Frankenkit!

We’ve put together a few Frankenposts together over the years, including Frankenhedral and Frankenclimber, but today we are putting together a Frankenkit.

What exactly is a Frankenkit?  Well it’s a mishmash of gear that a climber accumulates over the years.  Nothing exactly matches, but somehow it all fits together.  On a recent climbing trip, I had a friend comment that unlike some of our other climbing mates, none of my gear matched.  It wasn’t an insult, just a simple observation.  In fact, there was consensus that moving beyond brand loyalty means that there is a premium on quality.  In my case it’s probably more of a premium on affordability, but I generally agree with the point.

That being said, High-Clip and Carrot have agreed to put together a gear list of mismatched pieces in order to make the ideal Frankenkit.  The only catch is that no two pieces of gear can come from the same company.

Carrot’s contributions are in Orange and High-Clip’s are in Green!

Helmet:Singing Rock Penta 2 in Yellow!  Great cost/reviews/sizes/colors/weight/protection!

Harness:Black Diamond Long Haul Harness You can’t beat the comfort and gear loop layout!

Rope:Edelrid Eco Boa 9.6mm 40m.  I don’t think I could ever recommend any other rope!

Belay Device:Trango Vergo It’s assisted braking, and it works, but it is one of the strangest belay devices I have ever come across. If anything belongs on a Frakenkit, it’s the Vergo.

Belay Biner: CAMP Photon Lock Janja – Carabiner This carabiner is a beaut in fuschia and blue, and it’s hard to go wrong with anything Janja!

Draws:Petzl Djinn Axess These are super durable and clip like butter! What more can you ask for?

Chalk:Chalk Cartel Quarter Chalk Cartel is the only option!

Chalk Bag:prAna Originals Chalk Bag Like everything else by prAna, nothing else is softer or more comfortable.

PAS: Beal Expresso Fit Adjustable Lanyard Adjustable lanyard PAS is one of my favorite climbing innovations.  BEAL comes through with the goods and has color options!!! Green!

Crack Gloves:Ocun Crack Gloves These gloves have incredible grip and durability! Not to mention amazing comfort.

Left Shoe:Tenaya Mundaka I kind of love the opportunity to climb in different shoes, and that left foot is going to feel nice in the Mundaka!

Right Shoe:La Sportiva TC Pro You have to have a nice, firm-soled all day shoe to balance out the Mundaka. You can spend all day on slab, in a crack, or any other feature in these!

I wish I could afford the Frankenkit.  It may not be the cleanest look on the wall, but it would be tough to find someone with better gear or a better look!