How to Take Breaks in the Busiest Situations

Life doesn't always give you a lot of clear opportunities to rest. Here's how you can start making your own:

In a Precarious Position

“Clipping,” I yell.

My belay partner lets out an arm’s length of slack. I’m now in one of the more precarious positions a lead climber can find themselves in: far above my last piece of protection, with the system full of slack.

When climbing this way, you aren’t protected by a rope above you. Instead, your lifeline trails behind y…