Page 91 - Nate Fitch, Ron Funderburke "Climbing Knots"

Lap Coils

Climbers do not always have the most capacious
ledges available to stack a rope. They are often at a
hanging stance as they attempt to manage the rope. So
coiling the rope in long loops over the belayer’s tie-
in can be a good way to manage the rope. But these
coils must be precisely placed, and if they are not done
carefully, they create more problems than they solve.
Be certain a rope stack is not an option before taking
the time and care needed to establish lap coils.
The length of each lap coil can make the task
more efficient. Long loops mean fewer of them. But
if the long loops get entangled in terrain, are blown
about by wind, or interfere with other climbers, they
are not a good option. Shorter coils become necessary

These lap coils are neatly arranged on the belayer’s
tie-in. Each concentric loop is slightly smaller to
guarantee a smooth rope feed.

78 CLIMBING: KNOTS