Our team recently attended the Big Gear Show and team paddler Nathan Hobbs got a first look at the Petzl RAD System (short for Rescue and Descent System). This system is designed for crevasse rescue and although it hasn’t been rated for water use specifically, the moisture and grit levels in glacial travel are pretty similar to conditions you might experience on the river. Some features we love about this system:

Petzl RAD System - In the Bag

• Everything you need for a 3:1 Mechanical advantage system in one bag

• 12 KN strength rating on all components

• Weight is: 2.2 lbs (1 KG) for the entire system

• The 6 mm RAD line will experience less than 2% elongation.

Pat from Petzl took the time to walk us through the system and discuss how it works and what it can do. All of the components are easy deployed in less than 1 minute if you have some familiarity with the system. The system comes with:

• 30 m of RAD LINE 6 mm cord, developed specifically for crevasse rescue, rappelling, and roping up on a glacier when getting out of a crevasse zone

• 3 Sm’D SCREW-LOCK carabiners

• 1 TIBLOC ascender

• 1 MICRO TRAXION progress-capture pulley

• 1 ST’ANNEAU 120 cm sling

We’re excited to try this system on the river and report back with a full gear review and we will add that to this article at a later date. If you would like to learn more about rescue equipment Check out our rope and cordage piece.