DIY - Add gear loops to your pack for alpine climbing

On long rock routes, a pack is usually needed for water, munchies, shoes for the walk off, and maybe a windbreaker. But one of the hassles with wearing a pack is that the waist belt can interfere with accessing the gear loops on your harness.

Counter this by adding two loops of 5mm cord onto your pack shoulder straps. Buy 5 feet of cord total, 2.5 feet of cord for each loop. (Yes, you’ll have a bit extra, but better too much than not enough.) Tie the cord into a solid double fisherman’s knot, dress it well (pliers can help here) and give it a neat finish by wrapping the tails of the knot with electrical tape to keep them out of the way. These shoulder strap gear loops are a super handy place to keep your rock pro, a few extra biners and a nut tool, without fighting to get at the gear on your climbing harness hidden by your waist belt.

Some climbers also rack snow pickets and ice screws here as well.  But, keep in mind what this sharp flying metal in close proximity to your face might do to you if you take a fall.