Climbing is a challenging but inherently dangerous sport, however, it can be lot of fun. For the sake of safety it is important to understand and practice basic safety techniques such as checking knots, harness buckles and belay. There are several types of popular climbing, indoor climbing, sport climbing, traditional, solo climbing and bouldering. Most of these types of climbing use the same basic gear, but as a climber moves from indoor climbing to sport, or traditional, climbing they will need to obtain more gear.
Helmets
When climbing or belaying, especially outdoors, a climbing helmet should be worn. Climbing helmets protect the head from both side and top impacts. Helmets provide the climber protection in case of a fall and protect the belayer from any falling rock or debris the climber kicks loose. A properly fitted helmet should be adjusted to sit comfortably but snugly on top of the head, and the chin strap should be securely fastened. A safe climbing helmet will meet the UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme) and CE (European Committee for Standardization) standards.
Harnesses
Every harness should have a tie-in point and a belay loop on the front to allow a climber and belayer to safely tie in to the rope. The waistbelt of a harness should sit on top of the hips and fit snugly. The leg loops should be adjusted so they fit comfortably around each thigh. A harness is only safe if it is properly fitted and correctly buckled. Harnesses are only necessary for certain types of climbing and not typically needed for bouldering and most solo climbing.
Shoes
Climbing shoes are designed to protects a climber's feet and provide the friction needed to cling to footholds. Climbing shoes are lightweight but durable, and have soles and rands made from high-friction rubber. There are many styles of climbing shoes so climbing ability, type of climbing and personal preferences should be taken into consideration when choosing a shoe. Designed for climbing, the shoes should be form fitting but not unbearably tight. They should only be used for climbing and not used for approaches, hiking or walking long distances.
Locking Carabiners and Belay Devices
Belaying is a technique used by the person on the ground to control the rope and to keep the climber safe. When belaying is done correctly, the belayer can stop a fall, lower a climber and monitor rope tension. In order to belay, a single locking carabiner and a belay device is needed. There are many different types of belay devices available so choosing the correct belay device will depend on personal preference, the type of climbing and whether a climber intends to use the belay device to rappel.
Ropes
A rope is one of the most important pieces of equipment for indoor, sport and traditional climbers. There are two basic types of rope---dynamic and static. A dynamic rope makes a good rock climbing rope because it has the elasticity to absorb the energy of a fall, while a static rope is stiffer and is more useful for rappelling and rescues. Ropes can also be dry treated. Dry treated ropes tend to be more expensive but are easier to handle and less likely to be damaged if they get wet.
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