Multi-pitch climbing - Petzl USA
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Activities & Techniques Multi-pitch climbing

Multi-pitch climbing

© Sam Bié

Tech tips

Climbing with alternate leaders

Climbing with alternate leaders
Belaying a second with the MICRO TRAXION = danger!

Belaying a second with the MICRO TRAXION = danger!
Belaying a second with the MINI TRAXION: danger!

Belaying a second with the MINI TRAXION: danger!
To read for self-belaying

To read for self-belaying
General principles for solo climbing with a fixed belay rope

General principles for solo climbing with a fixed belay rope
Setting up a self-belay system on two ropes with two ascenders

Setting up a self-belay system on two ropes with two ascenders
Installation on one single rope with two ascenders

Installation on one single rope with two ascenders
Appendix 1: Petzl dœs not recommend using only one ascender for self-belaying.

Appendix 1: Petzl dœs not recommend using only one ascender for self-belaying.
Appendix 2: Detail of installation on two ropes with two ascenders

Appendix 2: Detail of installation on two ropes with two ascenders
Appendix 3: Detail of installation on one rope with two ascenders

Appendix 3: Detail of installation on one rope with two ascenders
Appendix 4: Precautions and introduction to risk analysis

Appendix 4: Precautions and introduction to risk analysis
Appendix 5: Analysis of solutions observed in the field - Use of a single ascender with knots in the rope.

Appendix 5: Analysis of solutions observed in the field - Use of a single ascender with knots in the rope.
Appendix 6: Analysis of solutions observed in the field. Use of one ascender and clipping into knots on a second rope

Appendix 6: Analysis of solutions observed in the field. Use of one ascender and clipping into knots on a second rope
Friction hitches

Friction hitches
Knots

Knots
PARTNER CHECK

PARTNER CHECK
How to coil the rope?

How to coil the rope?
Rope too short: warning - danger!

Rope too short: warning - danger!
Primary dangers when using a rope

Primary dangers when using a rope
Installing an equalized belay station

Installing an equalized belay station
Carabiner basics

Carabiner basics
Choice of carabiner for attaching a GRIGRI to the harness

Choice of carabiner for attaching a GRIGRI to the harness
Choice of carabiners for attaching a VERSO or REVERSO to the harness

Choice of carabiners for attaching a VERSO or REVERSO to the harness
Choice of lanyard end carabiner for a rock climbing or via ferrata lanyard

Choice of lanyard end carabiner for a rock climbing or via ferrata lanyard
Choice of carabiners for attaching the rope to the anchor

Choice of carabiners for attaching the rope to the anchor
Choice of carabiners for hauling systems and pulley attachment

Choice of carabiners for hauling systems and pulley attachment
Examples of dangerous carabiner loading.

Examples of dangerous carabiner loading.
Belaying and descending on multi-pitch climbs on a single rope

Belaying and descending on multi-pitch climbs on a single rope
Rappelling

Rappelling
Pitons

Pitons
Length of my new rope and the middle of the rope

Length of my new rope and the middle of the rope
Change in the length of my rope after use

Change in the length of my rope after use
Hauling a bag: preparation and technique

Hauling a bag: preparation and technique
Aid climbing progression

Aid climbing progression
Second climber stuck: hauling on a loaded rope

Second climber stuck: hauling on a loaded rope
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Technical news

Essential gear for multi-pitch climbing Petzl recommendations and technical information: key pages to explore PPE inspection, visit the product pages for all key information Petzl headlamps : a tale of quality Tips and techniques for multi-pitch climbing Carabiner how to guide: choosing and using the right carabiner

