The original stick clip was improvised at the base of the cliff, where climbers used a stick, climbing tape, and a small object to hold the carabiner gate open. In the late ’80s, a commercial stick clip using a paint pole with a hardware store clamp became popular, catering to the increasing interest in rock climbing.
The emergence of climbing gyms led to purpose-driven remote clipping devices, greatly enhancing the process of securing the first rope-loaded quickdraw. The new commercial stick clips, often “heads” that screw onto standard paint poles, could efficiently clip the rope into the first quickdraw or remove a hanging quickdraw.
In the 2020s, newer stick clips with built-in collapsible poles have become more versatile, enabling a range of tasks related to the first bolt and other bolts. Among these, the Pongoose stick clip stands out as distinct and effective through its unique design.
I tested the
Pongoose Climber 700+ 3-in-1 Stick Clip
for three months of local sport climbing, finding it to be the epitome of stick clips. It efficiently hung the first quickdraw, clipped the rope, and removed quickdraws consistently, with minimal hassle and frustration.
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Collapsed pole length
28.3″ -
Extended pole length
108.7″ -
Head length
5″ -
Verified total weight
1 lb., 6 oz.
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Horizontal quickdraw orientation keeps bolt hanger visible -
Very adept at clipping the rope into a hanging quickdraw -
Consistent at removing a hanging quickdraw -
Robust aluminum head with no moving parts -
Stable all-aluminum pole
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Collapsed pole doesn’t fit in most 40L+ packs
Pongoose Stick Clip: It’s All in the Head
The Unique Pongoose Stick Clip Head
The Pongoose stick clip head features horizontal orientation, which keeps the bolt hanger visible and adjustable in two planes. This uniqueness, coupled with robust aluminum construction and no moving parts, ensures durability and practicality in remote clipping tasks. The head can be paired with silicone beads, offered in five different colors, for further customization.
Pongoose Stick Clip Pole
The Pongoose Climber 700+ stick clip pole utilizes a five-section design, offering stability and stiffness at full extension. It can extend to 108.7 inches and also features a twist-lock mechanism along with a standard ¼-inch camera thread for additional utility as a monopod or selfie stick.
How It All Works
The collapsed pole of the Pongoose Climber 700+ Stick Clip may not fit in most 40L+ packs, but the added rigidity of the pole compared to other commercial stick clips is noticeable and welcomed. Proper usage may require reference to instructional videos provided by the brand.
Clipping Bolts
The Pongoose Climber 700+ Stick Clip’s horizontally-oriented quickdraw design significantly improves bolt clipping, offering easier visibility and one-handed operation. Its versatility also extends to clipping quickdraws in roofs, positioning it as an efficient and reliable tool for climbers.
Clipping the Rope Into a Quickdraw
The horizontal orientation of the Pongoose Climber 700+ Stick Clip simplifies the process of clipping the rope into a quickdraw and remains effective at various angles, including roofs, without requiring extensive adjustments.
Removing a Quickdraw
When removing quickdraws, the Pongoose Climber 700+ Stick Clip effectively utilizes silicone beads and the horizontal alignment of the loop of rope, making the task easier and more consistent than traditional stick clips.
Other Pongoose Climber 700+ Stick Clip Functions
