| These checks do not necessarily need to be done in | | | | the buckles are in tact. Gear loops should also be in |
| this order, but this is a good start and feel free to | | | | good shape. |
| add other mountain climbing tools that you see fit for | | | | Ropes - While coiling and stowing your rope you |
| checking. | | | | should always be checking for frays, nicks, tears or |
| Shoes - Make sure you have adequate thread left | | | | hour-glassing which means that the rope would seem |
| for a full day of climbing. These shoes tend to wear | | | | flat and not cylindrical. Always try to keep dirt out of |
| out slowly but it all depends on the type of rubber | | | | your rope as this will degrade the life of this very |
| and the climbing that you're going to be doing and | | | | important piece of equipment. |
| what kinds of surfaces you will be climbing on. | | | | Carabineers - If you have a locking or screw gate |
| Another thing to watch out for is delamination, if | | | | you need to make sure you keep sand, dirt or grit |
| your sole is flapping it may be time to re-sole the | | | | out of the threads as this can cause you to get |
| show or replace it completely. | | | | stuck in your carabineer. |
| Helmet - First, make sure all the straps are in tact | | | | Finally, always remember that if you have any doubts |
| and that the helmets strength is still good. A weak | | | | about any one of your mountain climbing tools - |
| helmet could cause a climber serious injuries if a falling | | | | discard it, label it as bad and get rid of it immediately. |
| rock were to strike. | | | | Please don't try to save a few bucks by using old |
| Harness - Examine all the webbing and straps to | | | | worn out gear. Your safety should not be |
| make sure there is no excessive wear and that all of | | | | jeopardized. |