Vertical Gear

Vertical caving is inherently dangerous. Don't go it alone—seek training and get practice!

In California, most intermediate to advanced caves include vertical drops which require additional skills to access. Cavers use single rope technique (SRT) to navigate pits and steep slopes. Instead of climbing rock, we rappel and ascend ropes. Successful vertical cavers have a personal SRT kit tuned to their preferences, knowledge of safe SRT, and plenty of practice.

Diablo Grotto holds regular SRT practices where newcomers can be introduced to proper techniques and veteran cavers can practice to keep their skills fresh. Check our calendar for upcoming practices. Below, we've listed the gear needed for a complete Frog system, which is the system most commonly used among cavers and the one we recommend newcomers use. While we give a few specific types of gear as examples, your preferences, body type, caving region, and — let's be realistic — budget will determine what you buy to make your kit. The suggestions here are tailored for beginners who plan to cave primarily in California and are putting together their first kit. 

A caver poses while descending into a cave. Her descender, a BMS microrack, is locked off.

Components of a Frog-Style SRT kit

Where do I go to buy all this stuff?

First and foremost: stay away from Amazon and any websites that seem to offer a steep discount. A full kit is expensive, but remember: most parts of your kit are life-safety equipment and your safety comes first. Don't be tempted by fast shipping times or too-good-to-be-true sales. You want to make sure you are getting strength-rated equipment directly from a reputable retailer.

Special note about quick links: don't buy them from the hardware store. Make sure the quick link meets a CE and/or UIAA certification and is stamped with its breaking load (BL) in kN. Examples include the Peguet Maillon Rapide and C.A.M.P. Oval Quick Link.

There are a few retailers, often run by cavers, who specialize in caving gear. Below is a non-exhaustive list of trusted retailers that sell vertical gear:

Domestic (last updated Feb 2025)

International (last updated Feb 2025)

Finally, you may be able to buy used gear during the Diablo holiday party auction held each year in January, or new gear direct from vendors at regional/national events. Whenever purchasing used gear, inquire about the gear's manufacturing date and history. Soft goods like ropes and webbing should be retired after 10 years and hardware should be free of rust.

Content on this page was inspired by resources developed by the Southern California Grotto.