You’ve heard of “passenger princess”, but what do you call…

a friend/partner who only follows and never leads?

A following fraulein?

Other ideas?

Alyse A wrote:

a friend/partner who only follows and never leads?

A following fraulein?

Other ideas?

Yes it works if that is their agreed modus operandi. 

A climbing partner.

One of my climbing partners who I have climbed with for over 20 years always follows (apart from a few exceptions on sport climbs) and I always lead. I have heard previous comments from climbers over the years who have stated that if you aren't leading you're not climbing. This is a curious belief and prescription. There exists many diverse climbing relationships. The key is to find what works for the people involved. 

Top rope hero

This has traditionally (since the 70s at least) been known as a sub man. 

"Project belayer"

A "priceless partner" (if they are solid). 

I have climbs I only want to lead. So, it is very nice to find a solid partner who only wants to follow. 

Valerie A B wrote:

A "priceless partner" (if they are solid). 

I have climbs I only want to lead. So, it is very nice to find a solid partner who only wants to follow. 

You, Colin, and Frank: spot on.

Still, there will be challenging multi where sharing leads makes all the difference in how the day goes.

But a name for “it”?  Really!?!?

(Side note: I’ll follow everything except two pitches and still tick “lead” on MP :))

Belay angel. I have no issues with that. People who don't carry gear - they can fuck right off

Ok - I can see it.  "Belay Angel" gets my vote

Cam follower. Get the pun?

Alyse A wrote:

a friend/partner who only follows and never leads?

A following fraulein?

Other ideas?

We call that “Nickelback-ing.”

Song: “Leader of Men” by Nickelback

Lyrics: “I am not a leader of men, since I prefer to follow.”

Seriously! Not joking. Check out the song…

Alyse A wrote:

a friend/partner who only follows and never leads?

Someone who brings up the rear. And of course the pack with the beer.

Allen Sanderson wrote:

Someone who brings up the rear. And of course the pack with the beer.

Beer caddy.   

Perma-client

Haulbag With A Head

For cragging, that's the perfect partner! For long, challenging routes in the mountains I'd rather have a partner who can share the load of leading.

My wife doesn’t really like to climb but doesn’t mind belaying me for half a day every once in a while, she may climb one pitch on TR if I cajole her (this is all single pitch stuff). I call her my “Belady.”