Mountain climbing is a sport that requires technical skill and knowledge. Mountain climbing gear is necessary to protect you should you fall. Climbing tools include rope ladders, which are used as aids in difficult climbs where there are not sufficient hand- and footholds. They are also used for rescue purposes and training. Make sure to test all gear before using it on a climb.
Ladder Aiders
Ladder aiders, also called etriers, are rope ladders made of nylon webbing. They are the most common type of climbing ladder, available in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit the personal style of the climber. Ladder aiders are U-shaped with five or six steps, and have nylon or hard plastic spacers to keep them open at the top. Etriers are easy to get your foot in and out of, but they are heavy and bulky to carry.
Standard Aiders
Standard aiders are the most used, with loops on either side of the main rope. They are less expensive and lighter than ladder aiders, but it is more difficult to get your foot in and out of the loop. They can also twist or get tangled. Because they are lighter, they can flop around in the wind and are less supportive than ladders.
Speed Aiders
Speed aiders have variable foot loops. The foot loop can be adjusted to fit the exact height required for the climber. The positioning strap can be awkward to adjust depending on where the ladder is positioned. If it is at waist height, the adjustments work fine. It you are stretching out your foot placements, it can be difficult to reach down and adjust the strap. Speed aiders are light, fast and easy for wall climbing setups. A few drawbacks to speed aiders is that they lack flexibility, the straps can wear out fast and there can be issues with the buckle.
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