How to Store Rock Climbing Equipment

As with anything climbing related, safety remains your top priority when storing climbing gear in the off season. The last thing a top roper or lead climber wants to find when warm weather beckons him to the rock is crusted cams, ragged rope, soggy shoes and chalk solidified into a solid brick. Taking the time to correctly store your climbing gear at the end of each season will help ensure safer climbs and will make it easier to take an inventory of what needs to be replaced, updated or left at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Mild detergent
  • Bathtub or washing machine
  • Sheet
  • Rope storage bag
  • Damp cloth
  • Wire brush
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Baking soda
  • Shoe tree
  • WD40/dry lubricant
  • Toothbrush
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Instructions

  1. Cleaning and Storing Climbing Rope

    • 1
      Proper cleaning and storage of climbing ropes helps them last longer.

      Inspect your rope--inch by inch--for weak or flat areas by running your hand along the surface, squeezing as you go. If you find major abrasions or cuts, or if your rope protected you on several falls, it is probably weakened and unsafe. Repurpose old rope for household chores, and purchase new rope for your next climbing adventure. If the rope is in good shape, prepare it for storage.

    • 2

      Wash the rope in the bathtub using a mild laundry detergent and warm water, recommends outdoor retailer REI. If the rope is heavily soiled you might need to wash it several times, changing the water and detergent between washings. If the rope isn't too dirty you can load it into a washing machine on gentle cycle. Washing the rope removes dirt and oils, which can compromise the fibers during storage.

    • 3

      Hang the rope in open air until it is completely dry. If rope is put away damp it will mildew and rot. Avoid direct sunlight, advises REI, as UV rays breakdown rope fibers.

    • 4

      Coil the rope in a figure eight onto a sheet on the floor, making the full loop about four feet long. With the last several feet of rope, create a slip loop at the center of the figure eight. Pick up the rope using this loop, folding the two sides of the figure eight together. Coiling the rope in this way makes storage more compact and keeps the rope from tangling while stored.

    • 5

      Store the wrapped rope in a breathable rope bag. The rope bag must be stored in a dry, well-ventilated room. If rodents are a concern, consider hanging the rope bag from rafters or placing it in a foot locker. If rope is stored in a moist area, mildew will compromise the fibers.

    • 6

      Inspect, wash, dry and store webbing, harnesses and cords in the same way as climbing rope. Webbing can be stored using a "daisy-chain" technique rather than a figure eight, if preferred.

    Chalk One Up for Your Chalk Bag

    • 7
      Body oils will cake loose chalk inside the chalk bag.

      Remove chalk from your chalk bag and wash the bag in the washing machine or sink using mild laundry detergent.

    • 8

      Allow the bag to completely dry before storing it in a cool, dry place. Cleaning body-oil soaked chalk from the bag will help it last through more climbing seasons

    • 9

      Store chalk blocks, loose chalk or chalk sacks in zip-top, airtight storage bags. The magnesium carbonate and drying agents used in climbing chalk will cake or decay if they draw moisture.

    Care for Carabiners

    • 10
      Worn carabiners are dangerous and should not be stored for next season.

      Inspect your carabiners, making sure hinges and locks work well. Worn carabiners are dangerous and must be thrown away or repurposed for non-weight-bearing household use. If carabiners are in good shape, prepare them for storage.

    • 11

      Wash carabiners in warm, soapy water, paying close attention to the hinge area. Allow the carabiners to completely air dry.

    • 12

      Lubricate the caribiners with WD40 or a dry lubricant to keep the hinges and locks working safely.

      Store in a dry, well-ventilated area. Keep carabiners away from salts, which can corrode the metal.

    Show Kindness to Your Cams

    • 13

      Inspect climbing cams for worn or flattened teeth, worn axle holes, broken springs or compromised cables. Check trigger wires to be sure they are flowing properly. If any damage is found, the cam must be retired and replaced. If the cams are in good shape, prepare them for storage.

    • 14

      Wash cams in warm soapy water, while keeping the slings from getting wet. Use a toothbrush to get into the deeper areas, if necessary. Allow the cams to completely air dry. Storing wet cams can give you corroded equipment for your next climb.

    • 15

      Lubricate cams, wiping off excess lubricant, and store them in a dry, well-ventilated area. Mildew and salt can corrode the cams, making them difficult to use and unsafe.

    Steps for Storing Climbing Shoes

    • 16

      Inspect the soles of your climbing shoes for wear or separation. Consider resoling your shoes if they are worn. If they are in good shape, prepare your shoes for storage.

    • 17

      Wipe the outside of the shoe with a damp cloth. Washing the entire shoe is not recommended, notes climbing shoe manufacturer Mammut. Open the shoe as much as possible and allow it to air dry, keeping the shoe out of direct sunlight. Never put climbing shoes in the dryer or the oven, as this will compromise the rubber soles.

    • 18

      Rough up the rubber with a wire brush to help restore the "stickiness" of the soles, recommends Mammut, and wipe with rubbing alcohol.

    • 19

      Sprinkle the insides of climbing shoes with baking soda or climbing chalk before storing for long periods of time to help reduce moisture and mildew.

    • 20

      Insert a shoe tree into the shoe to keep the leather from shrinking and reshaping. Store shoes in a dry, cool area.