First Person Rock Climbing: "Direct Southwest" (5.11b), Devils Tower, Wyoming

[@forrestdeak351]

One of my fave pitches anywhere! If only it was 300 ft of that

[@bradfordLburns]

You mean 3000ft?

[@entreadapt]

what a sweet line!

[@bradfordLburns]

One of my favorites at the Tower, thats for sure! Although, I'm a sucker for finger cracks!

[@albertlutton9920]

Very nice lead! Just curious..have you ever tried using the stoppers sideways, for a straight taper?

[@bradfordLburns]

Definitely! I place stoppers much less than I used to, but the tower normally takes them really well. I think most stoppers are rated to fewer KN when placed "sideways" across the other axis, but generally seem just as bomber as long as the placement is sinker.

[@seaofjapanify]

Strong work man. Wondering if you did el mat while you were there and how you felt this pitch compared to it in terms of difficulty.

[@bradfordLburns]

Thanks! Yeah I’ve done El Mat a handful of times. They are really different styles, as Direct SW is more vertical and on your hands/fingers, where as El Mat is a mega calf pumper. Both are similarly hard, but Direct SW is a bit harder.