Recently I was working a boulder problem over and over with no success. Getting frustrated, I decided to try some new beta and found myself 10 feet up and sideways. I greased off, and fell onto my ankle, which rolled like Silly Putty.

Obviously, it takes more than a sick strength-to-weight ratio to rule the rock: A tall guy has a reach advantage, and big biceps do not replace great footwork. However, when it comes down to it, the little climber is the one with the biggest advantage.

What to do when the unthinkable happens, and how to stay sanitary out at the crag.