Rock Climbing/Equipment
Basic gear[edit | edit source]
Shoes[edit | edit source]
Climbing shoes should be tight, but not cause pain. Entry level shoes will have flatter soles, while those that arch are meant for more skilled climbers.
Chalk[edit | edit source]
Just as in certain types of gymnastics, rock-climbers typically use chalk (in fact usually magnesium carbonate) for drying their hands to prevent slipping. Chalk comes in three general forms; blocks, powder inside balls of cloth, and liquid.
Blocks of chalk tend to cruble[check spelling] and make a mess so some gyms don't allow their use. Liquid chalk is a mixture of powdered chalk with a volatile liquid which evaporates in a matter of seconds, leaving a relatively long lasting coating of chalk. Chalk balls are probably the most common of the three.
Helmet[edit | edit source]
Some climbers use a helmet to protect themselves in high falls, or from falling rocks and other objects.
Top-roping[edit | edit source]
Harness[edit | edit source]
Unless when bouldering, climbers are usually secured with a rope which is attached to the climber's harnesses, a webbed belt that fits around one's waist and thighs. The belayer will typically also wear a harness to which the belay device is attached, using the belayer's weight as an anchor.
Rope[edit | edit source]
Carabiners and webbing[edit | edit source]
You will need a few for the anchors.
Lead-climbing[edit | edit source]
Quickdraws[edit | edit source]
These are pairs of carabiners connected with webbing. These are clipped into anchors bolted into the face of the rock.
Removable protection[edit | edit source]
On traditional lead climbs where there are no bolts, protection devices are secured in places such as cracks by the lead, and cleared by the second. These include:
- Aluminum or steel nuts
- Hexagonal-shaped chocks
- Slings
- Spring loaded camming device
- Tricams