Stash pad ethics

Tradibanwrote:

Yes.

Big loads get humped all the time in and out, why should boulderers be exempt?

Bs. Show me a photo of you hiking with 6 pads. Then we can talk.

John Clarkwrote:

Guessing you don’t use chalk or sticky rubber climbing shoes then.

I brush my ticks, and do my best to make sure that I leave no trace. Did I say that I was perfect at doing that? No, and frankly, your point has absolutely nothing to do with the conversation at hand re: PADS at boulders, not chalk or shoe marks. Obviously, there is no way to truly leave NO trace - the only way to do that would be to not climb at all, which no one on this forum is willing to do. The discussion at hand pertains directly to the ethics of leaving PADS at boulders, and my take is that in the interest of practicing LNT as best as a climber can, we should take our equipment home and yes, brush ticks and maintain the rock as best we can. Feel free to continue the conversation, if you'd like, but would encourage you to really lean into the basics of reading comprehension and make sure your comments actually add something to the discussion. 

Jack Nemitzwrote:

I brush my ticks, and do my best to make sure that I leave no trace. Did I say that I was perfect at doing that? No, and frankly, your point has absolutely nothing to do with the conversation at hand re: PADS at boulders, not chalk or shoe marks. Obviously, there is no way to truly leave NO trace - the only way to do that would be to not climb at all, which no one on this forum is willing to do. The discussion at hand pertains directly to the ethics of leaving PADS at boulders, and my take is that in the interest of practicing LNT as best as a climber can, we should take our equipment home and yes, brush ticks and maintain the rock as best we can. Feel free to continue the conversation, if you'd like, but would encourage you to really lean into the basics of reading comprehension and make sure your comments actually add something to the discussion. 

...but you seem to want to draw the line where it's convenient for you? 

E MuuDwrote:

...but you seem to want to draw the line where it's convenient for you? 

the conversation isn't about my personal ethical code of behavior in backcountry, it's about the ethics of leaving pads out. Feel free to refer to either of my earlier replies on the matter, and keep in mind that we're talking about, again, pads - not shoes or chalk or how Jack cleans up after himself. I don't leave my pads out in public, and that's about all that matters in the context of this conversation. 

C Gwrote:

Ever hiked with 6 pads, rope, harness, ascending gear, etc???

tbh if you can't find six friends to go bouldering with to help spread out the load, you might as well free solo your project.

On a more serious note-
What differentiates a couch cushion or a mattress left in the woods vs a stashed pad?
It's all ugly junk interrupting nature. Gear that's left behind is functionally litter to everyone else.

 And on a more practical note- 

I wouldn't be willing to bet that hiking those pads out would be too arduous for somebody looking at possibly several hundred dollars worth of gear just for the cost of some sweat. That's quite a gamble, considering everyone else who arrives there will have already carried pads through the same terrain.

 Honestly, how is this even a question? Its a public resource, not someone's private undies drawer.

Carl Not Stevewrote:

tbh if you can't find six friends to go bouldering with to help spread out the load, you might as well free solo your project.

On a more serious note-
What differentiates a couch cushion or a mattress left in the woods vs a stashed pad?
It's all ugly junk interrupting nature. Gear that's left behind is functionally litter to everyone else.

 And on a more practical note- 

I wouldn't be willing to bet that hiking those pads out would be too arduous for somebody looking at possibly several hundred dollars worth of gear just for the cost of some sweat. That's quite a gamble, considering everyone else who arrives there will have already carried pads through the same terrain.

Haven’t found too many people interested in a 2.5 hour hike uphill to boulder in the mountains with me.

With appropriate care, stashing pads is quite different than tossing cushions and garbage in the woods.  I go great lengths to prevent critters from tearing foam and spreading it around the woods. I also hide my pads in places that very few people would ever find unless intentionally looking for them.

As for someone finding and using them? Fine by me if they put them back in the original condition.  If they decide to take them home? Haha. Props to them for going through the work of hiking them out. I guess they earn that right through the effort it would take.

btw… I’ve found more stashed buckets of trad gear, water and food than anything else when I’ve been hiking in the mountains. 

M Mwrote:

 Honestly, how is this even a question? Its a public resource, not someone's private undies drawer.

What if it was someone’s Public undies drawer? Would that make a difference?

John Clarkwrote:

What if it was someone’s Public undies drawer? Would that make a difference?

Ha! Just use it, return it, heck, steal it if thats your bag. I once lived in a place where people would urinate on it but that was only a 20 minute hike in.

I'm usually anti-stash, but CG, you've convinced me that there might be ways to stash responsibly

I think if someone stashed it, you can use it just don’t move it. Unless it’s stashed at a boulder 5 minutes off the road. Or really anywhere with a not mountaineering crazy long extensive approach. It’s ridiculous for the wildlife. If anyone is down to go steal the pad stash under Euro roof, HMU. That stash is PURE laziness the boulder is five minutes max from the road

C Gwrote: With appropriate care, stashing pads is quite different than tossing cushions and garbage in the woods.  I go great lengths to prevent critters from tearing foam and spreading it around the woods. I also hide my pads in places that very few people would ever find unless intentionally looking for them.

Please detail how you prevent this critter getting of pads. While I think stashing pads is unethical, under certain circumstances it is warranted. I’d like to know how

I see stash pads like project draws, fine for the community to use at their own risk. 

Addy Swrote:

Please detail how you prevent this critter getting of pads. While I think stashing pads is unethical, under certain circumstances it is warranted. I’d like to know how

I start by finding caves. No surprise there. when selecting a stash spot, look for signs of animal activity. Avoid any spots that show signs of active use (droppings, holes, nests, food remnants, tracks/ prints). This reduces chances of disturbing their homes and the likelihood that they’ll chew the pads. They really just want bedding for their nests… making the pads look less like potential bedding will go a long way in stopping them from chewing it.

Spray the corners of the pads and straps heavily with non toxic rodent repellent (mostly just peppermint, black pepper and ginger).

Lay a few logs (or rocks) on the ground to lay the pads on top. Sprinkle the granulated form of rodent repellent on the ground directly where you plan to stash the pads around the logs or rocks (also just black pepper, peppermint and ginger). Double tarp the pads tightly and lay on top of the logs to keep them off the ground. Spray the corners of the tarps.

All of this is most important in early fall and spring when nesting activities are highest.

Note that I too am opposed to stashing pads in most circumstances. I never stash in a developed area. Only in places that are quite a trek and I’m the only person bouldering there. 

great info, thank you so much

Tradibanwrote:

Yes.

Big loads get humped all the time in and out, why should boulderers be exempt?

Ever climb at the needles? Common practice is to leave your rack up there if you're climbing multiple days. I see no problem with this or stashing pads (assuming they aren't getting destroyed by rodents).

N -wrote:

Ever climb at the needles? Common practice is to leave your rack up there if you're climbing multiple days. I see no problem with this or stashing pads (assuming they aren't getting destroyed by rodents).

Yes and I hiked all my stuff in and out like a big boy!

Go ahead and stash your stuff kiddos but don’t get all butt hurt when it goes missing or someone, heaven forbid, used your pads.

Pretty freaking obvious - you can use it, just put it back.