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Sit sling for hanging belay

Original Post
Lew Strong · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 0

I dread hanging belays.  Is there some sort of lightweight fabric sling to sit in on a hanging belay?  

Maximilian Tagher · · San Francisco, CA · Joined Oct 2017 · Points: 65

This is usually called a Bosun’s Chair; Black Diamond makes one https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/big-wall-climbing/bosun-s-chair-BD8104600000ALL1.html

I haven’t tried it out but I’ve done some hanging photography and can sympathize with the discomfort.

I also hear people are more comfortable in big wall harnesses like the Misty Mountain ones.

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

Unless it is a big wall expedition, I don't think many people will be hauling a bosun's chair up with them.  BITD before harnesses, we used belay seats, sometimes called butt bags, which were just a rectangle of nylon with some webbing loops that made a mini hammock for your butt.  These things weigh next to nothing and take up no space.  Yates still makes them; http://yatesgear.com/climbing/big/index.htm#6 .  Without a belay seat, there are still some things you can do with your tie-in rope to ease the discomfort of hanging belays.  See https://www.climbing.com/skills/how-to-maximize-comfort-at-hanging-belays/ for some suggestions.

Lew Strong · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 0

Thank you

PRRose · · Boulder · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 0

I used a Chouinard Collins Butt Bag for hanging belays. It was roughly triangular and easier to rig than a rectangular butt bag. Good piece of gear. Fish still makes them, I think.

MP · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 2

You can tie off loops of your climbing rope to make leg and back support.

Rprops · · Nevada · Joined Nov 2015 · Points: 2,423

I think Fish makes a butt bag. If so, it's probably good. I like everything Russ makes and his customer service is top notch.

Norm Larson · · Wilson, Wy. · Joined Jan 2008 · Points: 75

I’ve got an old butt bag around I’ll sell you. They do make a difference but I haven’t used it in years. Pm me if you are interested.

Maximilian Tagher · · San Francisco, CA · Joined Oct 2017 · Points: 65

Re: Fish: They sell it as a "Rumpsak" at the bottom of their gear slings page: http://www.fishproducts.com/catalog/gear_slings.html

Features a self-stuffing pocket which seems like a nice feature

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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