Using rabbit runners to make alpine draws

Kyle Tarry wrote: Thanks Kevin.  Sounds like you're using the Yates ones the same way I'm using the Mtn Tools ones, which are probably very similar in construction.

I do find that I need the full 48" of extension sometimes, especially on wandering alpine routes.  However, I just use a double sling for those, since I don't think the rabbit runners offer any benefit.

The benefit is in the decreased amount of material needed to complete the anchor (because the rabbit runner doesn't need twice the length of material). The anchor that you can build from a X" sling can be accomplished with a X/2" rabbit runner. Admittedly, for spectra/dyneema, the different in weight is negligible. 

For me I actually love them.  I throw them over my shoulder and use them with the ends clipped together 99% of the time, so they would be the same length as an extended alpine draw.  So I can just pull them off my should, clip them to the racking biner and then clip their biner to the rope and move on. No fiddling with anything, compared to having to unpack (and later repack) a alpine draw on every placement.  To me they're as functional as a normal runner (you can girth them on a rock/tree, you can use them for friction hitches, etc) but a lot easier to deal with.  A bunch of quads over my shoulder (which would be the same full length) would be more of a mess and harder to remove (one strand vs two, so grabbing the right one and pulling it out can get troublesome) but the same functions.

I wouldn't suggest packing them like an alpine draw as it sort of defeats the purpose.  I rarely use short draws on trad climbs, for nuts and such I use long draws.

kevin deweese wrote:

The benefit is in the decreased amount of material needed to complete the anchor (because the rabbit runner doesn't need twice the length of material). The anchor that you can build from a X" sling can be accomplished with a X/2" rabbit runner. 

Not really though, right?  Since a rabbit runner only has 1 load-bearing strand, it needs to be made of thicker material to hit the same 22 kN load rating (compared to a swen loop sling, which has 2 load-bearing strands).  Plus it needs 2 loop and sewn seams.  At least that's the way I'm thinking about it...

Admittedly, for spectra/dyneema, the different in weight is negligible. 

Totally!  BD rabbit runner is 35g, Mammut Contact sling is 37g.  2 grams is... not enough to justify this much discussion. :)

Why use a rabbit runner when you can just use a runner? I don’t get it.

kevin deweese wrote:

The benefit is in the decreased amount of material needed to complete the anchor (because the rabbit runner doesn't need twice the length of material). The anchor that you can build from a X" sling can be accomplished with a X/2" rabbit runner. Admittedly, for spectra/dyneema, the different in weight is negligible. 

Except when you buy an 60cm sling its 60cm layed flat not 60cm of cord in a loop making a 30cm sling.  

You are correct that you need less cord but if as said above a RR is 35g and a sling of the same length is 38g you only save 3g.  They are the same length in use and the sling has twice a much cord if it where cut as the RR but with almost no weight penalty.

For alpine routes where I might need a 48in (120cm) sling/runner I tie my own out of 9/16 webbing so I can untie them nd use them as tat if needed.  Much cheaper tat, longer too once you untie it (or cut it I'd the knot fuses)  

I usually only carry 2 or 3 slings that long so I'm not worried about a few grams.  My standard alpine draws are dyneema

I like them ice climbing. Typically I will clip screws with Petzl Spirit Dogbones, but for everything else Rabbits are good. I like that I don't have to take them off over my head, while I'm juggling tools and ropes. 11/16ths nylon, knotted is fine by me, lots of good material to work with for threads and anchors.

They're awesome for slinging icicles and trees!

One advantage is they are easier to throw around an object, because your biners stay in place.

How to Start a New Topic on Mountain Project:
Demand people reply in a certain way or don't reply. Because it's your Internet.
Don't have the ability to laugh at yourself and appreciate replies that may poke fun at your original post.

A partner of mine has some. They're in the bottom of the gear box. Less versatile. If you use them to tie anchors (with an overhand or 8 to create the masterpoint) the knots are a bitch to get out. But everyone has different preferences. Buy one and try it out if you like it buy more.