Climbing gear: the 9 essentials you can't miss if you go climbing
Climbing is an exciting adventure sport, but it also involves a certain level of risk. These risks can be reduced if the correct equipment is used.
Climbing equipment is unique, both the type of footwear and other gear. This equipment makes a difference, and this difference can mean life or death. The level of safety therefore depends directly on the equipment we use.
The climbing equipment must be certified by the International Federation of Mountaineering Associations (UIAA) and the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN).. Before buying equipment, try the right size, as comfort is very important. There are many manufacturers of climbing equipment today. Verify their products by testing them. Companies are making durable, strong and lightweight products for climbing.
Rock climbing equipment guide: the best gear for sport climbing
In the past, people may have only worn trainers or socks, a hemp rope and a climbing belt. But these days, there is equipment that makes climbing not only fun, but also safe. Basic climbing gear includes: climbing shoes, harnesses, climbing rope, quickdraws, belay devices (eight, cup, gri gri), safety carabiners, helmet, sunglasses, first aid kitcam devices (friends), crackers, tapes, etc.. In addition to technical clothingfor both adverse weather conditions as well as flexible or performada. Other personal items may include: food and water, sunscreen, extra clothing, camera, tent, cooking utensils, camp cooker, sleeping bag, a knife, approach shoes and a magnesium bag.
There are many climbing equipment suppliers. Some of the most popular brands are: Petzl, Black Diamond, Volcom, Nixon, Oakley, Smith, Spy, The North Face, Nikita, Eagle Creek, Dakine, Mountain Hardwear and others..
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With careful selection, considering performance, functionality and value for money, we have considered the following products.
Climbing helmets".
We have selected the helmet Black Diamond Half Dome as our top choice for new sport climbers. With a highly adjustable suspension system and plenty of ventilation, this lightweight helmet will last for years and is suitable for all climbers.
Carabiners
To begin sport climbing, you will need one carabiner to anchor the belayer for descents and approximately 4 more on hand for use in anchors, top-rope rigging, and more. For use with the belayer or belay device we recommend a wide pear-shaped carabiner.
The Black Diamond Rocklock Magnetron locks automatically and you can operate it with one hand, an additional safety measure, as the carabiners are sometimes forgotten to be screwed in, with the risk that this entails.
You will also often need a carabiner to attach a top rope, for climbing on top rope. Since the rope will pass through these carabiners, you need models that provide enough surface area for the rope to slide through. Carabiner type carabiners Metolius Element Key Lock are a good choice.
Finally, at the belay you may need carabiners to attach to the anchors (in sport, you will usually find fixed carabiners at the belay). Generally these will be threaded safety carabiners, but the size does not need to be as large as the previous ones. A model similar to the Black Diamond Positron may be the correct one.
Climbing belayers".
Two safety devices (securing devices) have been selected: the Petzl GriGri 2 assisted braking device and the Black Diamond ATC-Guide. For belaying, both devices are sufficient, but the GriGri 2 has the added safety benefit of locking the rope when a climber falls.
Although the ATC-Guide has no assisted braking/locking mechanism during belaying, it is more recommended than the GriGri 2 for classic climbing, because of its dynamic and progressive braking and because it can be used with double ropes and for functions such as rappelling.
Many sport climbers use the GriGri 2 but keep an ATC-Guide attached to their harnesses for rappelling. An alternative to the ATC-Guide is the Petzl Reverso 4 - these two devices are almost identical in functionality and price. It is our suggestion to have both: a GriGri 2 and an ATC-style security device.
Cat's Feet".
Cats feet vary depending on the style of climbing; hard bouldering will need a more aggressive shoe with less tension than if you are spending hours on a wall where you will probably want a more comfortable option.
If we are looking for high levels of performance and comfort in a single design, a good choice is the Five Ten Anasazi Pinkan all-terrain model
Harnesses".
For an affordable entry-level option, we suggest the Black Diamond Momentum for men and the BD Primrose for women. At less than 60 euros, these harnesses are very affordable and provide similar comfort and performance to many harnesses at twice the price. If you're looking for a step up, we suggest the ultra-light Petzl Hirundos, a very lightweight, sport-specific option.
Express tapes
We recommend a complete express set that is light and easy to handle. The set of Edelrid Express offers an excellent starting point. It is competitively priced, the trigger of alambre makes them light.
For some climbing routes, 12 belays are sufficient, but you may need up to 16 depending on the route. It is suggested that you accompany short belays with longer ones, in order to guide the rope properly. The longer ones help to reduce rope drag (excess friction) on certain sections of the route.
Climbing ropes".
Are you going to climb with the rope from above, in top rope? In that case it would be more convenient to opt for a rope of more than 10 mm width (such as the Petzl Club 10 mm) due to the additional wear and tear on the rope.
If you are looking for a higher performance climbing rope, try the Petzl Arial 9.5 mma lightweight, durable and versatile rope. On most climbing routes, a 60 metre rope is sufficient. But, 70 metre ropes (even now 80m) are becoming increasingly common and the added length often provides benefits on multi-pitch climbs and while rappelling.
Magnesium bag
Magnesium helps us to increase our grip on the rock. This is especially important in hot climates and high temperatures, when sweaty hands can be a problem.
Climbing backpack".
Climbing equipment should be carried with care, as it should remain with you until you reach the top. You can anchor some of it in your harness, thus keeping your upper body relatively free. Most climbers use special backpacks designed to contain most of the essentials.
