Hltoppr
El Gringo Spectacular!
I've used a single dry bag for radios and other sundry items, in a first generation Soloman Adventure race pack (drain holes in the bottom), full synthetic clothing, with a 200 wt. fleece in the dry bag. Shoes and socks will be fully soaked, so try to use something that will drain well and no goretex (keeps water in too!)
I'd use a "dry" rope, but not really worry about keeping my harness and other gear too dry....it ain't gonna happen. The rappell is into a pool of water, so you're wet from the get go, and trying to stay dry will only slow you down.
The pools are usually very cold, during the longer swims you can feel the life being sucked out of you. Thus, be very aware of each individual's condition for hypothermia. If you're unsure of your swimming ability while pushing a pack in front of you, a low profile life jacket, such as a Lotus Designs kayak PFD, would be a good idea.
Trying to "climb" around the pools is usually a waste of time, as you'd need to use some bolts or other pro to make a route, and more dangerous than merely swimming.
Cellular phones and the handheld (motorola type) radios don't work for anything in the canyon, and the last time I did it I had to have a helicopter overhead to get a signal out, using a 7 watt handheld, so ya'll are on your own once you drop in!
Be safe guys! If I'm in town I'll try to show my face!
-H-
I'd use a "dry" rope, but not really worry about keeping my harness and other gear too dry....it ain't gonna happen. The rappell is into a pool of water, so you're wet from the get go, and trying to stay dry will only slow you down.
The pools are usually very cold, during the longer swims you can feel the life being sucked out of you. Thus, be very aware of each individual's condition for hypothermia. If you're unsure of your swimming ability while pushing a pack in front of you, a low profile life jacket, such as a Lotus Designs kayak PFD, would be a good idea.
Trying to "climb" around the pools is usually a waste of time, as you'd need to use some bolts or other pro to make a route, and more dangerous than merely swimming.
Cellular phones and the handheld (motorola type) radios don't work for anything in the canyon, and the last time I did it I had to have a helicopter overhead to get a signal out, using a 7 watt handheld, so ya'll are on your own once you drop in!
Be safe guys! If I'm in town I'll try to show my face!
-H-