Sewn Runners; How Many and How Long?

[rcwild]

Some of the gear we carry will be used on virtually every trip. Some gear we carry just in case. Factors that influence what we carry include: what we know is going to happen during the trip, what we think could happen, and the techniques we plan to use to deal with what happens.

So I'm curious. How many sewn runners do people carry and how long are they? Do you have specific reasons for carrying each piece of sling or cord? Or are you carrying what you think is more than enough just in case you might need it?

Do you also carry cord? If so, is it pre-tied into prusiks or kept untied?

If you use your slings and/or cord to make improvised ascenders, which friction hitch(es) do you prefer?

[Eshi-1]

On my harness, I always have the following:
1 x 24" sewn spectra - That's my safety teather / My self belay when I use my Shunt / My Harness ascender connection point.

2 x 5' & 1 x 4' - 5.5mm prusiks double-fishermaned - That with my 24" sewn and my Shunt completes my full set for any ascending/descending/knot passing situation.

1 x 24" tied 1/2" Nylon sling - Just an extra piece in case I lost on of the above or need a quick additional anchor that I don't mind leaving behind.

In my backpack I have some extras for emergency & rescue, or just for forgetfull people who left theirs at home.
That includes the followint:
A second set of 2 x 5' & 1 x 4' 5.5mm prusiks. Backup set, takes no real room or adds any real weight.
2 more 24" sewn spectra.
2 more 30" tied 1/2" Nylons - Extra and to have something a bit longer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Using the set I described I have on my harness has proven many times before that it got many advantages to it.
Passing knots going up or down faster than most (maybe all) other systems I've seen.
Very light weight and compact.
Most versatile tools (the prusiks and the Shunt).
And let's not forget: Over all for all items in the set - cheap.

[rcwild]

I added a poll to this thread. Do you prefer spectra or nylon runners?

Please post comments regarding the reasons for your preference.

[sonnylawrence]

For the life of me I can not see how people pack their pack the same each time. I never seem to carry exactly the same gear nor have it end up in the same part of the pack. The same goes for the gear I carry in canyons. I have a bag with a bunch of stuff in it. Depending on the canyon, who is going, what new trick I have seen recently; I will carry different gear. That is true for software. I tie my own prusiks out of 5 or 6 mm cord. I will often carry a couple different length loops as well as Purcell prusiks. I use Spectra slings; 24 and 48 inch. I use a Web-o-lette. I think in terms of the function rather than the precise piece of gear. So I like three rope grabs of different lengths, one of which can function as a foot loop. Spectra is nice because it can handle abrasion, does not aborb water and is lightweight. Nylon is cheap and has some shock-absorbing stretch. Spectra is more slippery, which with a carabiner, can be more efficient for a "pulley" system. It can slide around a rock or tree easier than nylon.

However the most common assortment I carry would be three Spectra slings: two 48 inch and one 24 inch, one roughly 24 inch 5 mm nylon prusik and many feet of 1 inch tubular sling.

I voted for Spectra in Rich's poll.

[perfectoval]

I use two 48" sewn spectra runners (double runners).

I use them for clipping into anchors (frequently I have one of them tied with an overhand knot so I can clip into the anchors short... though I usually find long is ideal).

I will also use one to make a "quick draw" by running the biner through the other one twice and reclipping all loops.

While not ideal, I've been able to use a Bachmann knot with these (if I wrap them enough times) to use them for ascending.

I'm still debating these over 7mm tied cord for the benefits of better grip with less wraps for autoblock-style knots versus the bulk of a dbl fishermans to tie the cord together.

For now I'm voting spectra since it's what I use a majority of the time.

[AZcanyoneer]

For the most part I like to carry the same webbing/sling bag because I always know what I have, and I don't think that a couple extra runners and some sling is really going to slow me down that much, while it always adds the extra options should the need arise. Depending on the canyon I'm going through, I'll adjust the amount of webbing I carry, but runners always stay the same.

I carry two 48" spectra runners, two 24" nylon runners, a 7mm x 20' cordalette, webbing, and a 48" daisy. I keep all of this except for (one 48" spectra which I have set up as a canyon quickdraw) in a drybag to prevent additional water weight, and to help in organization. Usually the 24" runners end up being used to hang pack below harness or as a safety tether if someone forgets one.

[sonnylawrence]

Many times, for a variety of reasons, I have gotten separated from my pack. Hence I keep the essential software, biners and a knife hanging off my harness.