Your equipment Multi-pitch climbing

Performance
Advanced
Advanced Lady
SITTA High-end climbing and mountaineering harness
SIROCCO® Ultra-lightweight climbing and mountaineering helmet with reinforced protection
REVERSO® 4 Ultra-light multipurpose belay/rappel device with braking adapted to different rope diameters and suppleness; Reverso mode
VOLTA® 9.2 mm Multi-type, ultra-light 9.2 mm diameter rope for classic mountaineering and elite climbing performance
Sm'D Very versatile, lightweight, compact, D-shaped locking carabiner
ANGE FINESSE Quickdraw with ultra-light ANGE carabiners
DUAL CONNECT ADJUST Double positioning lanyard with one fixed arm and one adjustable arm
PUR'ANNEAU Very lightweight sling in high-modulus polyethylene
BUG Backpack for single-day multi-pitch climbing
ACTIK® CORE Rechargeable, compact. multi-beam headlamp with red lighting, designed for outdoor activities. 350 lumens
e+LITE® Ultra-compact emergency headlamp. 50 lumens
ADJAMA Climbing and mountaineering harness with adjustable leg loops, for single and multi-pitch climbing
METEOR Lightweight climbing and mountaineering helmet with reinforced protection
REVERSO® 4 Ultra-light multipurpose belay/rappel device with braking adapted to different rope diameters and suppleness; Reverso mode
RUMBA® 8.0 mm 8.0 mm diameter half rope for multi-pitch climbing and mountaineering, with Duratec Dry treatment
Am’D D-shaped locking carabiner for attaching devices to a harness
SPIRIT EXPRESS Quickdraw for sport climbing
CONNECT ADJUST Single positioning lanyard with adjustable arm
ST'ANNEAU Dyneema® sling
BUG Backpack for single-day multi-pitch climbing
e+LITE® Ultra-compact emergency headlamp. 50 lumens
ACTIK® CORE Rechargeable, compact. multi-beam headlamp with red lighting, designed for outdoor activities. 350 lumens
REACTIK® + Multi-beam, rechargeable headlamp that is programmable, thanks to the MyPetzl Light mobile app. Features REACTIVE LIGHTING technology that automatically adapts light intensity to user needs. 300 lumens
MyPetzl Light The Petzl mobile app customizes lighting performance of the REACTIK + and NAO + headlamps
LUNA Women's climbing and mountaineering harness with adjustable leg loops for single and multi-pitch climbing
METEOR Lightweight climbing and mountaineering helmet with reinforced protection
REVERSO® 4 Ultra-light multipurpose belay/rappel device with braking adapted to different rope diameters and suppleness; Reverso mode
RUMBA® 8.0 mm 8.0 mm diameter half rope for multi-pitch climbing and mountaineering, with Duratec Dry treatment
Am’D D-shaped locking carabiner for attaching devices to a harness
SPIRIT EXPRESS Quickdraw for sport climbing
CONNECT ADJUST Single positioning lanyard with adjustable arm
ST'ANNEAU Dyneema® sling
BUG Backpack for single-day multi-pitch climbing
e+LITE® Ultra-compact emergency headlamp. 50 lumens
ACTIK® CORE Rechargeable, compact. multi-beam headlamp with red lighting, designed for outdoor activities. 350 lumens
REACTIK® + Multi-beam, rechargeable headlamp that is programmable, thanks to the MyPetzl Light mobile app. Features REACTIVE LIGHTING technology that automatically adapts light intensity to user needs. 300 lumens
MyPetzl Light The Petzl mobile app customizes lighting performance of the REACTIK + and NAO + headlamps

© Sam Bié

News and videos Multi-pitch climbing

A sweet winter in Patagonia with Sean Villanueva A sweet winter in Patagonia with Sean Villanueva Sean Villanueva O'Driscoll recently left Patagonia after spending several months there with a group of friends. He was able to accomplish quite a bit, from sending projects at the Piedra Parada during the Petzl RocTrip to new alpine experiences on the Cerro Torre and Torres del Paine. Below, Sean recounts his recent adventures. Multi-pitch climbing
You’re wearing your climbing helmet wrong if... You’re wearing your climbing helmet wrong if... One very important piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) for climbing is the helmet. Designed primarily to guard the top of the head from unwanted impacts, many modern helmets also provide extended protection around the front, sides, and rear of the head. As climbers, we only benefit from the protective properties and performance of a climbing helmet if we wear it properly and maintain it regularly. If you are guilty of doing any of the following...you’re wearing your helmet wrong: Multi-pitch climbing
Becoming a multi-pitch climber Becoming a multi-pitch climber Multi-pitch climbing allows climbers to leave the ground far behind and experience adventures that are longer and more committing than single pitch climbing. Climbs with several pitches require self-sufficiency and the ability to adapt to a variety of situations based on the gear, the route, and the options available when descending. Use the information below to help realize your dreams of climbing higher. Multi-pitch climbing
A Climber's Gift Guide A Climber's Gift Guide When it comes to getting a gift for the climber in your life, what do you choose? It’s easy to get lost in a sea of strange devices with stranger names when venturing into an outdoor gear shop. To help you make sense of it all, here are some tips to help you choose the appropriate gift for that special climber. Multi-pitch climbing
Climbing in Northern Ireland: Fair Head Climbing in Northern Ireland: Fair Head Florence, Gérôme, and Adrien explored the cliffs of Ireland for Raphaël Fourau's camera. Enjoy this photo trip report that takes us deep into the mysteries of the legendary crag, Fair Head. Multi-pitch climbing
Best practices for belaying a lead climber Best practices for belaying a lead climber Whether at the climbing gym or crag, the base of any route often includes good-humored banter while cheering on your friends. Higher up on the wall, climbers focus on their routes, having fun while concentrating on the next move, placing full trust in their belayer. In spite of the relaxed atmosphere, you should always remember that belayer attentiveness is vital for climber safety whatever the belay device: no device can replace a good belayer. The following is a short review of the main techniques for being a good belayer, and subsequently a good climber. Multi-pitch climbing
In memory of Ueli In memory of Ueli Ueli Steck died on April 30, 2017, on the slopes of Nuptse. In his memory, several high-mountain enthusiasts sent us their personal thoughts and stories. Nina Caprez, Matthieu Maynadier, Liv Sansoz, and photographer Jonathan Griffith relate the times they spent with their friend and his influence on their lives and careers. Multi-pitch climbing
The World's Best Belayer: learn the secret to his talent! The World's Best Belayer: learn the secret to his talent! "When he belayed me and I sent my route, I actually broke down in tears, [...] I had never experienced anything like that, and it changed my life...." -- Dave Graham Multi-pitch climbing
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