Knaider/Swaider

[Nate]

Anyone use a combo of Knaider/swaider and three sticks? If so, I’d live your thoughts. I’ve used Knaider/swaider with WE stepps but I sold the entire package. I’m wondering about using three sticks with the K/S. I currently use the Knaider with my sticks and wonder why more people don’t go that route vs a moveable aider or a fixed aider.

 

[pesqimon]

Anyone use a combo of Knaider/swaider and three sticks? If so, I’d live your thoughts. I’ve used Knaider/swaider with WE stepps but I sold the entire package. I’m wondering about using three sticks with the K/S. I currently use the Knaider with my sticks and wonder why more people don’t go that route vs a moveable aider or a fixed aider.

I wonder why the knaider isn’t more popular for sticks. I made mine out of 2in webbing, no hooks. Just slide straps over stick steps. Works great! For my long sticks, I just use knaider. For short sticks I use both.

 

[Gobblergetter23]

I use just the Swaider and three sticks. adds about 6-7 feet on my climb.

 

[Thetrueredneck]

I just sewed myself up a Knaider/Swider to try that exact thing. I had the 1" tubing and picked up the rest from DanO at EWO. Not sure how viable of an option it will be for me but I do plan on trying it and possibly grabbing some WE's later to try as well.

 

[NimbleTimbo]

I mostly 1-stick but when I do use sticks I generally run 3; I have used an ultimaider on the bottom stick and a knaider for the rest. Since buying Skeletors, I've thought about ditching the ultimaider though and using the K/S combo instead. I think it's easier than finding the steps of a movable aider or stepladder and quick to take off and stow in a pouch. I too am surprised more people don't use a K/S.

 

[trailblazer75]

I've done it this way in lieu of aiders for years. I couldn't believe it never caught on.

 

[trailblazer75]

I just took and put a ratchet strap hook on my swaider instead of a carabiner. That was a good move. I also just leave a loop in the knee hook so I can slip it over steps instead of trying to get my knee hook onto the end of the steps.

 

[NimbleTimbo]

I just took and put a ratchet strap hook on my swaider instead of a carabiner. That was a good move. I also just leave a loop in the knee hook so I can slip it over steps instead of trying to get my knee hook onto the end of the steps.

I have the ratchet strap hook too and agree it's better. For the knaider, is the loop more for comfort, security, or ease of use? Seems like you said it's easier, but how's the comfort? Does it ever get caught when taking the loop back off the step?

 

[trailblazer75]

I just like a loop better than the hook I have on my knaider because it barely fits on any of the steps I own. So to me, the loop is safer and less likely to get stuck or slip off. I just swing my leg out in a kneeling position and it comes off. I've had wayyyy more problems with the hook than I have with just sticking the step into the loop.

 

[EricS]

I climbed all season last year on four short heliums and the swaider as a moveable aider. Just slid the loop over the top step.

 

[pesqimon]

I just like a loop better than the hook I have on my knaider because it barely fits on any of the steps I own. So to me, the loop is safer and less likely to get stuck or slip off. I just swing my leg out in a kneeling position and it comes off. I've had wayyyy more problems with the hook than I have with just sticking the step into the loop.

yep, that’s why I do the all webbing version. With 2” webbing it is also very comfortable and stable.

 

[ketch22]

I just cut down my novix sticks, added two endless amsteel loops to the bottom and purchased a knaider/swaider from backwoods mobile gear. I’m hoping to get a climb in this week or next before the season ends.

Do you guys leave them on once at climbing height?

 

[pesqimon]

Do you guys leave them on once at climbing height?

yes

 

[trailblazer75]

I just cut down my novix sticks, added two endless amsteel loops to the bottom and purchased a knaider/swaider from backwoods mobile gear. I’m hoping to get a climb in this week or next before the season ends.

Do you guys leave them on once at climbing height?

I don't. I take mine off and roll them up and toss em into a dump pouch. For me, it makes sense to take them off because I NEVER climb down with aiders. To me, that's the bulk of the danger in climbing. So for me, I rappel each and every time I climb with any sort of aider.

This way nothing gets caught on the way down.

 

[ketch22]

I don't. I take mine off and roll them up and toss em into a dump pouch. For me, it makes sense to take them off because I NEVER climb down with aiders. To me, that's the bulk of the danger in climbing. So for me, I rappel each and every time I climb with any sort of aider.

Gotcha, for my first few climbs I’m going to slowly climb down using my long tether incase I have issues hooking in. If it does become an issue I’ll switch to a rappelling setup. I like the idea of the figure 8. I’m used to it and adds minimal weight.

 

[trailblazer75]

Gotcha, for my first few climbs I’m going to slowly climb down using my long tether incase I have issues hooking in. If it does become an issue I’ll switch to a rappelling setup. I like the idea of the figure 8. I’m used to it and adds minimal weight.

I did it that way for years.

Now I just use a lineman's belt on the way up, tether in at the top and rappel on my tether rope. I used it with a figure 8 for years, just on a friction hitch, set LB, move friction hitch to right LB loop, add the figure 8 to the system and clip in and rappel that way.

 

[ketch22]

What size line are you using for the rappel?

 

[trailblazer75]

What size line are you using for the rappel?

I use 9mm C-IV. In a CGM pouch. With a madrock Lifeguard.

 

[Nate]

I just like a loop better than the hook I have on my knaider because it barely fits on any of the steps I own. So to me, the loop is safer and less likely to get stuck or slip off. I just swing my leg out in a kneeling position and it comes off. I've had wayyyy more problems with the hook than I have with just sticking the step into the loop.

Interesting. I feel the opposite. I like the hook because when I step up it just comes off naturally. I don’t have to swing me knee etc. feels like there was a third step there almost. I have the double steps on my sticks and the hook fits on really well.

 

[ketch22]

I may have to switch to double steps now .

But really, speaking of rappelling, there was a thread that talked about backing up a figure 8 and I can’t seem to find it.