Rock Climbing Gear

There are several rock climbing gear available for rock climbing which is must to be carried by all rock climbers to keep themselves safe while climbing.

A Climbing Shoe is the most useful rock climbing gear used. Improved designs in these shoes have made it possible for climbers to reach destinations that were not possible earlier. The existing climbing shoes have smooth and rubber soles that can effectively protect the foot from shocks, sharp edges and provide appropriate friction.

A modern climbing rope is a key piece of safety equipment mainly needed for rock climbing and is an important rock climbing gear.

A D-shaped carabineer is used always in climbing. This consists of aluminum rings that can be opened with the help of a gate that is operated with the help of a spring. Normally, the spring grips the gate closed, but the gate can be opened to admit a rope.

A carabineer is considered to be safe till the gate is opened. To increase the security, 2 carabineers can be used in tandem with their gates reversed. It is not at all possible that some factor would make both the gates to open simultaneously.

Tubular nylon webbing is another rock climbing gear used often in climbing. It is made of nylon material woven into a flat tube an inch across. This webbing has very high strength. Unlike the climbing rope, it does not stretch under tension. Nylon webbing is the most frequently used tied into a loop. It can be easily cut to any preferred length. The ends are seasoned with heat to prevent fraying.

Loops of webbing sewn together at the factory also known as Pre sewn webbing is a favorite among climbers. Pre-sewn webbings though convenient are costlier than the custom-tied loops, which are cheaper and adjustable.

A climbing harness attaches the climber to the rope. This harness has a nylon belt, which has a big width and is strong. It also has loops for the thighs.

When such a harness is used to support the climber, most of the body weight is concentrated on the legs, rather than the climber's waist, making it comfortable to hang in. Many variations is available in harness, a necessary rock climbing gear. More costly harnesses have more padding. The diameter of the leg loops can also be adjusted.

The belayer stops climbers who fall. This is quite difficult without the aid of the belay device, which is an object able of stop the rope or passing it through smoothly. Belay devices are of different varieties that are all quite simple and safe for use.

.

A figure-eight belay device has two metal rings about an inch in diameter joined in the shape of an 8. A loop of rope is passed through one of the rings, then around and under the other ring.

The ring without the rope is connected to the belayer's harness with a locking carabineer. When tightly secured, the rope bends upto 490-degree angle in the few inches of space, making it almost impossible to move.