SRT Leader Kit
Advice for newer leaders about gear for leading SRT trips. The Crew can, of course, also lend you all this.
Gear Items
Knife
SRT leaders should carry a small folding knife with a locking blade and a way to clip it on. Petzl Spatha is the standard choice.
Rescue Pulleys
Petzl Fixe pulleys are the standard. Two Fixes and two Petzl Oval carabiners make a basic rescue kit. Only buy if you know how to use them.
Rigging Carabiners
The cheapest safe carabiners with a decent lifespan. Fixe Puput screwgates work well. Use club gear as long as you can.
Semi-Static Rope
You need semi-static rope, 9-10mm, for SRT. Thicker gives more margin for error. Thinner saves weight. Go 10mm if you're new.
Recommended Caving Shops
Run by active cavers Tom and Rubee, with focuses on ensuring that affordable beginner options are available as well as higher-end gear for more seasoned cavers. Next day delivery available, with a decent selection of headtorches, bags, suits, repair supplies and accessories.
Established in 1977 in South Wales as a Caving lamp and welly hire company, working closely with Outdoor Centres, we have expanded to provide Caving, Hiking, Climbing, Trail Running, Watersports and Expedition kit within a vast store in Cardiff and online. Up and Under staff are outdoor lifers providing many years of experience across all of our sports. Up and Under offer instore fitting services and phone or email advice and stock products from brands including Alp Design, Beal, Bestard, Climbing Technology/Skylotec, Fenix, Kong, Lyon, Petzl, Raumer and Warmbac. Up and Under provide a next working day delivery as standard and offer club member, Outdoor Education and Rescue Team discounts on request.
A specialist UK caving equipment shop operated by Tony Seddon since 2009. The shop offers a unique "travelling shop" service visiting Yorkshire Dales caving locations. As sole UK importer for European brands like MTDE, Tony combines cave diving expertise with personalized equipment advice.
One of the original Caving Shops - run by cavers, staffed by cavers, for cavers. Physical shop in Ingleton, Yorkshire staffed by cavers. Modern online presence - and accommodating and thoughtful staff. Ingleton shop also includes a top tier cafe - recommended.
A Facebook forum for buying and selling caving gear in the UK with over 2000 members. Fairly low traffic, but requests are often well answered. You must know what it is you want, and be able to assess if what you're being offered is suitable for use. Often a great hivemind to ask for advice with top expert contributors.
A newer UK caving store, set up by cavers for cavers. Has its own line of gear under "Geo" brand.