Canyoneering Gear

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Materials[edit]

Canyoneering will beat the hell out of your stuff. You'll find the average school bookbag will last a few trips before you destroy the zipper or wear a hole in the bottom. A brand new $160 canyoneering specific pack won't last more than a season or two of hard use. In some cases (or canyons) you might want to optimize for sturdy materials over weight. Bringing a shiny pair of ultralight hiking pants into a sharp Death Valley canyon will end up a $70 disaster by the end of the day.

Suitability[edit]

The suitability of gear is much more important. Bringing a cheap headlamp, jeans and a polo to an after work wet canyon is a sure recipe for disaster. When you're shivering and your light is going out, your friends probably won't feel like you're part of the team. More important than choosing the right materials, is choosing objects that are suitable. That bookbag I mentioned doesn't float (you considered that before tossing it into the swirling pool below, right?)

Desirable attributes for both materials and suitability:

  • Durable
  • Floats
  • Waterproof
  • Lightweight
  • Colorful

These attributes are typically at the expense of weight - if you're descending a dry canyon then forget about the waterproofing.

Experience and handicaps[edit]

Experience comes into play, an expert canyoneer can make the silliest of gear work in a canyon. Some folks could rappel 400 feet wearing a tux and holding a stuffed animal. A beginner's goal should be to handicap themselves as little as possible. An expert should focus on emergency considerations.

Rope[edit]

Canyoneering ropes should be static, durable, and stay relatively light when wet.

For a comparison of many ropes, see the rope comparison.

Shoes[edit]

Shoe Considerations

What do you really need?[edit]

The Bare Minimum

Case Studies[edit]

Credits

Information provided by automated processes. Authors are listed in chronological order.

In all habitats live animals and plants that deserve respect, please minimize impact on the environment and observe the local ethics. Canyoneering, Canyoning, Caving and other activities described in this site are inherently dangerous. Reliance on the information contained on this site is solely at your own risk. There is no warranty as to accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the information provided on this site. The site administrators and all the contributing authors expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss or injury caused, in whole or in part, by its actions, omissions, or negligence in procuring, compiling or providing information through this site, including without limitation, liability with respect to any use of the information contained herein. If you notice any omission or mistakes, please contribute your knowledge (more information).