Traditional Climbing
Traditional climbing, also known as trad climbing, is a style of rock climbing where climbers place their own protection as they ascend the route, rather than relying on pre-placed bolts or other fixed anchors. This style of climbing requires a unique set of skills and gear to ensure a safe and successful climb. In this blog, we will discuss what to carry when traditional climbing to help you prepare for your next adventure.
1. Equipment & Climbing gear: The most essential items to bring when trad climbing include a climbing harness, helmet, climbing shoes, and a chalk bag. These items will help keep you safe and comfortable as you navigate the rock face.
2. Protection devices: Traditional climbing relies on placing protection devices, such as cams, nuts, and hexes, to secure the rope and protect against falls. It is important to carry a variety of sizes and types of protection to accommodate different rock features and placements.
3. Slings and carabiners: Slings and carabiners are essential for building anchors and extending your protection placements. It is important to carry a variety of lengths and sizes to ensure you have the right gear for the job.
4. Rope: A dynamic climbing rope is essential for traditional climbing to protect against falls and provide a means of communication between climbers. Be sure to choose a rope that is appropriate for the length and difficulty of the route you plan to climb.
5. Climbing pack: A sturdy climbing pack is essential for carrying all of your gear to the base of the climb and up the route. Look for a pack with adjustable straps and a comfortable harness system to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
6. First aid kit: Accidents can happen while climbing, so it is important to carry a basic first aid kit with supplies for treating minor injuries and emergencies. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the contents of the kit and how to use them before heading out on the climb.
7. Water and snacks: Climbing can be physically demanding, so be sure to carry an an adequate supply of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energised throughout the day.
8. Guidebook and map: A guidebook and map of the climbing area can be helpful for navigating to the climb, identifying route features, and finding descent routes. Be sure to study the guidebook and map before heading out on the climb to familiarise yourself with the area.
In conclusion, traditional climbing requires a specific set of skills and gear to ensure a safe and successful climb. By carrying the essential items listed above, you can be prepared for your next
Sport Climbing
Sport climbing requires much less gear than traditional climbing. Here are some items you will need to getting started.
6-15 quickdrawers. This depends on the length of the route. Sport climbing drawers are usually a bit more robust than other climbing gear available however any quickdrawers will be okay to use.
50-80m rope. Length of the rope is also depending on the length of the route. Sport climbing in Spain can require much longer ropes than routes in the UK.
Belay device. There are lots of options available now for sport climbing however a simple ATC will do. The other common self locking device on the market is a gri gri however this costs a bit more money.
Helmet, Harness and climbing shoes.
Finally you will need a sling or cows tail to clip into the top anchor and remove yourself from the system. This will allow you to thread the rope through the anchors and be lowered down. This has been made much easier to do by modern equipment such as the petzle adjust.
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