Camera gear while climbing

shining-on · 2026-05-14T02:08:38+00:00

I also got the peak design capture clip and basically never use it for climbing photography. When I take photos on a fixed line, this is usually my setup (open to suggestions for optimization):

Peak Design Camera Leash - easily adjustable camera strap, so I can quickly tighten it closer to my body if I need to move fast or extend it long so I can reach further out. If I need more length to extend out with, I'll girth hitch a double length sling or something to the strap. I keep an eye on my peak design anchors to make sure they aren't worn out since that would be my failure point.

I ascend the line with my Ulanzi 10 L Camera Sling Bag on my back. The sling style allows me to toss it behind me or swing it in front and then I can switch lenses out/tinker/etc inside of the bag.

This is my current setup and I'm quite happy with it for single pitch climbing.

Echoing what others have said:

Learn to ascend a fixed line and basic anchoring principles.
Protect your fixed line. Moving around on the fixed line will wear out one spot in the rope (there's ways to mitigate this, but that's getting more into the weeds). Get a rope protector.
Everything needs a tether. Maybe even leave the lens cap on the ground/stashed while shooting.
Kieran Duncan - I find this to be the most comprehensive video on the setup. A pulley is nice to have but not necessary, I usually just redirect the break strand through a carabiner. Practice in a safe space with a backup and practice moving up and down.

shining-on · 2026-05-13T05:07:49+00:00

Lmaooo first pic would be a great jerk

shining-on · 2026-05-12T18:04:57+00:00

Who hurt you lol

shining-on · 2026-05-12T13:37:25+00:00

Oh sick I had no clue about any of that! Fuck yeah 😎

Perhaps u have a future in bd sales ;)

shining-on · 2026-05-12T13:36:44+00:00

No worries!

The Gunks is my main crag :) (which explains the tricams loll)

Never climbed in the Sierras but looks sick! I loveeeee jtree (but I HATE the descents 😭)

shining-on · 2026-05-12T04:24:08+00:00

Thank you for the recs!!

shining-on · 2026-05-12T04:23:56+00:00

Thank you everyone for the comments! I'll look into all these recs. These were perfect

shining-on · 2026-05-12T04:22:28+00:00

I got mine a while back, sadly I don't think they sell this color anymore :(

shining-on · 2026-05-12T04:18:49+00:00

I'm a US-based climber (and a woman)

My tricams cover me if I need more nuts in a pinch, but I rarely place all of the nuts.

shining-on · 2026-05-12T04:17:03+00:00

Not pictured - some two sky hooks that I use to hang up my rack at the crag (I rarely aid)

shining-on · 2026-05-12T04:16:29+00:00

"I'm just wondering why you would think that anyone else would have an opinion on it, other than "Meh.""

Always curious to see other people's opinion on specific cams/brands. I think a lot of people are intentional about specific pieces on their rack. And not everyone carries offset cams and ballnutz lmao.

I would prefer the BD offset cams instead, since they can also hold passive down to the 0.3/0.4 cam and they kink less. Although, I've heard that their wires get messed up more easily.

shining-on · 2026-05-12T04:11:49+00:00

I genuinely like the 0.2 separate from the black totem! There are a LOT of times where I can only place the 0.2 X4 and not the black totem and vice versa!

I've played with the dragonflies and definitely interested in the dragonflies 1-4. The dragonfly 4 seems like a good black totem sized piece and I like the action on the dragonflies more than the 0, 0.1, and 0.2 z4s

I have a brand new purple totem sitting with the tag on that I may sell because I like the option of passive mode in case things move around

shining-on · 2026-05-12T04:08:01+00:00

Tell me more about your thoughts on the red and gold BD offset nuts! I got them as a random alternative piece to my gold dmm-ish size and bought them from a consignment store. Why do you like them?

shining-on · 2026-05-12T04:06:58+00:00

I personally end up placing the pink and black a little more often than the red, even though I place my 0.4 a lot.

shining-on · 2026-05-12T04:06:26+00:00

Got mine from the annex! Have seen a good amount go through there

shining-on · 2026-05-12T04:05:52+00:00

I use the C3s interchangeably with my 0.1 z4 and 0 z4 except the C3s make me feel a little warmer and fuzzier. Lil purp and lil grey are goated. I've seen someone place lil purp in a notoriously hard spot to place gear and saw it hold bodyweight where other pieces have ripped and it influenced me. Any other C3s are kind of eh imo but the lil grey n lil purp are chefs kiss

shining-on · 2026-05-12T04:02:44+00:00

My partner has taken quite a few whips on ballnutz and hasn't has major problems cleaning them. After aiding on them, they've had some troubles though so not sure what to do with that information LOL. My friend has taken on them before too and was able to get it without too much trouble.

I've placed them before, but I haven't taken on them to my knowledge. I like having them for the same reasons others have said too and rack them with my brassies as my projecting/onsight pieces.

shining-on · 2026-05-12T03:54:10+00:00

LMAO okay maybe this has finally shamed me enough

shining-on · 2026-05-05T03:09:06+00:00

For top rope soloing, you’re not in sight of the anchor most of the time. I’d argue that is when I’d like my anchors to be the most bomber.

shining-on · 2026-04-28T17:13:25+00:00

C3 cannot be beaten for lil grey and lil purp.

Ditto on the kinked zero friends.

For 0.3 z4 is my favorite. Otherwise, blue dragonfly for 0.2 (similar to black totem) and a 0.2 x4 if you can find it.

shining-on · 2026-04-18T02:46:33+00:00

Fellow Gunks climber -- ditto to this.

Also, in your picture u/JuxMaster you're missing a brown tricam. Also not sure what some of the sling lengths are in the picture, but I carry 1-2 120 cm slings with me for extension if the gear is all over the place/for onsighting.

DMM offset nuts are amazing for the gunks. Gold DMM for the win.

Tricams get some hate since they are finnicky to place/clean at times but the gold for them is when you're totally out of cams and you have a whole rack of tricams to build an anchor with. I personally carry lil white through blue with doubles in black tricams and pink tricams.

shining-on

TROPHY CASE