There Is Always Room for New Ideas

The Footlocker: More Secure, Versatile and Durable than a Prusik Loop

by Robert W. Phillips

The creative mind of Don Blair has helped develop the equipment that has made our job safer, easier and more efficient. People who climb rope for a living should try his recently released product, the "Footlocker."

This device is capable of accomplishing several different rope climbing methods. It works well as a self belay when climbing a doubled, static climbing rope with the footlock climbing method. It provides the security that has been missing in less-than-perfect use of the Prusik hitch. The Footlocker can also be used with the body-thrust climbing method. To be able to climb using the body thrust method, tie a knot or clip in a carabiner on one of the ropes running through the locking cams. The knot will run up under one cam and get locked into place.

When you pull on the other end of the line, it runs freely through the cam. When you let go of it, it stops you from going down. You can come down on the rope with the one cam jammed up by using your feet to help feed the rope and control your descent. When you take a bight on the rope with your feet, step up and depress the locking cam up to allow the rope to run through it. The method of climbing can be changed in mid climb without a great deal of trouble.

When you want to change over from a body thrust to a static, two-rope footlock climb, start by beginning your footlock climb with both of the ropes that are hanging below the footlocker. After you take the first bight on the line, untie the knot or the carabiner and proceed with your climb. If in the middle of your footlock climb you decide to change over to the body thrust method, remember to tie the knot or carabiner beneath the Footlocker, and tie it close. The reason for this is that when you pull on the free line, there will be slippage that may cause a little surprise.

Many times I have left the Footlocker on my lines even after I have tied in with my Blake hitch. When I come back in on a long limb I have the choice of using a dynamic running line that I control with a Blake hitch or coming back to the center of the tree with the rope static by pushing back the Footlocker and pulling my stack rope out when I get back to a comfortable and safe position.

If you need to descend while footlocking, you will need to use both of your feet. Take a bight with your feet on the rope, then stand up and release the two cams on the Footlocker. Allow the rope to run through your feet and regulate the pressure of the bight to help slow down or speed up your descent. Go slowly to reduce the wear on the sole of your shoes.

Mr. Philips can be contacted directly by sending a letter (with a S.A.S.E.) to:
Robert W. Phillips, 500 Los Trancos Rd, Portola Valley, CA 94028