Caving
Here is a guide on the essential kit for every Caver.
If you're looking to put together your own SRT kit, here is a handy guide on what you'll need.
Raumer
Handy
The Raumer Handy allows the user to vary the descent simply by moving the rope into the narrow section of the karabiner, eliminating almost all downwards force. It is equipped with a stainless steel twisted ring which can be clipped into the semi-circular maillon on a harness, this ring makes this karabiner suitable for all speeds of descent on any type of rope.
Fenix
21700 Rechargeable Battery + USB
The Fenix 21700 Rechargeable Battery + USB (ARB-L21-5000U) is a Premium Quality High Capacity 21700, 5000mAh USB-C rechargeable Lithium - ion battery specifically designed for high intensity flashlight use and is the perfect companion for Fenix 21700 powered lights.
Warmbac
Cavers Adjustable Knee Pads
The Warmbac cavers adjustable knee pads are a great way of adding comfort and enjoyment to your caving trip. These caving knee pads feature a full neoprene construction. The front pad is 6mm thick and is finished with a tough and durable nylon face fabric. This will also offer great protection to your knees and also your caving suit. They are then easy to get on and off and also secure to your legs. This ease of fitting and adjustment is down to the Velcro adjustment straps. These adjustable knee pads are sold in pairs.
Fenix
HM23
The Fenix HM23 is a lightweight and waterproof headlamp, with an aluminium housing that makes it tough enough for any adventure, yet powered by a single AA battery, it is also a perfect choice for lightweight and fast-paced endeavours. Ideal for outdoor adventures that require illumination and both hands, the HM23 is perfect for running, caving, hiking, camping and climbing applications. Featuring a neutral white beam, the light provides a warmer colour temperature that is better for colour rendition in natural environments, compared to a cool white light.
Petzl
Freino
The Petzl Freino is a twist-lock karabiner that incorporates an integral braking system for improving friction on descenders and belay devices. Works extremely well with the Grigri when using slimmer ropes such as the Beal Booster, which can normally be a struggle. The Freino is ideal for adding or adjusting friction during descents.
Fenix
ARE-A4 Premium Main Multi-Charger
The Fenix ARE-A4 Premium Main Multi-Charger is a premium 4 channel mains charger, capable of charging a large range of Li-ion and Ni-mH batteries in any combination. Four independent charging channels each feature their own display of battery type / battery voltage / battery level. A single press on any channel's button will then display battery voltage / charging current / charging time. You can also turn off the display completely with a long press on any channel button.
Alp Design
Bunny Chest Harness
The Alp Design Bunny Chest Harness is a figure of 8 chest-strap harness that's been designed for use during speleological activities. It is fully adjustable and features a handy side gear loop, a Velcro tab on the shoulder for fixing excess webbing and nylon webbing with a cam buckle, for connecting shoulder straps and a ventral rope clamp.
Petzl
Freino Z
The Petzl Freino Z is an automatic locking karabiner with friction spur for use with the Stop and Simple caving descenders. It allows the user to increase or control the braking action of the descent, as well as facilitating the creation of a tie-off. The Freino Z can be rotated in order to make the descender loss-proof when transferred from gear loop to semi-circular karabiner.
Warmbac
Kevlar Cavers Adjustable Knee Pads
Hard wearing Kevlar laminated to 6mm hard compound double lined neoprene. For extra durability we use heavy duty SD nylon on the back of the pads. 3mm back straps for flexability and adjustable straps.
Warmbac
Warmtex Cavers Adjustable Knee Pads
The Warmbac warmtex cavers adjustable knee pads are well known for their high levels of comfort and durability. These have the addition of the Velcro adjustable legs straps; this makes them slightly easier to get on and off. With the adjustable neoprene straps it also helps to achieve the perfect fit with the correct levels of tension.
Petzl
Personnel 15L
The Petzl Personnel 15L is a rugged and lightweight 15 liter backpack. It is made of PVC-free material, and its welded construction provides great strength. It is made for use under difficult conditions, and also has an ID card pocket.
Petzl
Rocpec Drill
The Petzl Rocpec Drill is a hand drill designed for aid climbers and cavers. The drill accepts SDS drill bits and can drill holes of varying depths and diameters for all types of anchors. The lightweight drill is easy to set-up and dismantle and doesn't need additional tools.
Petzl
Explo
The Petzl Explo is a caving chest harness with an X-shaped construction that provides a good shoulder position, the chest strap then allows for precise adjustment of tension on the ventral ascender. The Explo shoulder straps allow the Croll ventral ascender to remain correctly positioned, in order to optimize efficiency and comfort during rope ascents when caving. Each strap is equipped with two HMPE gear loops and two slots for carrying equipment.
Petzl
Tam Tam Hammer
The Petzl Tam Tam is a practical hammer for speleology to place anchors. The handle is equipped with a 13 mm wrench for 8 mm nuts. Thanks to the practical wrist strap, it always lies securely in your hand.
Fenix
HM50R V2.0
The Fenix HM50R V2.0 is a rechargeable and multi-purpose headlamp that is ideal for industrial, every day and sporting use. This lightweight LED headlamp offers an impressive upgrade over its predecessor with increased output, up from 500 to 700 lumens, the addition of 2 red light modes, USB-C fast charging and new breathable & reflective headband design.
Petzl
Simple
As the name implies, the Petzl Simple is an easy-to-use caving descender. It can be used with 8.5 to 11 mm diameter low stretch kern-mantle ropes. Reduced bulk and low weight simplify progression in narrow passages. The pulleys can be rotated or replaced to prolong the duration of use over time.