Imlay Sandtrap - Advanced Anchor System​

  Invented by Steve Woodford of Springdale Utah, the SandTrap is a retrievable anchor making device when you have sand available.

Fill the bag with sand and then rap it off. Pull the retrieval line to spill the sand and retrieve the Trap, leaving nothing behind other than displaced sand. Ingenious!

SAFE USE REQUIRES EXPERTISE. A description for use is provided here and BELOW. The SandTrap is a great new tool for a specific type of canyon. Works well in canyons with a lot of sand when dry.

The new version (2017) is made of 500d Cordura.
Color: Blue-Red
Weight: 18.2 oz (520 grams)

USING THE SANDTRAP

1. USE A CARABINER OR RAPID LINK to connect the rope to the SandTrap – both for the rappel rope and for the retrieval rope. Rope-on-webbing action will quickly wear out the tie-in points, so use metal for this vital link.

2. INSPECT the tie-in points and the retrieval strap on a regular basis, perhaps after every rappel. If either of these critical components are damaged, carefully evaluate the severity of the damage and whether continued use is safe.

SANDTRAP PARTS

The INSIDE of the SandTrap is smooth – this is where the sand goes. The OUTSIDE of the SandTrap has several straps and belt loops on it – where all the action takes place.

The TOP EDGE of the SandTrap has the “Imlay Canyon Gear” label, and the retrieval strap sliding through a belt loop; the BOTTOM EDGE of the SandTrap has the retrieval strap sewn to the tarp near its center.

FOUR TIE IN POINTS are found at the corners of the tarp. Use a locking carabiner to clip all four of these to the Rappel Rope.

ONE RETRIEVAL STRAP runs up the center of the SandTrap through 4 belt loops and out the top. Use a locking carabiner to attach this to a retrieval rope.

A BACKUP RETRIEVAL TIE-IN POINT is sewn at the center of the bottom edge, allowing attachment of a retrieval strap should the primary retrieval strap fail.

PREPARING THE SANDTRAP

Place the SandTrap on the ground, with the OUTSIDE of SandTrap facing down, the smooth INSIDE facing up. Orient the SandTrap with the BOTTOM EDGE facing TOWARD the drop. Pile sand on the center of the SandTrap. Pull the TOP EDGE over the sand and toward the drop to roughly line up with the BOTTOM EDGE.

Clip the FOUR (4) TIE IN POINTS to the rappel rope using a locking carabiner.

Place the SandTrap into a pothole, depression or dug pit close to the edge of the drop. Make sure that the “runout” is clear of objects and constrictions that could snag the SandTrap, or behind which the SandTrap could become jammed. If the surface is flat, build a berm or fence in front of the SandTrap out of available sand, to place the SandTrap behind, so that it has to 'climb a hill' to pull.

Clip the RETRIEVAL STRAP to the retrieval rope using a locking carabiner.

Set up a BACKUP SYSTEM to allow safe testing of the SandTrap as rigged without risk to the rappellers.

RAPPELLING FROM THE SANDTRAP AND RETRIEVAL

Rappel using minimum-force rappelling techniques. Examine the SandTrap as canyoneers rappel and add more sand or reposition the SandTrap if it appears sketchy. If concerned about retrieval, do a test pull to make sure the people below can successfully retrieve the SandTrap.

After everyone has rappelled, retrieve the SandTrap by pulling hard on the RETRIEVAL CORD. The cord bunches the center of the SandTrap and pushes the sand out the sides, at which point the empty SandTrap is pulled down to the waiting canyoneers. It may require a lot of pulling from below to get the retrieval process started, but generally once it starts, the retrieval proceeds with less force.

NOTES

Both the rappelling rope and the retrieval rope get very beat up in this process, especially the part near the SandTrap. Inspect these ropes often and change them out to spread the wear and tear around.

EVEN WHEN USED CAREFULLY, USE OF THIS ANCHOR SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. STUDY EACH SITUATION CAREFULLY, MAKE SMART DECISIONS, LIVE TO CANYONEER ANOTHER DAY. DO NOT BECOME OVERLY-FASCINATED WITH GHOSTING THE CANYON, WHERE THIS IS NOT A SMART DECISION.