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Harness

Any caving or climbing harness is suitable. Caving harnesses are more efficient if you need to prusik and are more durable. A few specialised canyoning harnesses are available in the UK, but again may need to be ordered in. These have a built-in seat protector to help prolong the life of the seat of the wetsuit. Seat protectors compatible with caving harnesses may also be available to buy separately. Check harnesses routinely for signs of wear and tear.

Descender

A number of types are available, but none is perfect (see ‘ssss1’, below). Whichever device you choose, know how to lock it off and add friction mid-descent.

Helmet

Head injuries may result from slipping on wet rock, rockfall and from being tossed about by the river’s current. Always wear a helmet in alpine canyons.

Flotation device

A flotation device, such as those used for white-water kayaking, can provide peace of mind in very wet canyons, although they impede swimming performance.

Self-rescue and rigging equipment

How much of this is carried as personal kit and how much is shared between the group as a whole depends on personal preference. Everybody should have some means of ascending the rope, whether prusik loops, lightweight jumaring devices, or full-size jumars used by cavers. A figure-of-8 can be useful for rigging releasable belays (see ‘ssss1’, above) and will double as a spare descender in case one is lost.