Basic via ferrata equipment and material

Like Via Ferrata is the name given to a set of artificial installations that have been placed on a rock wall or on a itinerary horizontal, in order to be able to climb a route, be it hiking or mountaineering, in a certain degree of safety. However, it is important to bear in mind that a fall from a via ferrata can be very dangerous if the safety rules are not followed to the letter and the necessary equipment is not available. Here are the details.

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Helmet

It is essential a helmet to protect against stones and in case of a fall, it will also protect the head from bumps. It should fit snugly on the head and the chin strap should be checked to ensure that it opens and closes smoothly. The helmet should be approved for mountaineering or climbing (UIAA / CE). There are many models on the market -many of them very similar-, as references you can have the Petzl Helm Elios (Click here to buy) or the  Black Diamond Half Dome (from 45,08 euros).

Harness

It is recommended that the harness be adjustable on the legs. Another feature that would be good to check is that it is easy to put on. We can combine it with a chest strap (mandatory for children). And if we said that in terms of helmets the variety was enormous, even more so in harnesses. It is a good idea to have a fully adjustable multifunction climbing harness. The Black Diamond Momentum DS (from 51.65 euros) is a very durable harness used in all types of activities from sport climbing to mountaineering and ferrata. 

Heatsink

This element must be specially approved for via ferrata: this is what will help to cushion the blow in the event of falls. Some via ferratas are even forbidden to be used without this article.

Initially, they consisted of a rope passing through a metal plate with holes in it, progressively slowing the fall.

However, technological advances have allowed the development of much more efficient heatsinks, leaving the more rudimentary or "homemade" ones in disuse.

Most of the heatsinks available on the market today are sewn ribbon, with a loop that gradually unravels in the event of a fall.by slowing it down. The disadvantage is that they have only one use, but they have proven to be very effective.

They all have in common the dissipative webbing combined with various arms and carabiners. An ultra-compact, lightweight model with elasticated arms is the Petzl Scorpio Vertigo Lanyard (Click here to buy)which also has an anchorage point for resting. Another reference brand in heatsinks is Edelrid, which has the model Via Ferrata Kit one touch Edelrid (from 84,85 euros)with carabiners of maximum versatility, which facilitate progression.

Gloves

Although it is not essential to wear gloves on the via ferrata, it is advisable to wear them, as they will protect your hands from blisters, calluses and other injuries. The material of the gloves can be made of resistant leather. There are models on the market from 19,26 euros like the gloves Black Diamond Crag Half Finger (see on Amazon). 

Glasses and front

The strong rays of the sun in high mountains can make the use of goggles as necessary. Likewise, a front will be particularly useful in case of via ferratas with tunnels or at night. The model Black Diamond Spot Aluminium (Click here to buy) has an intensity of 300 lumens and is widely used in climbing and ski mountaineering activities.

Footwear

It is advisable to wear comfortable, thick-soled, non-slip footwear on the via ferrata. It is not advisable to use very rigid models, such as mountaineering boots. It is safer to wear hiking shoes. Some brands of footwear have models adapted to the practice of via ferratas, such as La Sportiva Boulder X (see to buy)useful on technical approach routes and ferratas. 

Rope, some baga and descender

These elements are indispensable for abseiling or for belaying people on difficult passages. Like descenderA basket can be used. A third baga will allow you to rest and give you a little more security at certain times. As for which rope to take, this will depend on the type of ferrata and its length. For "committed" ferratas, it will vary little from the equipment of a classic mountaineering route. It all depends. Here, for example, we present the model Beal Rando Ø8 mm (see model here). which you can find in 20, 30 and 48m, ideal for belaying in complicated passages or for unclimbing, for other types of operations that may involve a fall factor it should be used in double. 

*All purchase prices included in this article are current as of 15/10/2018.