French caves

[thallam999]

Do the French use p-hangers or splits in Doubs?

 

[Glenn]

There is no co-ordinated anchor scheme in France (and apart from one esoteric cave in the Vercors,  P hangers are unique to the UK). If the cave has been open for more than (say) 20 years, the chances are it will be rigged with Spits (although in the more popular caves these may have been replaced by various ring anchors). In the more recently opened caves, Spits may have been used for initial exploration, but if it looks as though the cave could become popular, again, the Spits may have been superceded by a variety of more "robust" anchors (some even that look home made!). If you can get hold of the relative Speleo Sportive guide to the area you are going to, it will probably indicate the anchors used in the specific cave. But to make sure, take a variety of bolts, hangers, Maillons and krabs.