Climbing Gear – More Than a Bit of Old Rope

It is fair to say that climbing gear and equipment has come a long way since Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay found themselves at the top of the world, on the summit of Mount Everest in May of1953.

One wonders how they did it really, with the primitive equipment that was then available to them. Although climbing the biggest mountains remains a worthy and dangerous challenge, thanks to the advancement in technology, conquering these giants has become a much more frequent occurrence.

A climber has to exercise a lot of faith in the climbing gear he or she uses and therefore it is important to be confident in the equipment of choice.

Let’s have a quick glance at some of the essentials in a climber’s arsenal

  • Helmet – As with most extreme sports a helmet can be a life saver. Any sort of debris falling from above is a real danger and the protective helmet is the first line of defence.
  • Climbing Shoes – A climber knows how important a good foothold is and properly fitting climbing shoes can make the difference between a good foothold and a bad one.
  • Harness – Once helmet and shoes are in place, the harness is what connects and holds the remainder of the equipment securely. Most modern harnesses are adjustable, enabling the climber comfort as well as security.
  • Rope – The climber may not be a climber for very long without a trusty rope and all the rope tools, such as clips, cams and wall nuts etc

If you are just beginning your climbing career or in the process of upgrading all your climbing gear, what are the best ways to get hold of new equipment. Well, there are lots of extreme sports and specialist climbing stores now on the internet, if you enter your search you are bound to discover what you need.

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3 Responses to “Climbing Gear – More Than a Bit of Old Rope”

  1. That Mtn Ir, on April 25th, 2010 at 2:42 am Said:

    Rock Climbing: Need Recommendations for Gear and More Knowledge?
    Looking to become more serious and invest in some climbing gear:

    1. I’d like to try trad, but do I necessarily have to build a rack first? I don’t have the $ for that right now. I have a harness, shoes, ATC, biner. I’m hesitant to do sport climbing because I’m not too keen about bolts, but is that the quickest and easiest way to get experience for trad?

    2. Can someone also explain to me how to tie a ‘magic X’? I knew how to a few months ago but have forgotten since.

    3. Read some workout tips online and in magazines, but what do you do personally to become a better climber other than actually climbing? I know pullups are helpful, but what else? (No access to a finger board).

    4. People like bouldering better because of no ropes. What is its appeal to you other than that?

  2. more than a hat rack, on April 25th, 2010 at 7:44 am Said:

    There is a book, Conditioning for Outdoor Fitness that has a lot of exercises and tips for getting better at lots of things… hiking/climbing/bouldering, etc. Check it out.

    You’ll probably gain some valuable experience by finding a climbing group or local club that has the same interest. If there is an REI store close,they will have info.
    References :

  3. MAK, on April 25th, 2010 at 7:46 am Said:

    1) Yes, you need a rack to climb trad, or access to a partner with a rack. There is no way around it other than taking lessons and using their equipment. Sport climbing is WAY safer than trad climbing and is the best way to get experience. Trad climbers are typically very advanced climbers.

    2) never heard of a magic x. sorry.

    3) The best way to become a better climber is simply to climb. That can be at a climbing gym, on actual rock or bouldering. Flexibility, balance, and upper body strength are important, but good climbers use their legs just as much as their arms. Buy a cheap hand-strengthening tool.

    4) some people are absolutely hooked on bouldering and that is all they want to do. Bouldering typically attempts "problems" that are very difficult and very short in comparison to sport climbing. It is the extreme difficulty that often interests people and some people become obsessed with climbing a particular problem. It may take hours to months to climb whatever problem that is being attempted.
    References :
    I am a mountaineer and ice climber.

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