Win a Rab Protium 27L Backpack with the 2nd of the Inglesport Fabulous 5 competitions!
- Thread starter Pegasus
- Start date
Tricky Dicky
Active member
Casting my mind back through the mists of time I can clearly recall my first caving trips and the rudimentary equipment used. We had inherited a number of texalex miners helmets which looked as if they were made out of papier mache along with some miners carbide caplamps referred to as ‘stinkies’. Clothing consisted of old clothes, (grots) under old mechanics overalls. To add a degree of water-resistance we cut arm and head holes out of old fertilizer sacks (Fison 52 was the preferred brand) and wore them as a gilet. Weight bearing belts were fashioned from old seatbelts doubled over and fed through a pair of buckles, accompanied with hulking great steel karabiners marked with the ‘phreon’ or arrow symbol denoting that they’d once been owned by Her Majesties armed forces. We were assured that these ‘krabs’ were original WW2 commando issue and they would have made a handy weapon.
A wire ladder was fashioned using aircraft control wire sourced from the RAF this time. Not being able to afford a proper climbing rope for lifelining purposes and yet not wishing to demean ourselves to the level of an old washing line we utilized some hawser laid yachting rope. Suitably equipped we were ready to face the world, or at least the caves of the Mendips, but how could we transport our valuable guidebook, first aid kit, spare carbide and various other accouterments??
This time the British Army came to the rescue with an old ammo tin that once held 200 rounds of 7.62 calibre link ammunition for the general-purpose-machine-gun (GPMG). Durable and waterproof we thought that this was just the ticket – little did we know. This blasted tin box seemed to be designed to catch on every rocky protrusion and would magically wedge itself in any hollow, preferably when in a low, wet squalid crawl. Its loud clanking sound could be heard accompanied with its blaspheming carrier over a considerable distance. Even when stood upright this menacing object made its presence known by digging its sharp corners into ones thighs or any other fleshy part. Being brown in colour it seem to dissolve into the background as soon as it was put down and several times the suggestion was made to just ‘leave the blessed thing’ as yet again we hunted for it in a muddy chamber.
With a coat of white paint we persevered with this bothersome box until one day, one of our number, being conservation minded had placed some spent carbide in this water and gas-tight container. As we dragged our weary bodies out of the cave, the fermenting carbide was causing a build up of highly flammable acetylene gas inside our cantankerous container. Emerging into the sunlight we threw ourselves onto the ground, and one of our burlier fellows grabbed the box, looking forward to the boiled sweets held within. As he released the catch, the lid flew open propelled by the gas build-up resulting in a loud ‘bang!’. Now, some swore that the gas itself ignited with a dramatic flash of yellow flame, singeing eyebrows and beards, but all I truly recall was the loud bang and the carbide stench. This was enough however for our intrepid friend who had been scared witless and had dropped the box, scraping his shin in the progress. Letting lose all of his pent up fury, he jumped up and down on the little white box “you b******d, b******d, b*******d, thing” he exclaimed until all we were left with was a crumpled piece of scrap metal, destined to never again carry our kit underground.
A wire ladder was fashioned using aircraft control wire sourced from the RAF this time. Not being able to afford a proper climbing rope for lifelining purposes and yet not wishing to demean ourselves to the level of an old washing line we utilized some hawser laid yachting rope. Suitably equipped we were ready to face the world, or at least the caves of the Mendips, but how could we transport our valuable guidebook, first aid kit, spare carbide and various other accouterments??
This time the British Army came to the rescue with an old ammo tin that once held 200 rounds of 7.62 calibre link ammunition for the general-purpose-machine-gun (GPMG). Durable and waterproof we thought that this was just the ticket – little did we know. This blasted tin box seemed to be designed to catch on every rocky protrusion and would magically wedge itself in any hollow, preferably when in a low, wet squalid crawl. Its loud clanking sound could be heard accompanied with its blaspheming carrier over a considerable distance. Even when stood upright this menacing object made its presence known by digging its sharp corners into ones thighs or any other fleshy part. Being brown in colour it seem to dissolve into the background as soon as it was put down and several times the suggestion was made to just ‘leave the blessed thing’ as yet again we hunted for it in a muddy chamber.
