. I definitely like the segmented nature of the MTMR.

Words from the wise -- who have spent time on the wall and have used these? Is anyone looking to sell their big wall rack?

Yates Big Wall Rack
yatesgear.com/climbing/wall…

Mountain Tools Max Rack
mountaintools.com/cat/bigwa…

Misty Mountain Big Wall Gear Sling
mistymountain.com/bigwallsl…

Cheers!
Avery

I've owned a lot of different gear racks over the years and the Misty Big Wall has certainly become my favorite for carrying heavy racks (heck, I prefer it even with a light rack!). Unfortunately I haven't personally used the Yates or the Mountain Tools rack, so I can't give you a comparison. I know plenty of people love their yates racks, but from my experience with similarly designed slings (A5), not having the slings cross on your back is a disadvantage when it comes to comfort.

I have mixed feelings about segmented gear loops. Sometimes they're great and other times I feel like they get crowded with biners too quickly. If you're set on segmented loops, then I'd say give the MTMR a shot. It looks as though it would match the Misty in comfort.

I have a problem with all of those. I like to be able to clip the loops behind my back when or just doing stuff where I won't need the for a while. THe body strap that wraps the ribs on these will prevent that.

I personally like the Metolius Big Wall gear sling with multiple loops.

metoliusclimbing.com/bigwal…

It keeps your gear separated but doesn't have loops above other loops like the ones your looking at. Which means you don't have to dig as much for gear and you can keep the pieces your using more often near the front of the sling. The little pouch on the back is also useful for snacks or a small amount of water when you get to the belay.

I've been using the Misty for a number of years and find it very nice. I've even been known to use it on big free climbs. Very confortable with a load on and very adjustable. If I was to alter it I would look at segmented loops as I too like them in general.

www.fishproducts.com

Russ makes a solid double sling, no bells or whistles...and where else can you get custom high fashion like this..

the envy of all who see it...lol!

YMMV.

I do have one of the Metolious big wall slings with single loops on each side and will sell it to anyone interested. If you put anything in the back pouch ( camel, etc) then empty your rack the thing rotates so the chest strap is in your throat after a while. Also the zipper is so small that it is a struggle to get a small camel back in it. As I learned the hard way not to use a camelback on a big wall I would say go with the one that is the most comfortable and the lightest.

What type of big wall gear are you looking for?

Hey Guys -- thanks for all the feedback!

Misty or Yates

They are both fully rated and padded for comfort. With a full Aid rack on the Metolius one will hurt after a while.

The Misty has more padding but the Yates has more features.

I use the Yates

I've never tried the Max Rack

I hope this helped a bit more

Caz