| Climbing is a sport that is adventurous and | | | | knife, approach shoes and a chalk bag. |
| exciting but also involves a certain level of | | | | Climbing gear has to be carefully carried |
| risk. These risks can be reduced if the right | | | | since it has to stay with you until you reach |
| gear is used. | | | | the top. You can clip some of the things to |
| | | | your harness, thus keeping the upper part of |
| Climbing gear is very unique, right from the | | | | the body relatively lightweight. However, you |
| kind of shoes and gloves we wear. This | | | | may not be able to carry too many things like |
| equipment makes a lot of difference, and this | | | | this, and there is also the chance of losing |
| difference can mean life or death. The level | | | | some things on the way. Most climbers use |
| of safety thus depends directly on the | | | | special backpacks that are designed to hold |
| equipment we use. Previously, people just | | | | most of the essential things. There are many |
| used regular tennis shoes, a normal rope and | | | | providers of climbing equipment. Some of the |
| a regular belt for climbing. But these days, | | | | most popular brands are: Black Diamond, |
| there is fashionable gear that makes climbing | | | | Volcom, Nixon, Oakley, Smith, Spy, The North |
| not only fun, but also safe. Regular climbing | | | | Face, Nikita, Eagle Creek, Dakine, Mountain |
| gear includes: shoes/mountaineering boots, | | | | Hardwear and others. Climbing equipment has |
| gloves, harnesses, ropes, racks, belay | | | | to be certified by the International |
| devices, locking carabiners, helmets, axes, | | | | Federation of Mountaineering Associations |
| headlamp, sunglasses, first aid kit, camming | | | | (UIAA) and the European Committee for |
| devices, sewn runners, climbing belays, | | | | Standardization (CEN). Before buying the |
| climbing harnesses, climbing screws, pulleys, | | | | equipment, test for the right size, as |
| pitons, holds, books/maps, special pants, and | | | | comfort is very important. There are many |
| even underwear for rough weather. Other | | | | manufacturers of climbing gear today. Check |
| personal items may comprise: food and water, | | | | for their products by testing them. Companies |
| sun block, extra clothing, camera, tent, | | | | are making very durable, strong, yet |
| cookware, camp stove, sleeping bag/pad, a | | | | lightweight products for climbing. |