What's In Jimmy Keithley's Pack?

Window washer and climber Jimmy Keithley on what he brings to a jobsite.

Jimmy Keithley, Salt Lake City resident, is a husband, dad and climber, a skateboarder, splitboarder and Salt Lake Climber’s Alliance Emeritus Director. Keithley started Outlook Window Cleaning about 25 years ago, “I started in the industry because I realized at the time that I was going to make more money cleaning windows than as an arts major, and so I dropped out of school.” Washing windows has given Keithley flexibility over his schedule, which allows him to travel and climb with his family. “It’s also a gratifying job; to see things improve quickly and immediately see a difference in the cleanliness of the windows.” As far as gear goes, “we window cleaners want robust gear that can handle alot and get thrown around,” Keithley comments. 

Take a look at what Keithley brings to a normal day on the job. 

1. VERTEX VENT: Any helmet you forget you’re wearing is a great helmet. I often catch myself going to lunch and forget I have it on. The ventilation is nice too because our work is super physical and it’s nice to have breathability. 
2. AXIS: An 11mm low stretch kernmantle rope. There’s a little bit of elastic to it, so it’s more comfortable to rappel on, easier to tie knots and thread devices. But it’s also still robust and lasts a long time and can get wet. 
3. BUCKET 25L: We use this to carry our gear to keep it safe from the elements. Also it’s a nice place to store rope to keep it away from UV rays, or other potentially corrosive elements. 
4. Gray bucket: Our buckets get worn fast because when we rappel, the bucket will rub against the building. We have to replace them every couple years. 
5. PODIUM: These are great because it’s comfortable and gives your lower back a break because we’re in a hunched over position most of the time. It’s also easy to clip to your harness and it stays out of your way when not in use. 
6. Rope/Edge protector: This goes over edge to protect building and ropes. 
7. Suction cups with the CONNECT ADJUST: The suction cups help me position on the window and by attaching the CONNECT ADJUST I can position myself on the window and keep my biceps from fatiguing because I can go hands free once I’m positioned.
8. Squeegee: I use a wide body channel squeegee for high rise work. It’s more robust, doesn’t bend easily and is difficult to break. Also, it won’t leave streaks! 
9. Mop: Made from a microfiber, spongy material that absorbs water, which I use to clean and scrub the window before squeegeeing. 
10. Carabiners: I use the OXAN, WILLIAM and AM’D since auto-locking and steel carabiners are becoming industry standard. It’s nice to have plenty on hand for anchors, rope delineation, and for carrying my supplies and tools.
11. ASAP’SORBER & ASAP: It’s nice to attach the ASAP and not have to worry. It stays out of your way, operates independently of me and I can descend at varied speeds since sometimes I have to rappel over a handrail by bouncing over to pass it. 
12. I’D S: The I’D S is great because it’s robust and I can ascend the rope with it since there are certain buildings that we can’t rapp off and we have to ascend the rope to get into position. 
13. AVAO: This full body harness is super adjustable, which is nice because sometimes I hang in the harness and sometimes I don’t, and it’s super nice to adjust when not on rope.