- Location
- Lexington, KY
Are you like me, always looking to shave 2-3 ounces off the next Lb. of your gear weight? Or maybe you like all the Bells & Whistles but without the jingle-jangle or pinch points. Well, have I got a solution for you. Give your Friction Hitches the Finger! For about 3 years now i've been tying my own (modified) eye-to-eye tails for friction hitches with an extra feature that eliminates the need of a micro-pulley. I start with a length of suitable hitch cord, and begin by tying a double-fishermans knot at one end and another at the opposite end to the desired length. Then I leave enough tail exiting the second knot to form a little "finger" about 3.5" to 4" long with an eye on it's end. This eye on the "fingers tip" is not a part of the Life dependent climbing system so I've just been whipping it closed. When your ready to tie in, form your climbing hitch ( I use a Valdotain ) and clip in without a pulley. Then cross the "finger" over the back of your hitch to trap the climbing-line between the carabiner. Now the "finger" will tend (or mind) on the way up, and fairlead on the way down just like the pulley (minus the $20-$70). So, put a finger in your tail and tell me what you think.... Just wash your hand when your done, Thanx.
