Flipping through some climbing photo’s when I found this I took while on top of Castleton Tower near Moab,UT this summer. This photo not only shows the beauty of the desert, but also shows a few of the tools we needed to reach this summit.... 5.10 Moccasym’s and a Petzl CONTACT 9.8mm rope.Â
The moc’s were my partners so I can’t speak too much on how they climbed, but I know he was loving them. I was wearing my own 5.10 Anasazi Lace (the pinky’s) and loving every sandstone edge, smear and heel-toe jam that the off-width’s, on the Kor-Ingalls route, had to offer. There was plenty of “I wonder if these will stick to that slick calcite?... Whoa... It did! I’m alive!” Bless you 5.10 sticky C4 rubber! I am forever thankful...Â
Now a few words about our life line on the wall... Petzl’s CONTACT 9.8mm rope. 3 words come to mind... supple, light weight, and durable. This is a light 9.8mm! At only 60 g/m (grams per meter) allowing the enjoyment of a thinner rope without sacrificing durability. From clipping to top belays this rope keeps a soft feel in your hands thanks to the ClimbReady coil. As soon as you tie in you know you’re going to have a great time. It glides smoothly over any surface and was a dream to top belay with. I’ve never had such a clean belay station! Usually new ropes need some “taming” before they behave at belay stations, however it’s like the Contact had a sense of self control and knew where to go. I can’t wait to purchase another Petzl rope... (I've got my eye on the 8.2mm Salsa half rope for bigger multi-pitch and ice routes) Â
