All-In-One Rescue And Descent Kit — This small kit could save your life, or that of your partner. Made to give climbers and backcountry skiers in alpine and glacial terrain quick access to rescue gear, the RAD System from Petzl (stands for “rescue and descent”) includes a 30-meter line of 6mm cordage, carabiners, ascenders, and a sling.
The package, made for crevasse rescue, rappelling, or roping up on glacial traverses, weighs a mere 1,045 grams and fits in a tiny bag that you wear on a harness. This is half the weight (and half the size) of similar options, Petzl cites. The slick package will cost you a lot at $400 but it could be worth the convenience, and it’s definitely worth the increased safety if you frequent the alpine danger zone. (July 2015)
