1. Pee. Never start up a climb having to pee. Depending on how much coffee you’ve consumed, this could rid you of over a pound of extra weight, and you don’t need the unnecessary distraction of “holding it” while you’re cruxing out.

2. Poop. The same “don’t try to hold your poo through the crux” idea as above applies here as well. Also, depending on how much food you’ve slammed in the previous 48-36 hours, taking a large pre-climbing dump could rid you of significant extra weight. Note: Taking laxatives to “lose weight” is never a good idea. Not only is it unhealthy, but you don’t want to deal with that mess at the crag.

3. Buy the lightest gear on the market. Half an ounce per draw doesn’t sound like much until you have 16 of them weighing down your harness. And don’t stop there: Buy the lightest harness, jacket, pants, chalk bag, and rope possible AND go commando to save even more weight. You’ll also significantly lighten your wallet in the process.

4. If number 3 above isn’t doing the trick, climb naked. Clothes are heavy.

5. If numbers 3 and 4 aren’t enough, consider naked free soloing. No rope drag, heavy gear, stopping to place or clip, or 3-ounce cotton t-shirts to haul up the rock.

6. Take off the silly weight vest you’re wearing. 

7. Take your mid-climb beer out of your chalk bag. Post-send beers taste 157% better than pre- or mid-climb brews.

Photo: Lynn Suyeko