Basic Rock Climbing Equipment

Hundreds of thousands of people in the United States practice the sport of rock climbing. Rock climbing is much safer when climbers use proper equipment, and the modern improvements to equipment have made the sport much safer and more popular than in the past. Basic rock climbing equipment consists of climbing shoes, rope, carabiners, webbing, harnesses, belay devices and protection.

  1. Shoes

    • A proper climbing shoe is as important to a rock climber as a running shoe is to a runner. Climbing shoes protect the foot from sharp rocks and increase the number of places a person can climb. The modern climbing shoe has been improved to work better than previous versions. It contains a stiff sole of smooth rubber and fits snug enough to keep the foot in place. Although the shoe may not be comfortable, the added friction provided makes it worth the purchase. A pair can cost between $100 and $150 in 2009.

    Rope

    • Climbing rope is used to stop rock climbers from falling. The rope stretches a bit to prevent falling climbers from being jerked hard and possibly injured. Because the rope must be durable, it is made with kernmantle construction to improve strength and flexibility. Kernmantle rope is made by protecting the inner braided nylon fibers (the kern) with an outer layer of braided nylon (the mantle); the inner core is where all the strength is, and this is protected by the outer sheath. The average length of climbing rope is 165 feet. The cost of climbing ropes range between $100 and $180.

    Carabiners

    • Carabiners are used in every climbing technique. The spring-loaded gate opens only to allow rope to pass through--otherwise, it remains closed. One design mimics a "D" shape, and is stronger than the older "oval" version. For added safety, two "D" shaped carabiners can be used facing in alternate directions. One carabiner variety has a bent gate, which makes it easier to open and get the rope inside; however, this can also open easier when it is not intended to, becoming a safety concern. Another version has a locking arm, but it can take longer to attach. A carabiner can cost between $5 and $20.

    Webbing

    • Webbing is a common piece of rock climbing equipment. It is made of nylon that has been woven into a tubular shape. It is about 1 inch across, can hold about two tons, and only costs about $0.25. Because it does not stretch like climbing rope, webbing is not used when a long fall is possible.

    Harnesses

    • Harnesses are used for attaching to a rope. They contain a belt to go around the waist as well as a loop for each leg. In the front of the harness, the rock climber can tie the rope in a Figure Eight Follow-Through knot. A harness can cost between $30 and $80, with the more expensive versions offering extras like adjustable leg loops and added padding.

    Belay Devices

    • A belay device is used to stop a falling climber by either preventing the rope from sliding through or slowing it down. A common design is shaped like a figure eight, but this version can twist when the rope passes through. Other versions have a design that prevents twisting. The cost for a belay device shaped like a figure eight is between $15 and $20.

    Protection

    • Protection devices can be secured in the rock until the climber removes them. There are two types of protection: Monolithic (no moving parts) and Spring-Loaded Camming Devices (many moving parts). The two types of monolithic devices are Tapered Wedges (aluminum shaped like a trapezoid, attached to a steel cable loop) and Hexes (aluminum shaped like a hexagonal tube, threaded with strong cord). Monolithic devices cost less than $10.

      Spring-Loaded Camming Devices (SLCD) are easier to use for dangerous climbs. The involve spiral shaped cams springing against the rock, which are then secured with a downward pull. The cost of an SLCD is between $50 and $100.