CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESThe ins and outs of climbing in Thailand
The climbing in Thailand is largely either sport climbing or deepwater soloing (deeping, DWS). If luggage space and weight is an issue, head to the south beaches of Krabi (Railay and Ton Sai), bring nothing more than a pair of shoes and chalk bag for deeping.
If there’s space and weight for more, pack the usual suspects for sport climbing: rope, shoes, harness, 15 quickdraws, belay device, chalk bag and a personal anchoring system.
With few exceptions, finding competent climbing partners is no problem -- as long as you contribute something. If you’re traveling alone on a tight schedule, carry a complete bag to avoid disappointment. Secure partners by being the gear resource; you’ll rest easy knowing that all pieces are well maintained.
This is the harness I’ve been wearing for 3 years, whether it’s for a day at the crag, knocking out as many pitches at my level or on all-day alpine climbs. Arc’teryx accommodates a double rack of cams, nuts, biners, water and approach shoe while remaining comfortable hanging out at the anchors and taking pictures of fellow climbers. It only weighs 13.9 oz. and is a fist-sized addition to your pack.
To top out on Chiang Mai’s longest routes, bring a minimum of 15 quickdraws, more to link up some multi-pitch. Fractions of an ounce add up to a pound or more; enter Concorde Express to save weight on your harness and in your checked bag. Mad Rock Concorde Express quickdraws weigh only 3.06 oz. each, ensuring the lightest rack when attempting an on-sight.
An 8.7mm rope? To climb on? YES!
At 51 grams per foot, that’s only 6 lb. 12 oz. for a 60m and just under 7 lb. for a 70m (which can turn most multi-pitch routes in Chiang Mai into a single pitch and get you down in one rappel). It’s dry treated to handle flash monsoons along with being a five-fall UIAA rated rope, a near-impossibility when doing single pitch routes. Dialed in for Thailand, the Serenity is at home in any scenario.
