Webbing slings are part of every mountaineer’s basic gear. Whether for setting up belay stations, rappelling, or crevasse rescue—they’re a versatile tool and so small and light that you rarely end up bringing too few.
I’ve been using Mammut slings in the mountains for so many years now that it’s almost a miracle they’re still on the market unchanged. Over the years, they’ve been taken through every imaginable landscape—on ice, rock, and snow—and I could never have wished for a better companion.
But before we dive deeper into their use, here’s a brief look at the materials
The slings are made of Dyneema, a synthetic fiber derived from polyethylene that offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. It’s ideal for tents or sailcloth. But it’s also perfect for us winter sports enthusiasts, since Dyneema absorbs virtually no water. Its high cut resistance is reassuring in case a ski edge or sharp rocks come too close. The breaking load of a Mammut Contact Sling 8.0 is 22 kN, which falls within the standard range for slings. In alpine use, of course, knots and aging can reduce the breaking load. In practice, it’s important to note that Dyneema has almost no stretch. Caution is advised whenever there’s a risk of falling into the sling, such as when working above a belay station.
