EQUIPMENT. BASIC PRINCIPLES

EQUIPMENT

BASIC PRINCIPLES

We will continually consider an important component of caving  that affects nearly everything you do underground : energy. Cavers rarely talk about it and although the topic hardly seems compelling, keep in mind that when you enter the subterranean world you possess a precious store of "energy capital" that will diminish throughout the excursion. It is vital that you know how to manage this resource

Criteria for Choosing Equipment

1. Safety

Safety is naturally fundamental to all our considerations since the risks involved in fall in a 50- meter pit are not the same as those on hiking trail.

2. Weight

Weight is enemy of every caver, especially in vertical caves.

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3. Functionality

We could also speak of simplicity here, which stems in part from the demand for lightness; any redundant toll or useless function should be eliminated since it compromises lightness.

4. Strength and durability

Dressed in hard stone, the subterranean world is never gentle on your equipment. 

5. Deciding among criteria

In the end, compromise is necessary when dealing with so many different factors. Naturally, the balance depends on each individuals ability - or inability - to use, carry, maintain and repair his or her equipment.

The Need for Proper Maintenance

Wrong. Neglecting your gear can ave serious consequences :

- Dirty equipment wears out quickly.

- Cleaning gear after a trip is the perfect opportunity to inspect its condition

- Some metallic materials are sensitive to the combination of moisture and mud.

- Finally, a few words on comfort : you caving suit, under suit and socks are much more comfortable and warm when they ate soft and dry, rather than stiff with dirt and dried - out perspiration.

Reference to a Standard : the "CE" Mark

Standards and product labels are powerful agents of consumer safety and offer some guidance in a field that is often confusing for the non specialist. Labels can aid you as a user in finding the product that is suited specifically to your need.

Rules of Conduct

As we mentioned earlier, fixed anchors (anchor sleeves, studs, eye bolts, rings, hanger plats), whether they are set by expansion plugs or by glue, do not fall under the directive as PPEs. They are instead considered to be collective equipment. This does not mean that their choice and placement should be left entirely to the imagination of the person setting them. Quite to the contrary, the person placing the anchors sets the level of difficulty needed to overcome the obstacle. His actions should therefore follow the rules of the art. he bears an obvious responsibility to all future users and could quite clearly be implicated in the event of a serious accident. in a society that is becoming ever more litigious, it is a risk that must be carefully weighed.

survival food and plants

Ref : Georges Marbach, B. 2002. Alpine Caving Techniques - A Complete Guide to Safe and efficient Caving. Speleo Projects.