Top Rope Soloing

This video provides instruction in how to rope solo. After a discussion of the difference between lead rope soloing and top rope soloing Glen discusses the application of top rope soloing for multipitch and alpine climbing. Tools discussed in this video include ascenders, the Kong Duck, and the CAMP Lift. Glen shows how to set-up the system, and discusses some of the dangers such as rope damage which can occur on traverses or where sharp edges are present.

[TerjeMathisen]

More than 40 years ago, when I started climbing, this was known as "clogging".
The name came from the Clog ascender device which was relatively easy to strap to your harness in such a way that the rope would pass easily through it while climbing. We used this a lot for individual training at the crags, by setting top ropes from above the cliff and then we'd do laps or if this was a project, just hang around and try individual moves.

[Johney_Nomadic]

Awesome video, y'all. Thank you! I've been climbing from a very young age, but I realize there's always something new to learn. You're appreciated, Thanks again!

[TonySpinach]

I find that the teeth on my micro trax have done 0 damage on my rope over the years. Unless you’re taking 3kn+ falls (which should never happen in tr soloing) falls are just basically sitting down, so teethed ascenders should not be something to worry about.

[rebel_is_here]

Good video. It's been a while since I went top-rope-soloing so needed a refresher before I go out. I think I'll use two separate ropes with a progress capture device on each rope to de-risk the sharp edge problem you mentioned. Possibly more faff, but arguably safer.

[jasonbennett]

5:20
Hi! LOVE this video. Can you help explain the counterweight? How does a 5 lb bag keep the rope secure in a fall? I figure I was going to see you establish an anchor at the bottom of the route! Curious to try this out on a tree but would love advice/explanation

[tomwill]

Cool Video, well explained!
I Use the Camp Lift too and the T-Bloc as back up on a semi-static rope! Works great! Have fun! Greets from switzerland

[khrumkashan]

Love every single videos of you . So high valuable contents . Thank you for sharing huge respect ✊🙏🙏🙏

[rogeriofaria]

Excellent video! Thank you for sharing!

[drewcunningham]

I like this system very am just getting into solo aid climbing after more than forty years of traditional free trad close to sixty now, it is hard to find friends that still climb thus on most days I am alone. Up until now, I have primarily been using a simple prusik loop for both my Ice climbing top rope soloing and my aid climbing soloing but it can a bit of a drag having to always slide the knot up and down the rope, and when you do fall it can be quite hard to loosen the knot, especially in wet conditions looks to be a perfect rope seems to slide effortlessly through the ascender and the Kong and that is what appeals to me the as I am now pushing the difficulty of my top rope aid routes, we will have to see how much the ascender gets in my way as it is attached to the chest...I am working on placing copper heads and beaks now so I expect lots of falls....One thing I suggest is using a 10mm static rope - It is worth the investment plus you can use this rope to bring up your haul bag when you progress to larger multi-pitch routes....anyway, can't wait to give it a whirl! - a great video! Thank You!

[ctbsancho]

Micro traction on a fixed line works great. Used to use a gri gri but got tired of pulling slack every ten feet.

[solsoliiss.]

Great video! Thank you for sharing! Would you mind showing how you descend and switch from ascension tools to the rappel?

[FlyfishermanMike]

After a long hiatus from climbing I'm looking to get back into it. I formerly used a Petzl basic as the primary device but the Petzl no longer recommends the new version for TRS. I'll check out the Camp Lift.

[outdoorgirls]

Nice video :) I've been investigating the various ways and devices for TR solo. I've noticed the Camp Lift seems to be popular. I use a Petzl Shunt (attached to chest, of course, to prevent the Shunt from going upside-down) and then a Petzl Nanotraxion as my backup. And, it might be overkill, but I use an 11mm static rope lol. It's a beast, but I don't have to hike it very far.

[squirrelspown]

that was alot of great information. Thank you

[ExploringtheNordics]

Do you have a video explaining the change from climbing to descending?

[ASHISHUTUBE]

Very informative, thanks for sharing.

[fredpiard]

I have a Camp Turbochest as main device and a Machard Tresse knot above the device as safety (the Turbochest pushes the Machard up). I find this setup light and simple.

[kjw]

Excellent video, I'm going to use a elderid spoc below (with a mammut cross lock to prevent cross loading), and a grandwall uascend on top. I believe you are the only one i've seen that has mentioned sheath damage to the rope at the top of the cliff an excellent point, especially if TR solo ropes are interchangeable with lead ropes. thumbs up!

[juanserna]

Would you consider using a ropeman 2 instead of a kong?

[clutteredchicagogarage]

So both carabiners attached to your 2 different ascenders are clipped to your belay loop not your tie-in points? Is that recommended? I know that the orientation works better this way, but i am wondering if you are supposed to have some sort of redundant tie through both tie-in points in your harness?