Etrier

Vertical caving terminology and methods > Rigging methods and equipment

Etrier (pronounced as French, similar to "eh-tree-eh", but with a French "r")

A short, flexible ladder, typically only 5 rungs or fewer. This is used when bolting up an aven, to allow reaching above the anchor in a place where there are no convenient footholds for climbing. They may also be used to provide footholds on a bolt traverse, or at the lip of a pitch where there is a rub point which is difficult to get past. Etriers are generally made from a sling with multiple loops, but can also be made from cord, with lightweight metal rungs. Etriers normally have a carabiner at the top, to connect them temporarily to an anchor. However, a simple hook may be used instead, since they are not a safety-critical device; the climber should be securely connected using cows tails.

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