Ontario Climbing

Personal anchoring systems have become popular over the last few years as they offer climbers a quick and secure way of clipping into anchors on multi-pitch climbs or when cleaning sport routes. And unlike slings or traditional daisy chains, most personal anchoring systems offer greater adjustability and safety. With all these benefits, it’s not surprising that Petzl would eventually offer their version of a personal anchoring system: the Dual Connect Adjust and Connect Adjust.

Unlike many existing sewn tethering systems, Petzl uses a dynamic rope with sewn terminations and a forged aluminum adjuster. Petzl also includes a rubber ring that climbers can thread on to the carabiner, which prevents unwanted biner-shift. The system is girth hitched to the harness and climbers can easily adjust the length for various clipping situations. The system works surprisingly well and with very little practice climbers can quickly extend the length with one hand.

The other obvious benefit with both Connect Adjust systems is that the dynamic rope can reduce impact forces during a short fall (less than a fall factor one), something that might be encountered when shifting around at a crowded belay. The single tether is ideal for clipping into anchors while the dual lanyard version (one fixed length arm and one adjustable) allows for more complex rappelling and rigging manoeuvres. This is a well executed tethering system that should be considered by any climber looking for an alternative to slings and daisy chains.

You can find out more about the new Petzl Dual Connect Adjust and Connect Adjust Lanyard and other Petzl products at www.petzl.com.