With a coat of white paint we persevered with this bothersome box until one day, one of our number, being conservation minded had placed some spent carbide in this water and gas-tight container. As we dragged our weary bodies out of the cave, the fermenting carbide was causing a build up of highly flammable acetylene gas inside our cantankerous container. Emerging into the sunlight we threw ourselves onto the ground, and one of our burlier fellows grabbed the box, looking forward to the boiled sweets held within. As he released the catch, the lid flew open propelled by the gas build-up resulting in a loud ‘bang!’. Now, some swore that the gas itself ignited with a dramatic flash of yellow flame, singeing eyebrows and beards, but all I truly recall was the loud bang and the carbide stench. This was enough however for our intrepid friend who had been scared witless and had dropped the box, scraping his shin in the progress. Letting lose all of his pent up fury, he jumped up and down on the little white box “you b******d, b******d, b*******d, thing” he exclaimed until all we were left with was a crumpled piece of scrap metal, destined to never again carry our kit underground.
Ahh, the good old days . . .
Actually, acetylene gas becomes unstable and explosive under quite a low pressure, so all it takes to set it off in a situation such as that described above is a gentle knock – you don't even have to ignite it. (And it you're wondering how the gas can be safely stored under pressure in those big cylinders, well, it's absorbed on some – err, absorbent –– material in the bottles. Apparently it's a 'porous mass made of a calcium-silicate that is saturated with acetone' – quite a combination.)
Actually, acetylene gas becomes unstable and explosive under quite a low pressure, so all it takes to set it off in a situation such as that described above is a gentle knock – you don't even have to ignite it. (And it you're wondering how the gas can be safely stored under pressure in those big cylinders, well, it's absorbed on some – err, absorbent –– material in the bottles. Apparently it's a 'porous mass made of a calcium-silicate that is saturated with acetone' – quite a combination.)
caving_fox
Active member
My mate had a bloody ammo tin too. My mate's favourite thing to do was, 'just hold this a minute while I check the route ..... yes it's this way' and you'd be left lugging the damm thing around.
PeteHall
Moderator
The
So I am the son of an excaver and love doing rope stuff in the trees and once I made a pallet elevator to haul kit and or people into the tree however once I had the problem I took too much kit into the tree and ended up having to be rescued by a friend. Everyone needs a pallete elevator fir large shafts for people and gear. Or just by an awah z2 or z3
View attachment 22491
WIN WITH UKC – Tell us your ‘carrying’ tale!
The second of the Inglesport fabulous Five is a Rab Protium 27 backpack - worth £130
https://www.inglesport.com/product/rab-protium-27-backpack-27l/
Loaded with features and impressively comfortable, this streamlined, adaptable, 27L day pack is the multi-tool of backpacks.
When you need one pack for all your day adventures, the Protium offers impressive multi-activity versatility. With a body-contouring back system that flexes as you move, it’s equipped for all-mountain day hikes, scrambles, and pushing the pace on any terrain. Its slick, streamlined appearance and adaptable storage features combine to create a modern do-it-all pack that you’ll take wherever you’re headed.
Fluorocarbon (PFAS) free fabric
Fluorocarbon-free fabric is completely free of fluorocarbons (PFAS), whether that’s in the face fabric, membrane, or backer. PFAS-free means we’ve phased out all intentionally added PFAS and we are compliant with current EU and US legislation.
Obviously (hopefully!) this isn't going to be used underground, however some lucky winner will be glad of it when out hiking, travelling and needing to carry kit.
To enter, simply post your tale/photo about carrying loads underground or to/from caves (both home and abroad). It’s a wide brief, anything to do with getting kit from A to B qualifies! Sometimes a picture is worth a 1000 words, hence - photos most welcome!
2 entries per person.
Closing time/date 10pm, Wed 21st May
Shortlist to be chosen by me, then over to random.org.
GOOD LUCK!
Many thanks to Inglesport and Rab for supporting the forum with this fabulous prize!
https://www.inglesport.com/about-us/
Inglesport has been trading as a specialist outdoor equipment supplier since 1977.
