“…escaped potholes 30′ deep with nothing more than packtosses. While this is obviously an exaggeration…”
Allen’s example may not have been that much of an exaggeration. I was in a canyon with Allen when we did, in fact, get past a thirty footer (at least 30 feet deep, probably deeper, with deep water, and about 30 feet across) using a simple pack toss. Allen didn’t have to ‘escape’ the pothole, but he may have just been thinking of this particular pothole as a good example of what can be done without making holes.
I made the ‘toss’ by doing a 5.10-ish traverse to a point where I could shot-put the pack about 15 feet. It took a couple of tries and a few falls into the abyss, and I ate some water, but I consider that all part of the fun of doing the route. The point here being multi-fold: First, the traditional way (going in and trying to climb out the opposite side) was not an option, so an alternate method was used. If it looks impossible, consider a way that isn’t. Second, the chances of doing an obstacle clean are greatly improved if the canyoneer has some climbing skills – and that doesn’t mean a couple of hours at the local climbing gym. Third, it seriously helps to have a good pair of shoes with a snug fit, a flat welt, and a rounded or beveled sole made of climbing rubber. Fourth, you can’t get a good toss with a sloppy, floppy pack. Tighten all the straps up so the bag is a solid mass and shot-put it, or do what Steve B. suggested and carry smaller equipment bags that would be easier to toss. Fifth, try more than once before you reach for the hammer.
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