| Due to the nature of the sport and the risks | | | | lock it. |
| involved, climbing requires a great deal of training and | | | | Karabiners are made to hold your weight and that of |
| experience. The equipment involved in climbing is not | | | | your equipment. They will rarely break but it does |
| only to get you to where you want to go but also | | | | happen especially in extreme cold weather. It is |
| to protect you from injury and fatality. | | | | suggested to use two biners when attaching a rope |
| There are many pieces of equipment but the first | | | | harness. |
| basic ones to familiarize yourself with is the | | | | The rope harness is another piece of basic equipment |
| karabiners (carabiners, or "biners"), rope harness and | | | | that is used in all styles of climbing. The harness is |
| ropes. These are basic pieces of equipment for most | | | | what cradles you while you are climbing and attaches |
| styles of climbing, excluding the more dangerous style | | | | you to the ropes with the use of biners. There are |
| of free climbing. | | | | different types of rope harnesses and choosing the |
| Karabiners come in a variety of sizes and are made | | | | right one depends on the style of climbing you'll be |
| of durable yet light aluminum. There are two types | | | | doing. |
| of biners; locking and non-locking. The type you will | | | | A sit harness is used for rock climbing and abseiling |
| use for your climb depends on the type of climb and | | | | and is only worn around the chest and shoulders. |
| thus the degree of safety required. | | | | There is a waist strap and two leg loops and it |
| Non-locking biners are oval shaped and have a swing | | | | offers you freedom of movement. A chest harness |
| clasp opening. With the use of ropes, they are used | | | | is sometimes used along with the sit harness to |
| as a stay to connect a rope harness, pitons and | | | | prevent you from flipping around and to provide |
| other gear. The rope is pushed against the clasp, | | | | more stabilization. A full body harness is essentially a |
| enters the loop, and a spring action quickly closes the | | | | combination of the sit and chest harness. It provides |
| clasp. | | | | less freedom of movement but is usually preferred |
| Locking biners are very similar to non-locking ones | | | | by beginners since it gives the climber a higher sense |
| but they provide an extra measure of security. | | | | of security. |
| There is a sleeve on the clasp that locks it into place | | | | Climbing and camping are sports that requires you to |
| after the rope is in the biner. While some are | | | | know the equipment inside and out. Doing so will |
| self-locking, most require a simple twist to secure and | | | | ensure you have a safe and enjoyable climb. |