Top Rope Soloing in the Rain?

Can anyone think of any issues one might have TR soloing in the rain? Would a wet rope affect the traxion's ability to catch? Thoughts?

Jacob Ireland wrote:

Can anyone think of any issues one might have TR soloing in the rain? Would a wet rope affect the traxion's ability to catch? Thoughts?

 Have you considered trying it for yourself???

Soak your rope in water, rig it to a tree or something and go find out...

Looking forward to hearing your results...

That device should still work on a wet rope. But of course you have a back-up in case it doesn't... RIGHT?  So go out there and have some Type 2 fun.

Gunkiemike wrote:

That device should still work on a wet rope. But of course you have a back-up in case it doesn't... RIGHT?  So go out there and have some Type 2 fun.

True. I would tying back up knots as I go. 

Never TR soloed in the rain but done plenty of jugging , sometimes with a micro in the system on soaked fixed lines and never had a problem with it engaging. 

In this case teeth are your friend.

Jacob Ireland wrote:

True. I would tying back up knots as I go. 

I'm more curious how well my climbing shoes will climb in the rain. Alpinists and Mountaineers use some of that gear in wet and freezing conditions all the time.

Desert Rock Sports wrote:

Off topic, but basically are you saying don't do this? Better to deck than snap your spine? (Or just have a safe system?)

Climbing shoes don’t stick very well to wet rock. The BRITs used to put socks over their shoes. Never tried it myself. Also if there’s any lichen   Especially the  light green small stuff that doesn’t brush off ,that is just like pouring olive oil on the rock once it’s wet. Certain rock if it has crystals that stick out or little sharp teeth, those still work. And, of course, certain sandstones, you absolutely must not climb on when it’s wet.

I probably should would suggest finding a big roof and practicing your aid climbing. Just remember that cams don’t hold very well and wet rock.

I’ve done this a fair amount.  Practically Guaranteed to get the climb you want.  Adds an element of “full alpine conditions” to test out gear, jackets, etc for worst case scenarios.  Actually found everything performs surprisingly well.  

Good excuse for not getting the send….”yeah, well, it was at night in the rain….”

Never had any real technical issues, just minor comfort issues on lighter weight jackets…but now know what I can expect.  

Use a “rain rope” (like rock skis).  Stressing a wet rope can shave off its lifespan more rapidly.  For the record I use any combos of traxions, Gri Gri, and Soloist

I've done a fair amount of solo wet top rope shenanigan's  while exploring for or cleaning new routes. I am usually relieved when I am back on the ground: lots of ass clenching and deep concentration. There is a certain amount of "Fuck yeah, I survived" though. Then you have to pack up a bunch of extra heavy waterlogged and mud covered gear, go find an overhang to have a smoke and then hike it out of there. "That route is going to be so cool!"

Since I am usually going up and down a lot, I usually just use my old grigri on a big fat bluewater II static rope and throw in knots to keep me off the ground if it should slip. When wet I would use more frequent knots. Wet ropes are much more herky jerky in the GriGri when initiating lowering.

Mark Pilate wrote: .  

Use a “rain rope” (like rock skis).  Stressing a wet rope can shave off its lifespan more rapidly. 

Interesting,  Never heard of that before. 

Joseph Chen wrote:

Off topic, but basically are you saying don't do this? Better to deck than snap your spine? (Or just have a safe system?)

Just have a safe system.

Backup knots in static rope are to keep you from lowering off the end of the rope, or sliding down short distances.

Backup knots in dynamic rope can also keep you from lowering off the end of the rope, or sliding down short distances too... but wont break your back if you slide / free fall a long distance before they catch, because dynamic rope.

If you are tying a backup knot far below to catch you on a static rope, you are saying I want my dead body to be hanging off the ground instead of on the ground.
Edit: and maybe you get lucky... but why gamble, when its so easy to have a solid system waayyyyyyy safer.

SICgrips wrote:

Interesting,  Never heard of that before. 

Just saw this video from “Hard is Easy” with respect to wet ropes.   My own info was from a much more cursory visit and discussion years ago at the same factory.  Well done and informative video in my opinion 

https://youtu.be/5gyt46i4c4E?si=03LBv3MLCcY5aarq