First Impressions of Grivel Ring Alpine
The Grivel Ring Alpine is a super light sling designed for alpinists and climbers who demand reliable gear without the burden of excess weight. Grivel, a company renowned for its mountaineering equipment, delivers a minimalist sling constructed from 10mm Dyneema, available in 60 cm, 120 cm, and 180 cm lengths. It aims to be an essential piece of kit for extending anchors, slinging horns, or equalizing loads.
I needed a lightweight, strong sling for alpine climbing. I was tired of bulky nylon slings adding unnecessary weight and volume to my rack.
Upon receiving the Grivel Ring Alpine, I was immediately impressed by its incredibly light weight. The sling felt almost ethereal in my hands, a stark contrast to the heavier nylon slings I was accustomed to. The 10mm Dyneema webbing felt surprisingly supple, yet reassuringly strong, and the construction was clean and precise.
Compared to my older nylon slings from Black Diamond and Metolius, the Grivel Ring Alpine offered a significant weight reduction. I chose the Grivel due to its superior strength-to-weight ratio and the reputation of Dyneema for resisting abrasion in harsh alpine environments.
My first impression of the Grivel Ring Alpine was one of excitement. I was eager to put it to the test and see if it lived up to its promise of lightweight performance in the mountains.
Real-World Testing: Putting Grivel Ring Alpine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Grivel Ring Alpine on a multi-pitch rock climb in the Bugaboos, British Columbia. The climb involved granite cracks, exposed traverses, and several hanging belays.
The sling performed exceptionally well in the varied conditions. Dyneema maintains its strength even when wet, which was reassuring during an unexpected rain shower. The ease of use was also a major plus. The suppleness of the webbing made it easy to manipulate with gloved hands when extending placements.
There were no immediate issues with the Grivel Ring Alpine. Its lightweight design and ease of handling were immediately apparent.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Grivel Ring Alpine has proven to be a durable and reliable piece of gear. Despite being exposed to abrasive granite, sharp edges, and harsh weather conditions, the Dyneema webbing has shown minimal signs of wear.
I’ve inspected the sling regularly, and the stitching remains intact, with no fraying or weakening. Cleaning is a breeze; a simple rinse with water removes any dirt or grime. The Grivel Ring Alpine has significantly outperformed my previous nylon slings in terms of weight, durability, and ease of use.
Breaking Down the Features of Grivel Ring Alpine
Specifications
The Grivel Ring Alpine boasts minimalist specifications optimized for weight and strength. It is constructed from 10mm Dyneema webbing, known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and abrasion resistance.
The available lengths are 60 cm, 120 cm, and 180 cm, providing versatility for various climbing applications. The specifications matter because they directly impact the sling’s performance in the mountains. Dyneema’s high strength allows for a lighter sling without compromising safety, while the varying lengths provide options for different anchor setups and extension needs.
Performance & Functionality
The Grivel Ring Alpine excels at its intended job of providing a lightweight and strong sling for alpine climbing. It is reliable for extending protection, slinging horns, and equalizing anchors.
The sling’s strength and low weight are its primary strengths. A potential weakness might be its narrow width, which could be less comfortable for prolonged hanging belays compared to wider nylon slings. It exceeds expectations by offering exceptional durability and handling characteristics in a lightweight package.
Design & Ergonomics
The Grivel Ring Alpine features a minimalist design focused on functionality and weight reduction. The 10mm Dyneema webbing is lightweight and flexible, making it easy to manipulate with gloved hands.
The sling is exceptionally user-friendly, requiring no learning curve. Its simple design and supple material make it easy to use in any climbing situation.
Durability & Maintenance
The Grivel Ring Alpine is built to last. Dyneema is known for its high abrasion resistance and strength, making it ideal for use in harsh alpine environments.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with water. The sling’s robust construction ensures that it can withstand years of use with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Grivel Ring Alpine doesn’t come with any specific accessories due to its minimalist nature. There are no customization options as the sling is designed for a specific purpose.
The Grivel Ring Alpine is compatible with any standard climbing carabiner and can be used with a variety of other climbing gear.
Pros and Cons of Grivel Ring Alpine
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight: Minimizes weight on your gear rack, essential for long alpine climbs.
- Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio: Dyneema provides reliable strength without bulk.
- Durable and abrasion-resistant: Withstands harsh alpine conditions.
- Supple and easy to handle: Easy to manipulate with gloved hands.
- Maintains strength when wet: Provides reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Cons
- Narrow width: May be less comfortable for prolonged hanging belays.
- Higher cost compared to nylon slings: Dyneema material is more expensive.
Who Should Buy Grivel Ring Alpine?
The Grivel Ring Alpine is perfect for alpinists, ice climbers, and mountaineers who prioritize lightweight gear. It’s also ideal for any climber looking to reduce weight on their rack without sacrificing strength and reliability.
Those who should skip this product are beginners on a tight budget, who can opt for more affordable nylon slings. Climbers who primarily engage in single-pitch sport climbing might not fully appreciate the weight savings offered by the Grivel Ring Alpine.
A must-have accessory to use with the Grivel Ring Alpine is a selection of high-quality carabiners.
Conclusion on Grivel Ring Alpine
The Grivel Ring Alpine is a top-tier sling that delivers exceptional performance in demanding alpine environments. Its lightweight design, superior strength, and durability make it an essential piece of gear for serious climbers.
While the price is higher than nylon alternatives, the benefits in terms of weight reduction and durability justify the cost. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Grivel Ring Alpine to any climber seeking a reliable and lightweight sling for their alpine adventures. Upgrade your rack today and experience the difference!