I saw a tv show where a cop was 'walking' up a rope with some kind of rig and was hoping someone would know what that was and where I can get something like that? I don't remember what the show was, it was about a year ago.

There are several types of mechanical assenders that cavers and mountain climbers use. I use what is called the Texas system with two jumars (mechanical assenders) with a seat and chest harness. Another good system is the Gibbs assender "rope walker system" which is a long time favorite among cavers. There are other systems well. Check out Bob and Bob or REI for the equipment, and be sure to get good training before you use them.

Am I showing my age when I ask 'doesn't anybody use a few continuous loops and prusik knots for ascending any more'???

No, not all. Our team still uses them. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Pete

Everyone should know how to tie and climb with prusik knots. However, mechanical assenders and the various climbing systems that have been developed for them are easer and faster to use.

Yes, you are showing your age. Me, too. Prusik is really under appreciated by younger climbers for all it can do when applied by a twis... er, creative mind. Extremely versitile.

But I usually use a Bachman for ascending when I have a choice. Too cheap to buy factory ascenders (I like them) and I have seen them fail at least twice that I can remember (OK - they were REALLY abused, but still...)

I use them. :-)

Maybe you show your age. Last week a shop clerk recommended using a prusik as it´s easier on the line. That guy was at least in his late thirties. I use a slightly different setup with a carabiner tied into the knot. It´s easier to get it loose for moving.
Do other people´s rope bag get filled at an alarming rate too?
Where I come from young climbers don´t seem to have problem with the prusik knot. They balk when it comes to using this gem though:

Pardon my lack of the proper english term for this one.

I have been using Swiss jumars in vertical caving since 1968. I have never had a problem with them. They are particulary good on long climbs of 200 feet or more. I have used prusik knots on shorter climbs.

Probably the same name you use its called the dulfersitz even though we usually call it a body rappel.