Big Wall Hauling: Wrangling Your Gear Up a Cliff

Big Wall Hauling: Wrangling Your Gear Up a Cliff

So, you’re thinking about tackling a big wall? Awesome! But before you start dreaming of summit glory, let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous part: hauling. Picture this: you’re hundreds of feet off the deck, and everything you need to survive for days – food, water, your bed (a portaledge!), and all that climbing gear – is hanging below you in a giant bag. Getting that thing up the wall? That’s hauling. And trust me, it can make or break your climb.

Big wall routes aren’t your average day at the crag. We’re talking multi-day adventures, often 10 pitches or more. That means you’re essentially living on the side of a cliff, and you need to bring everything with you. Hauling isn’t just about brute strength; it’s about smart systems and efficient techniques. A good hauling setup can save you energy, time, and a whole lot of frustration.

First, let’s talk gear. You can’t just toss your stuff in any old duffel bag. You need a haul bag – a super-tough, abrasion-resistant beast designed to take a beating against the rock. Some folks prefer one massive bag, but I’m a fan of multiple smaller bags. It keeps things organized and makes it easier to find that one energy bar you’re craving after a long day.

Besides the bag, you’ll need a haul line – a static rope that doesn’t stretch much when you pull on it. A progress capture device, like a Petzl Pro Traxion, is essential. It lets you pull the bag up without it sliding back down. Think of it as a one-way valve for your haul system. And don’t forget the locking carabiners – you’ll need a bunch! A swivel is another lifesaver; it keeps the bag from twisting and turning into a tangled mess.

Now, about the hauling systems themselves. There are a few different ways to get that bag moving, and the best one depends on how heavy your load is and how steep the wall is.

The simplest is 1:1 hauling. You just grab the rope and pull. This works okay for lighter loads on steeper terrain, but it gets tiring fast. For heavier loads, you’ll want a 2:1 system. This uses a pulley to give you a mechanical advantage. For every two feet of rope you pull, the bag moves up one foot. It’s less strenuous, but you have to pull more rope. There are also 3:1 systems for truly massive loads, but honestly, if you need that much gear, you might be overpacking.

Then there’s space hauling. This is where the lower climber hangs on the haul line to provide a counterweight while the upper climber pulls. It’s efficient, but it requires good communication and trust between partners. I’ve seen some near-misses with this technique, so be careful!

Here’s a few tips I’ve learned over the years:

• Pack Light! Seriously, the less you bring, the easier hauling will be. Be ruthless about cutting unnecessary weight.
• Organize, Organize, Organize! Use different colored stuff sacks to keep your gear sorted. Trust me, you don’t want to be digging through a giant bag looking for your headlamp in the dark.
• Protect That Knot! The knot connecting the haul line to the bag takes a beating. Use a knot protector – even an old plastic bottle will do – to keep it from fraying.
• Use Your Legs! Hauling is a full-body workout. Use your legs to generate power, not just your arms.
• Take Breaks! Don’t try to haul the whole thing in one go. Pace yourself and take frequent breaks to rest and hydrate.
• Talk to Your Partner! Communication is key, especially when space hauling or dealing with tricky terrain.

And finally, a word about safety. Always back up your system! Use a GriGri or other device to secure the haul line. Inspect your gear regularly for wear and tear. Be aware of rockfall – hauling can dislodge loose rocks. Never stand directly below the haulbag, and make sure it’s securely attached to the anchor at night. A dropped haulbag can be deadly.

So, there you have it – a crash course in big wall hauling. It’s not the most glamorous part of climbing, but it’s essential for success. With the right gear, the right techniques, and a little bit of elbow grease, you can wrangle that haul bag up the wall and focus on the real reason you’re out there: the climb. Now get out there and send it!