Climbing Belay
Monday, August 9th, 2010climbing belay
What is the best climbing equipment?
I’m interested in buying my own equipment for climbing. The equipment I have been using is rental equipment and is OK, but I’d like to have my own stuff. I already know some of the things I am buying like my harness, shoes, belay device and carabiner / quickdraws. I have been climbing on indoor walls but I’m interested starting outdoor climbing as well. What kind of ropes and other equipment will I need and what types do you suggest? (I want to get the best stuff for the job, kinda interested in Trad and Sport climbing).
Buying gear is a highly preferential matter. The type of gear you need will depend on where you are climbing and what type of climbing you are doing. You really should take a training course on anchor building and trad climbing before you make the jump from the gym to the real world, unless you have experienced climbing partners to take you. The most popular brands for for most climbing hardware are probably Black Diamond and Petzl, but there are many others out there. For ropes, Petzl, Beal, Sterling, BlueWater, and others. Shoes…prana, 5.10, evolv, scarpa, mad rock, and others. All climbing equipment must be UIAA approved, but the specific type and model of each piece of equipment that is best for you will depend on many factors…
Shoes: What type of fit do you like? There are highly technical (and uncomfortable) fits and there are flatter fits, depending on your skill level and difficulty of routes. You will need to try these on no matter what to make sure they fit your feet just right, so you will need to get these at a climbing store, you can ask advice about brands and models there.
Harness: There are not that many different types of harnesses. Just look for one that has good padding for what you will be doing. If you are a casual climber and go out once a week or so, most any harness will be comfortable and work fine. If you will be doing big wall climbing where you will be hanging, you should look into a heavier more padded harness. It is mostly a compromise between style, price, weight, and comfort here.
Belay device: Most gyms use gri-gris or similar devices, because they are more “fool-proof” devices. You will most likely not want one of these outside. They are expensive, heavy, and not very versatile. The most popular belay device by far is the Black Diamond ATC or one of the variations off of it. They are less than $30 and can work for a variety of purposes including single- or double-rope belays and single- or double-line rappels. If you want to get into multipitch or alpine climbing later you may want to get the ATC guide or Petzl reverso, as they can also be used to belay directly off an anchor.
Carabiners: You should get at least on good quality pear-shaped locker for belaying. What you will need beyond that is a matter of climbing style and preference. If you are toproping, you just need enough to anchor the belayer and build a toprope anchor. If you are doing trad, you will need a lot more. If you are doing sport climbing, you will need less carabiners and more quickdraws. If you plan to do trad only, be aware that most trad climbers dont use quickdraws, but prefer to use dyneema or nylon slings (they are more versatile). Most climbing stores have a wide variety of carabiners from BD and Petzl that include oval, pear, and D-shaped, bent gate, straight gate, wire gate, locking, non-locking, etc. There is a huge variety to choose from.
Ropes: This is very dependent on what you will do. If you plan on doing any climbing in the rain, you will need a dry-treated rope. You can choose from various lengths from 50m to 70m…60m is the most popular right now I think. You will also need to decide on rope diameter. This can range from 7.5mm to 11mm. Standard ropes between 10 and 11mm are safe for mostly any purpose, but heavier. Twin and half ropes are sold in diameters of 9mm or less and must be used in pairs. You can also choose a more expensive rope that can take more falls (if you plan on leading) or a less expensive rope for toproping.
As for protection, that totally depends on what you prefer and what type of rock you are climbing. This is something you will need to figure out as you progress.
The best advice I can give is to just hook up with someone experienced to climb with and use their gear. See what you like through experience.
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Mammut Men’s Belay Hoody $99.00 224238 Features: Thick warm, cotton fabric is tightly woven for a softshell surface with a brushed surface for softness while Fiberfill insulation keeps warmth in Drawcord hood is integrated with the collar for improved weather protection 2 zippered hand pockets Elastic cuffs and waistband prevents cold air from sneaking in Specifications:… |
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Petzl Cordex Light-Weight Belay & Rappel Gloves (Black or Tan) $37.95 Petzl Cordex Gloves protect your hands when belaying or rappeling…. |
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Arc’teryx Dually Belay Insulated Parka – Men’s $425.00 The Arc’teryx Men’s Dually Belay Insulated Parka uses two layers of DWR-treated ThermaTek synthetic insulation to keep you toasty and dry during a long ice climb belay or rest break in the mountains. Continuous-filament, non-quilted insulation ensures that the hip-length Dually Belay Jacket has no cold spots. A light but burly polyester ripstop shell provides durability (because granite goes hard … |
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Petzl Standard Rope Bag $33.00 The Petzl Standard Rope Bag minimizes loop knotting on a climb, is efficient for rope storage, and protects the rope during transport…. |
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IT’S NOT A REAL SPORT UNLESS YOU CAN DIE FROM MASSIVE INTERNAL INJURIES – Window Bumper Laptop Sticker $3.99 This sticker is perfect for your vehicle, laptop, locker or just about any smooth surface. The sticker is printed on glossy, white vinyl with water and UV resistant inks. Just peel and stick!… |
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LIVE LOVE EXPLORE – rock climbing hiking – Window Bumper Laptop Sticker $3.99 This sticker is perfect for your vehicle, laptop, locker or just about any smooth surface. The sticker is printed on glossy, white vinyl with water and UV resistant inks. Just peel and stick!… |
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Trango Shark Nut Tool $24.95 640726 Features: Locking blade can be opened and closed with one hand, but will not open accidentally when clipped to a carabiner Specifications: Weight: 29 ounces Blade: 15 inches Material: Stainless steel… |
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Rock Climbing Anchors: A Comprehensive Guide (The Mountaineers Outdoor Experts Series) $12.64 112052 Features: Specifications: Paperback: 256 pages ISBN: 1594850062… |
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How to Climb Series: Climbing Anchors $12.95 The most valuable skill you can acquire as a traditional climber is the ability to build sturdy, reliable anchors. Without that, no amount of natural talent or dumb luck will allow you to live a long, healthy life as a rock climber. Fortunately, John Long’s guide to climbing anchors is a definitive source, with sections on natural, equalized, haul bag, and rappelling anchors. Whether you’re u… |
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The Complete Guide to Rope Techniques: A Comprehensive Handbook for Climbers $3.48 The essential guidefor beginning and advanced climbers, as well as climbing instructors. … |