Although the business began primarily as a caving equipment supplier, we now stock a vast range of products, including Work & Rescue equipment, climbing equipment, walking & camping gear and outdoor clothing.
Our shop, located in the village of Ingleton, North Yorkshire is ideally situated for both cavers and walkers to pop in and browse through our large selection of products.
All our staff are experienced, active outdoor enthusiasts, so you get up-to-the-minute advice on the latest and best gear and equipment for your needs.
https://rab.equipment/uk/our-story
‘Our story began in 1981 in the attic of a small, terraced house in Sheffield where Rab Carrington made the first sleeping bag to bear his name. Hand-stitched and devised with his own ingenious eye, his designs were crafted with years of mountain experience, and soon there was popular demand both from friends and the growing local climbing (and caving!) community’.
T&Cs - This competition is in collaboration with Rab and Inglesport. Prize cannot be exchanged for cash. Rab & Inglesport reserve the right to change the product prize depending on stock availability. Winners must live in UK.
Someone brought a similar sized bag as there main bag on an expedition too Austria, it barely fit there caving equipment in it. They made up for it by strapping metal work to the outside and carrying a whiteboard up during a rain storm. (The following year the brought a more sensible sized bag)
PeteHall
Moderator
If you're accepting late entries, I was trying to find a better picture, but this one will have to do.
At the CDG training camp last year, I did an afternoon session looking at packing kit for transporting underground. This is an absolutely critical skill for the British Cave diver, as in all but a few caves, you will need to move your diving kit through the cave before assembling it for use.
Should your kit become damaged, you will likely only find out as you set up and do pre-dive checks, at which point, you've probably done the hardest part of the trip already; getting to the sump! An equipment failure at this point would be most inconvenient, however if you damage something moving between sumps, it could be extremely serious.
At the same time as protecting your kit, it's also important to pack it in such a way that it's easy to carry. Many divers use Daren drums, but because of the shape, they can make it hard to get best use out of the remaining space in the bag. Often, my preference is therefore the BDH drum, which is narrow enough to fit alongside a 2 or 3 litre cylinder in a tackle bag.
In the below picture, trainees were challenged to fit two sets of regulators, a mask, a diving computer, a line cutter, a compass, a search reel and a pair of gloves into a BDH drum, without stressing the hoses. For bonus points, they were challenged to fit in a cake without squashing it.
One trainee just about managed the kit, however, afterwards I was able to demonstrate that everything can fit, with enough space for three cakes! This is why we practice!
At the CDG training camp last year, I did an afternoon session looking at packing kit for transporting underground. This is an absolutely critical skill for the British Cave diver, as in all but a few caves, you will need to move your diving kit through the cave before assembling it for use.
Should your kit become damaged, you will likely only find out as you set up and do pre-dive checks, at which point, you've probably done the hardest part of the trip already; getting to the sump! An equipment failure at this point would be most inconvenient, however if you damage something moving between sumps, it could be extremely serious.
At the same time as protecting your kit, it's also important to pack it in such a way that it's easy to carry. Many divers use Daren drums, but because of the shape, they can make it hard to get best use out of the remaining space in the bag. Often, my preference is therefore the BDH drum, which is narrow enough to fit alongside a 2 or 3 litre cylinder in a tackle bag.
In the below picture, trainees were challenged to fit two sets of regulators, a mask, a diving computer, a line cutter, a compass, a search reel and a pair of gloves into a BDH drum, without stressing the hoses. For bonus points, they were challenged to fit in a cake without squashing it.
One trainee just about managed the kit, however, afterwards I was able to demonstrate that everything can fit, with enough space for three cakes! This is why we practice!
Alex
Well-known member
On my way through Hydrophobia with a digging tray... luckily it floats. This picture (from my HD hero) makes the passage look bigger than it actually is!
Don't worry we have recently floated it back out again, after concluding the dig. It's just a pity the lump hammer and crowbar also don't float.
Don't worry we have recently floated it back out again, after concluding the dig. It's just a pity the lump hammer and crowbar also don't float.
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