This is a question I am asked all the time. The answer is yes, but the gear I carry depends on where I am hiking and the terrain I will or may cover. I rarely get lost, and I stay on trails, so I don’t need to self escape often, but, in areas with unpredictable inclement weather, I either don’t go on the hike or if I do, I have self rescue and buddy rescue gear. So what do I carry?
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Harness
- Dyneema slings/cordelettes, Prussik, and a PAS
- Rope (50m is usually sufficient, but I make sure I bring the length I need based on terrain)
- Descending/Rappelling hardware (figure 8, Grigri, carabiners, micro traction, etc.)
- Ascending hardware (ascender/Jumar, foot cord)
- Lots of carabiners, cam and nut set (6-12), and some quick draws (6 is usually sufficient but I may bring 12)
Most of the list aside from the helmet and the rope will fit in my backpack. I strap the helmet somewhere (usually on top of the pack), and I drape the rope on top of the backpack (usually below the helmet).
This allows me to rescue people, sometimes I may carry 2 harnesses though I only need one for myself, I have made makeshift harnesses for buddy rescue using rope. This allows me to ascend and rappel. Of course, it is not about the gear you have. It is all about the knowledge of using the gear for specific tasks. It is very important to learn the skills before bringing all this gear. Go take a mountaineering class, rappelling class, and a climbing class (trad climbing).
Please do not buy all this gear and hope to learn how to do it watching videos online. Please go take some classes and practice a lot. You have been warned.
I hope this helps.
