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Swapped my safety harness for a saddle after watching a guy free climb a 120-foot white oak in Portland last summer.
That guy made it look so effortless and secure I realized my bulky harness was actually getting in the way of my balance, and I've been way happier with the saddle ever since. Anyone else ditch the standard gear for something more minimal?
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jade_johnson12d ago
That makes total sense, lighter gear just lets you feel the tree better lol.
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elliotm7012d ago
Yeah exactly @jade_johnson, it's like when you strip away all the extra stuff you realize how much it was getting in the way. I've been noticing this everywhere lately, not just in climbing. Like my buddy swapped his heavy work boots for lighter sneakers and suddenly he's way more aware of the ground he's walking on. Or when you take all the clutter off your desk, you can actually think clearer because there's nothing to distract you. Lighter gear forces you to rely on your own skill instead of hiding behind bulk or padding. It's the same reason I hate carrying a huge backpack on a hike, all that weight just numbs you to the trail underneath your feet.
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