Tunnel Vision emphatically does not require any big gear. There is one true offwidth section, but it can be protected adequatel by a couple of standard cams. When you're in the true "tunnel" part, you'd need a 5 foot piece to protect yourself. But protection isn't required, as the climbing is very easy (but fun!)



Indeed! That reminds me, when we going to get back to the San Rafael Swell, my friend? We've got a lot of sweet stuff to do there!

GO

Or you can look for the pocket on the right wall that takes a small tri-cam.

And that gets to a the point worth considering. In areas where the rock tends to have complex features, there are often opportunities even in wide cracks or chimneys to find small gear placements. When the rock tends to split cleanly, big gear has its place. In those cases I prefer cams, even if they are a hassle to haul up.

Soon! I'm just about done painting my god damn house, at which point i'll be good to go.

That's an excellent point. Sometimes the best gear for wide cracks is small to micro gear. That and a willingness to run it out.

GO

I have found good use for them in the Valley, at the Chief (BC), Red Rocks, Josh, Tahquitz, and Cathedral/Whitehorse. They are not my favorite pieces, but do very well at the edge of OW roofs... as they give the rope a smoothe rounded corner to pass over. It's a specialist piece of gear, best IMHO for granite OW cracks.

I keep meaning to pick one up for using on Tunnel Vision in Red rocks, but have so far passed on the route instead. Played around with one in the Valley and seems very impressive.

Where on Tunnel Vision would you want one?

GO

Going by word of mouth and a guide I read, folk enjoy having it along for the tunnel section. If you have a different take on it I am all ears.

Hmmm.... If that's your concern, then you should go do the route post-haste.

The tunnel section is very very easy, with some protection available in both sides. Also, for 99% of it (if memory serves) the only protection that would span the tunnel would be a five foot wide big bro if such a thing existed.

But perhaps you misunderstood? There is a half a pitch of offwidth which, if you are not familiar with offwidth climbing, you could easily want to sew up. It's not insanely hard, and there are some face holds, but a section of it would be fairly serious without some kind of big gear if you are not somewhat comfortable with the style of climbing.

GO

u might be right and maybe it is for an off-widthy portion. I've never loved the off width stuff but find it usually goes OK with significant amounts of thrashing and blood letting. If you have a guess as to what size it might take, it might be a good excuse to finally break down and get one.