Essential Rock Climbing Equipment
Essential Rock Climbing Equipment
If you are thinking of rock climbing then you will probably want to learn about the equipment that is essential to the sport. While some types of climbing, such as free climbing, do not use any equipment it is best to start out with proper rock climbing equipment. The right rock climbing equipment will help you to stay safe while climbing.
The Basics
When shopping for rock climbing equipment you don’t need anything fancy. Stick to good quality basic rock climbing equipment and you will be fine on a climb. Before buying anything you will first need to get yourself a pair of good climbing shoes. Talk to someone experienced before buying a pair to see what a good pair should feel like.
You might find climbing shoes uncomfortable at first as they are very tight fitting to prevent your foot from slipping in the shoe. However good shoes will help you climb better and will increase friction.
Climbing rope is probably one of the most important pieces of rock climbing equipment that you will buy. You will notice that climbing rope tends to have a little ‘give’; it stretches more than traditional rope. This is essential to rock climbing as a rope that does not stretch will jerk a climber during a fall.
Carabiners are another piece of essential rock climbing equipment, a carabiner is important in keeping ropes connected during climbing. There are various types of carabiners and depending on the type of climbing you will be undertaking the type of carabiner you use will vary. One of the safest types of carabiners that you can use is the D ring type. However it may not be suitable for all climbs.
A harness is another piece of rock climbing equipment that you must use when climbing. Harnessed is not too expensive and sometimes cost less than climbing rope or shoes. The harness should make hanging off rock face comfortable as your weight is centered on the leg loops rather than the waist. Harnesses tend to get more expensive when there is more padding or the leg loops are adjustable.
Belay devices are important to climbing though the climber will not be using them directly. The second climber needs the belay devices so that the first climber can stay safe. There are many different types or belay devices, all of them safe to use. The figure eight is the most common belay device used by climbers.
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