I’ve done climbed at the gym including belay training, but am getting ready for my first outdoor climb, with someone else more experienced. After talking with some at the climbing store and watching videos including from Summit Seekers , my plan is:

  • bowline off a bight around tree 1 using static rope, safety overhand from the free end of the bight around one side
  • stopper knot (double overhand) on the loose end to make a tether through my grigri while working near the cliff edge
  • bowline off another bight around tree 1, again overhand safety knot
  • BHK (overhand in a bight in the center to form the master point, just past the cliff edge
  • opposed quick draws off the BHK to connect the top rope to the BHK

Here’s the mockup in my living room:

overview

The white rectangle is my cliff edge / the towel or bag I would put between the rope and the sharp edge.

master point

I’ve seen opposing locking carabiners used off the master point instead of quick draws, though I see quick draws used off hardware anchors. Is it important?

bowline and tether

Is it important how close/far the safety knot is from the bowline? I’ve used bowlines for years so I’m aware of how they can turn into slip knots if you’re not careful.

bowline

Any critique of the overall setup, individual knots, use of equipment etc very welcome!

  • discocactus@lemmy.world
    3·
    27 days ago

    The quickdraws are redundant, I would use just two opposite/opposed locking biners for the top rope thru the master point. The idea is to reduce points of failure, each quickdraw adds two possible additional points of failure. Safety knot should be close to the main knot. The master point is ok (safe-ish) but I would just equalize the two lines from the trees and then tie a figure 8. It will be easier to untie, doesn’t need a backup, is easier to adjust, and is simpler. It’s exciting to use your skills, but simple is best usually. You don’t need two loops of rope at the master point with that diameter of cord. I might with 5-7mm cordillette or something, but I’d still tie a figure 8 (just on a bight). Overall you have everything you need for a nice toprope setup, I’d just use those lockers, not the draws. It’s not wrong per se to use draws like that, but it’d be my third or fourth choice, or one made out of haste. Edit- I would also consider a coil or two on the bowlines wrapping trees. Will keep your lines where you want them and reduce sawing motion on rappels.