Climbing Gear

Rock Climbing Gear
By Roz Curtis

Rock climbing is an extreme sport which uses different gear to ensure a safe and efficient climb. It is important to know what type of climbing activity to pursue to be able to buy necessary equipment to use.

Climbing Ropes

They are essential safety equipment used in rock climbing and are made from braided nylon fibers. It is important to check the quality and construction of this rock climbing gear to see its strength can hold a person’s weight. Two type of climbing ropes are used: the dynamic and static rope. Dynamic ones are able to stretch under tension, especially during a fall. Static ropes do not have that flexibility, but are used in cases where a rope needs to be firm under tension, such as during rappelling.

Climbing Harnesses

They provide security and support for climbers. A typical harness used in climbing has a sewn nylon belt placed on the waist, and a pair of leg loops for the thighs. The support of the harness is directed towards the climber’s legs, making it comfortable for climbers during hang-ins.

Climbing carabiners

These rock climbing gear are constantly used. Carabiners are rings made of solid aluminium with a spring loaded gate to allow opening, and have different variations and designs. Most carabiners are inexpensive, strong, and versatile. It is important to be reminded that a climbing carabiner is safe until its gate is opened.

Active Protection: Spring-Loaded Camming Devices

A spring loaded camming device (SLCD) consists of a stem with an axle at one end holding four spiral-shaped spring-loaded cams. Climbers use this rock climbing gear to have a mechanism to retract the cams and place it in an area pointing down. It is then released which allows the mechanism to spring back against the rock making it more secure.

Passive Protection: Slings, Hexes, Nuts, Tricams

Passive protection uses different rock climbing gear which can be placed securely with no moving parts. Slings, hexes, nuts, and tricams have different specific uses. Generally they are lightweight, and are wedged into cracks of rock with difficulty in removing from one section, but easy to remove in another.

Climbing Helmets

Helmets are essential for protection in any type of climbing activity. These rock climbing gear are made from different kinds of materials such as plastic or fiberglass, and have an inner shell made of foam or a harness system. They should not be tight, but comfortable and have an adjustable chin strap. It should provide proper ventilation, and consider placing importance in choosing the right weight for your needs.

Roz Curtis has been practicing rock climbing for five years and writes articles for ABC-of-RockClimbing. Feel free to become a part of their community.

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Climbing Harness
By Roz Curtis

Rock climbing gear and equipment need important consideration. Not only do they provide you with safety, but also with the ability to perform any climbing ability. One important gear used is the climbing harness. Know about climbing harnesses and decide on which suits your needs and the nature of your climbing activity.

Types of Rock Climbing Harness

Each kind and type of climbing harness is designed for a specific purpose. Know what you need with the different types described below:

Sit Harness: has waist belt and leg loops, worn around the hips, to provide security and mobility for climbers.

Chest Harness: enables to stay upright during climbs. Can be worn with a sit harness if ascending or descending with a heavy pack, or during a glacier climb. Adds support to the climber.

Full-body Harness: similar with using both sit and chest harness in giving both support and security. You can choose to connect sit and chest harnesses with full-body harness permanently, or semi-permanently.

Rock Climbing Harness Care and Maintenance

Climbing harness gives you support and security, thus you need to maintain the high performance of the gear by caring and maintaining its quality. Here are some tips to care and maintain Climbing Harnesses:

See to it that your climbing harnesses do not show signs of wear and tear. Prevent damage by checking for abrasions and signs of deterioration.

Wash with water and mild detergent only, and avoid using or contact with harsh chemicals. Hang to dry and keep away from direct sunlight. It is more possible to look for signs of deteriorations once the climbing harness has air dried.

Never compromise quality with the cost. Replace climbing harnesses as soon as there are signs of deterioration and fraying, especially if you have had frequent falls.

Store your clean and dry climbing harnesses in suitable conditions, preventing sunlight and rain which can damage your harness.

Always check your climbing harnesses before and after climbing. Remember it is valuable for your security and support.

A climbing harness can last longer if treated with right care. Practice these tips to be able to use your climbing harnesses longer and efficiently.

Roz Curtis has been practicing rock climbing for five years and writes articles for ABC-of-RockClimbing. Feel free to become a part of their community.

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