❓What's In my Astral Vest❓

[@michaelpennington5790]

that climbing nut is genius .....great idea!

[@WadeHarrison]

yeah a buddy used one during a bad swim probably saved his life

[@AlexBarham]

Lol wasn't I the one that showed you the climbing nuts trick? Miss you man!

[@WadeHarrison]

first time I seen it was a friend swam and used it to get out of a bad spot I do remember me and you were talking About crazy rescues and you said you carried one of those also

[@AlexBarham]

@@WadeHarrison Yup I carry a set of 3 on a small wire gate carabiner. Can't even tell they are there.

[@AnonymousOtters]

How useful is this really? A set, carefully chosen with strategic sizes for your home area, could be useful. But what is the chance you are going to have a crack that fits just a single stopper in a pinch? Not likely it seems to me, coming from 20+ years of trad climbing before starting kayaking. Not discounting the idea at all here. I think carrying some form of alternative anchor is great and wondering about what might provide a greater range of placements, but have the ease of use and reliability of a nut. I would think a sliding nut, tricam, or a small link-cam might be better. They all have pros and cons though.

[@AlexBarham]

@@AnonymousOtters I was just talking with a friend about switching to tri-cams

[@AnonymousOtters]

@@AlexBarham Tricams are great! They are a seriously under-rated given their ability to have a camming range and be placed like a regular nut. And, in this application, no moving parts to get buggered up while sitting in your vest/bag over time. One of the more-often placed pieces on my climbing rack. They do require a bit of practice though, so give em a go on dry land before needing them! If you are buying a new set, get the Evo models. They have more placement options.