Quickdraws are sure to make climbing more fun, smooth and activity always to be remembered. Knowing the exact number of quickdraws you should have to make your climbing activity a success however is a huge question in the climbing community. Let’s start by answering that big question.
Well, it depends. The number of quickdraws you should have has a lot to do with the type of climbing you’re involved in. Speaking of climbing in general, you’ll be needing a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 quickdraws. Climbing that involves short and outcrop routes may require only 6 quickdraws, while for longer route climbing, you may need up to 12, 18, or even 24 quickdraws.
Having said that, how many quickdraws do you need for your next climb? Before we answer this question, let’s discuss extensively this subject and the factors that should influence your choice when buying one.
Contents
What Does a Quickdraws Mean?
Quickdraws are special types of equipment used especially for rock climbing. They are constructed to facilitate safe and smooth climbing. Quickdraws are usually used as links between anchors and free-running ropes, allowing climbers to secure an attained position during their climb. This special equipment consists of 2 (non-locking) carabiners that are bound together by a keeper and a sling.
Your safety as a climber is dependent, to a reasonable extent, on how you rightly use the quickdraws as they are essential for protection in case you fall. It is to this end that rock climbers are strongly advised not only to use quickdraws but to use them correctly and ensure they’re using enough.
Factors
From the distance of your climb route to the type of climb you’ll be doing, different factors influence the number of quickdraws you’ll be needing. We’ve listed a few below, so let’s discuss them as we touch on several considerations to be noted when choosing the quantity that will satisfy your climb’s need.
Weight
Weight is usually a primary determining factor when it boils down to rock climbing. First, you need to determine the weight of your quickdraw to ensure it doesn’t put a limit on the total number you can carry for your climb. The weight of the quickdraw can also determine which one is most ideal for a particular climb.
For beginners who are new to rock climbing and are planning a relatively long climb, the weight could be a problem because you’ll need more quickdraws to complete the climb and if the weight of individual quickdraw is not settled, you’ll overload yourself.
PS: Bringing too many lightweight quickdraws to the climbing scene could spell out doom for you as a climber as you are being exposed to high risk. On the other hand, having lots of heavy quickdraws would also give you a hard time completing your climb.
Type
In addition to the weight of a quickdraw, another factor to consider is the type of quickdraw you’re using. Heavier ones often have longer slings and heavier carabiners to augment the weight. This means that if you’re using a quickdraw with a 60 cm-long sling to sport climb, chances are that you’ll have more than a weight problem. It is thus advisable that climbers know which one to use for different climbing activities. This will lead us to the distance you’re climbing.
Height/Distance
What distance am I climbing? This is a question you should answer before settling for the number of quickdraws you need. For indoor sport climbers, this refers to the height of the wall. You’ll need to ensure that you’re choosing a number that allows you to conveniently travel across the rock surface.
Cams and Nuts
A conventional climbing gear may be found to contain up to 5 cams and 10 nuts. While some climbers prefer one to the other, some others love to have an equal quantity of both. This all comes down to your climbing preference.
A set of cams and nuts help climbers who are new to the sport gain mastery over the art. You’ll have more flexibility and they come in handy if at any point you decide to add to your climbing gear.
How many do you need?
Finally, we’re at the point where we answer the question of how many quickdraws you need to complete your climb. As you’ve seen so far, it depends on the type of climbing you want to engage in as well as other factors. In this segment of our guide, we’ll look at 3 different types of climbing and the number of quickdraws required for each one.
Multi-Pitch Climbing
For those that are looking to go on multi-pitch climbing, 12 quickdraws should do just fine. But you must remember to come with ones that are lightweight, yet durable. When buying quickdraws for multi-pitch climbing, you shouldn’t opt for low-quality ones because you want to buy a product that will last for long use.
Professional multi-pitch climbers may have a way to go by with just 10 quickdraws, but if you’re unfamiliar with this climbing style, you have to go with the number 12.
Sport Climbing
Sport climbers are often advised to bring a minimum of 12 quickdraws to the climbing scene. If you’re settling for a long route climb, you may need up to 18 or 24 quickdraws. When using this much quantity, you should think about the weight and also ensure you’re coming along with sport quickdraws (ones that are specially made for this type of climbing)
The reason for this progressive increase of quickdraw numbers is because they are usually sold in sets of 6. So, climbers need to know how to choose quickdraws for special climbs.
Trad Climbing
You shouldn’t need more than 12 quickdraws when doing trad climbing. This may be on the high side as a good number of trad climbing routes may require just six quickdraws. It is however good to be on the safer side as you can always bring extras plus some other trad climbing routes may exhaust 12 quickdraws.
In Summary
Knowing the right amount of quickdraws you need is predicated on the type of climbing you’ll be doing. First, you need to make sure you’re settled with the factors that could affect your climbing, then you can proceed to choose ones that are specially made for the type of activity you want to engage in.
In addition to that, always remember to bring a few extras — especially when you’re planning a long route climb. This will keep you prepared for whatever is waiting for you up there.
