In the previous article, we discussed the need to find partners for rock climbing and how they will help you in the long run. We also stressed the need for finding the focus as you prepare yourself and learn the techniques. As you proceed with your plan to take classes seriously, you will need to prepare yourself with the proper tools. You need to add several tools to your inventory to make your job of climbing easier.
To start rock climbing, you may need a couple or more of the basic tools. As you proceed to the intermediate or advanced roles, you will need more tools. The best aspect of climbing gear is that you will not have to invest in all the tools as soon as you take the first class. Let us enumerate in detail the essential gear that you will need with the passing of days.
The Basics for Climbing
- Pair of Climbing Shoes
This is the most vital pair of tools to invest in, even for the first day at the climbing gym. You will not benefit by using the regular pair of shoes alone. You must also stay away from sneakers or your walking shoes. The climbing shoes offer the best traction and are great to fit in on any crevice or ledge. Whichever disciplines you go for, from top roping to bouldering, you will need to invest in a pair of shoes.
If you are unsure which brand to buy, read The Climbing Gear reviews on the best shoes. You will come across models such as Evolv Supra. This is high on comfort and can give you the best edging support. It is ideal for you to last a long time and hence, look for these as you start yourself.
Another model worth checking out is the Climb X Rave Shoe. The pair will be the best investment you make as a beginner, and it can help you in crack and pocket climbing techniques. It is ideal for edging on smaller ledges and corners. Though an intermediate and advanced level climber may disagree with this and say it is not that great for pocket climbing. So, check this out as a first big buy for the climbing adventures.
- Harness
Next in the gear collection should be the harness. This will be a waist belt with pockets and even loops and carabiners. There will also be large loops to slid in your thighs and give your middle part of the body and lower part of the body enough support.
Users also recommend the amateurs check the reviews from The Climbing Gear site. The first choice will be the Black Diamond Momentum, which has been raking in great reviews so far. It has a superior dual-core to give the best padding. The adjustable leg loops are large, and this is therefore not going to cause you any stress. Adjust the buckles to fit in the right, and the harness overall can give you the best support while hanging. It distributes the body weight evenly, thereby making sure to give you a carefree ascent.
- Chalk Bag
The next vital gear is a chalk bag as you start practicing bouldering barehanded at specific bouldering gyms. You will need to apply chalk dust on your palms when you are climbing up the steep ascent. The chalk balls come in different forms and shapes. They may come as balls or in stick form or even in powdery form. You will find the chalk balls to be the best to use since they can release enough chalk dust to dry up your palms and give you a great grip.
The chunky chalk is also a great solution and much in demand, especially when climbing rocky inclines in the summer months.
The Second Setup of Tools
- Belay Devices and More
Next, as you start belaying, you will need belaying device. This would include a safety sling and two carabiners. These would also help you in fixing the ropes and saving more than just your life. The safety sling is not expensive and can help keep all your fitments, including ropes in place even when you cannot use your hands. You will also benefit by using assisted braking belay devices. These give you the best grip while also relieving stress from your mind.
- Locking Carabiner
When the snap gates do not offer enough support for belaying, you will need the locking carabiners. They have to be strong enough to support the body weight ably.
- The Climbing Ropes
Of course, you will need the climbing rope, and there cannot be any action without it. There are long ropes and short ropes available. But you will need to take care and maintain it. Look for its tensile strength throughout so that it does not come off. The threads of the rope should not come off, and to ensure this, you will need to maintain them regularly. To do this, you may opt for the dry treatment to ensure the rope remains fine even after you use it in snow or rain.
When you keep the climbing ropes soaked or drenched in the rain, their strength might loosen. Look for high-quality climbing ropes. Look for lengths ranging from 60 to 80 meters. Remember that the new ropes are not manageable on the first go. Run the entire length of the rope through the belay device to ensure it a smoother fit. It is vital to clean the ropes and remove any sharp jute particles not to hurt your hand. Moreover, it should help use it for a variety of purposes as you climb. You will also need to look for a strong and standard helmet for the best safety.
Finally, we conclude this article by talking about the essential equipment to take you higher up. However, what next? The next and the concluding part will only be about how to improve your game for the better.