Climbing has more and more enthusiasts, but the preparation necessary for an outdoor climbing session leads climbers to ask themselves a few questions:what equipment? For which conditions and which people? Overview to enlighten you.
The main argument:comfort. Remember that you will be in your harness for several hours . For technique:two types of harnesses exist.
Adjustable, it is a lightweight harness with a single buckle at the waist to tighten it, and rubber bands or straps at the thighs.
The adjustable harness has two straps at the waist which gives a greater range of adjustment and allows you to choose the tie-in point in relation to the weight of your body. Most often, at the level of the thighs, the straps replace the rubber bands. It is still possible to have an adjustable harness with rubber bands.
Ropes are obviously a key part of your climbing gear. There are two choices:half ropes and single ropes.
Half ropes are preferred by beginners . Indeed, they allow you to have a visual cue to avoid making mistakes in its manipulations, and you will have a better grip than with single ropes. Single ropes are perfect for experts . However, they can also be suitable for sites that do not require abseiling.
There are two major families of carabiners:progression carabiners and safety carabiners.
Progression carabiners essentially compose the quickdraws; that is to say that they are connected to another carabiner by a fairly short strap. One will be attached to an anchor point and the other will hang on the rope.
Security carabiners are used for belay devices. Each belay device requiring a carabiner must have a specific shape. For devices where the rope slides directly, an asymmetrical carabiner will be necessary. For those who require a carabiner, the symmetrical pear-shaped carabiners will meet your needs.
Note that 5 carabiner closing devices exist:
ALL, without exception must be approved with the CE certification.
Belay systems:braking systems , simple designs, but used by experienced climbers, they require rapid intervention in the event of a fall. Self-braking or self-locking systems , these are systems that make it possible to stop or slow down a fall almost automatically.
Two subcategories come to divide this family. Mechanical systems , which thanks to their geometry will stop the fall by jamming the rope possibly via a carabiner; and the cam system which will block the fall in the event of acceleration of the rope in the device.
For clothes , focus your attention on the comfort and range of motion they offer you.
For shoes , light trail shoes can do the trick, or climbing shoes, which you will have to add to your bag, which will reduce the space.
Gloves , for those who are afraid of injuring themselves, make sure you have maximum comfort and a good grip with these.
For the helmet , choose one that is not too heavy, but which ensures perfect safety.
Don't forget that good physical preparation (diet, training) is essential if you want to face the steep mountains that the planet offers you.
