Many trad routes in Korea simply recommend "1 set" or "2 sets" of cams. . . a set of cams, plus say the 2 omega pacific link cams should do. Of course, it 's not like there's a set rack for Korea or any other country! Each crack is different! It does make sense to double up on hand to fist, however-- cracks you're more likely to climb-- than #5's. . . who wants to carry a bunch of those!!?!? And if you're doing trad offwidths, lets hope you have a partner with a #5!
For the price, esp if you have to bail in the mountains, a set of nuts is a good idea (though I got laughed out of the Pisandae shelter in Seoraksan for asking the Kolon Sports Leader (who put up the route I was doing) which hexes to bring. Fortunately hexes make fine paperweights, gear shifts for standard transmissions, and door knockers. But I digress. . . best to have an experienced leader check your placements (on the ground first, then following you!) until you're confident and competant!
For my $, I still go with Wild Country and Black Diamond and aliens for finger cracks to piton scars. . . I like flexible stems. . . I have a few Trango's but if I actually bought gear myself, I think I'd stick with the best and go BD! I do love the pricey, heavy but versatile and solid OML Cam. . . it's very sexy. . .
But I am not familiar with Rock Empire and every cam, so maybe they are just as good!
__________________
"If you can't do something well, you might as well learn to enjoy doing it poorly." -- from a de-motivational poster, but I find it oddly liberating!
|