Both Mammut and Edelrid are set to release some cool new climbing hardware to join the Black Diamond Camalot X4's for next season. The Mammut RescYou rescue device eliminates the need for complicated installations and maneuvers in the event of a crevasse rescue situation, while the new carabiners from Edelrid will significantly lighten up your rack.
The Mammut RescYou (pictured top) is an innovative rescue device designed for use in the event of a crevasse fall for either yourself or another member of your rope team. After breaking the crevasse fall, the rescue device is attached either to your own climbing harness (self-rescue) or to an anchor point (rescue of another person).
After this, the two rope clamps are clipped to the rope and the compact six-fold pulley, which connects the two rope clamps, is operated by pulling the handle. This instant pulley system enables the climber who has fallen into the crevasse to be rescued as quickly and easily as possible.
Even with the new device, you still need to follow some of the traditional crevasse rescue procedures such as stopping the fall, anchoring the rope, checking the victim, and preparing the crevasse lip. Where the rescue device will save you time is in not having to create an elaborate Z-pulley system by using a variety of gear such as prusiks, belay device, pulleys, and carabiners.
Some might argue that the Mammut RescYou is not multifunctional so why carry the extra weight on your harness. I would argue that the time saving and ease of use, especially for non-professional climbers, makes up for the potential extra weight. I would definitely carry this rescue device on climbs featuring extensive glacier travel such as Denali.
Edelrid's new 150 Years Collection is made up of a plethora of lightweight and innovative products. Nearing the toy carabiner weight category, The Nineteen G carabiners weigh just 19.5 grams a piece, offering you the potential to shave quite a bit of weight off of your rack.
Expect to see both the Mammut RescYou and Edelrid carabiners out in time for the start of next year's climbing season.