Mountain climbing is an outdoor sport that requires sacrifice, strength, and endurance. You need to put so many things into consideration such as the weather, terrain, ice and the dangers associated with mountain climbing.
Despite all these, if you pan yourself well and do it right, it can be one of the most exciting activities. This guide covers important things that you should know on how to climb a mountain as well the essential items you need to have.
What is Climbing?
Climbing is an activity that involves surmounting on steep objects using your hands and feet. This is an activity that people do for competition, recreation or for locomotion. The steep object can be a mountain, waterfall, steep rock faces and much more. There are different styles of climbing that you can involve in. Each style has its requirements, risks, and benefits. The most common climbing styles include bouldering, canyoneering, free climbing, ice climbing rock climbing, alpine climbing and much more. Depending on your expertise, experience or passion, you can choose any style that suits you well.
Why Rock Climbing?
Climbing rocks is an acidity where people climb up, down or across both natural and artificial rock walls. The main aim of this activity is to reach the endpoint without falling. Of course, there is a pre-determined route that you need to follow.
Rock climbing is a nice way to keep your body fit. It is a fun activity that offers a full body workout and also refreshes your mind. The following are some reasons why you should try rock climbing:
- Helps you build your confidence and trust
- Offer a full body workout
- It is an adventurous activity
- Nice way to meet new people
- Helps your body and mind to work together
- Affordable activity that doesn’t need huge investment
Climbing Products
If you want to make climbing fun and easy, you need to have the right gear and equipment. Check out some important climbing products you should have.
Climbing Pulleys
Pulleys are important items that any climber, mountaineer or arborists require. Pulleys are easy to use especially if you have heavy loads when climbing. They are also used I rescue missions. Climbing pulleys are designed to make your climbing safe and comfortable.
Additionally, they ales boost the work positioning of the climbing gear you have. When choosing a climbing pulley, check out the designs and the types available as select the one that you find best.
Climbing Crampons
These are traction devices that climbers attach to their footwear to improve mobility during snow and ice climbing. They are also suitable for mountaineering. With climbing crampons, you are not limited to your climbing. It will be easy to cross glaciers, climb frozen waterfall and ascend snow slopes.
Depending on the activity you want to engage in, you should check the material of the crampon to find the most suitable one.
Locking Carabiner
A carabiner is a unique shackle with a metal loop and features a spring-loaded gate. It is commonly used is safety critical condition. There are different types of carabiners that are used for different climbing tasks.
Before choosing a carabiner, it is important to check the shape, type of gate, strength and weight. If you know the differences between the types of carabiners and your climbing task, then it will be easy to select the right one.
Head Lamp
If you are into climbing activities, you also need to have a headlamp which is also called a headlight or a head torch. This is a fixed source of light that is fixed to the head for outdoor use.
Headlamp will help you at night or during dark conditions when you are skiing, mountaineering, hiking, caving and much more.
Helmet
If you are into any type of climbing, safety should be your major concern. Most people concentrate on the shoes, rope, harness and other climbing products and forget about a climbing helmet. You need a good helmet that is comfortable and provides you with a nice fit.
There is a wide range of climbing helmets you can find on the market today. Depending on your budget and the features you want, you can be sure to get what exactly fits you well.
Climbing Shoe
Not all shoes are designed for climbing. You need to get the best climbing shoes that will help you climb with ease. When you are selecting the right type of climbing shoes, it is important to consider the type, the features, and the fit.
You want to have the right pair for safe and comfortable climbing.
Climbing Chalk
Many climbers use chalk to keep their hands dry. Climbing chalk provides a better grip on rock surfaces especially if you are climbing when the air temperature is hot and your hands are sweating. There are four types of climbing chalks that you can buy which include powdered chalk, liquid chalk, and chalk-filled fabric.
Climbing Harness
Proper planning and having the right climbing gear will make your experience safe and memorable. A climbing harness is an important equipment for rock climbing and other activities that involve the use of ropes to offer safety.
When selecting a climbing harness, it is great if you check the quality of the parts and whether it will provide you with a nice fit.
Climbing Rope
Of course, you need to have a climbing rope and there are so many options on the market to choose from. Depending on the type of climbing that you want to engage in, you can choose twin, double or single climbing ropes. When choosing a climbing rope, it is important to check the diameter, length and the routes you will be venturing in.
Climbing Cloths
When it comes to rock climbing, the type of clothes you wear matter a lot. Just like other climbing gear, you need to ensure that you have the right clothes. If you wear uncomfortable clothes, then you will not enjoy the activity. It is important to consider the weather, materials or whether you want pants or shots among others.
Mountain Climbing: Safety Tips
Climbing can be a dangerous activity, which is why you need to observe some safety tips so that you can be safe when out there. Whether you are in to rock or mountain climbing, it is important to consider these safety tips.
- Make sure you check the knots and harness
- Always wear your climbing helmet
- Make sure you pay attention and use a long rope
- Carry the right climbing gear
- If you are a beginner, plan your trip well
- Ensure that you climb with the rope over your legs
- Clip the rope properly and use safe anchors
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is essential if you are engaging in risky outdoor activities like mountain climbing and rock climbing. It can greatly save you when you experience accidents. Some of the most important items you should include in your first aid kit are sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, elastic bandage, splint and much more.
Conclusion
Climbing if fun and also risky. However, if you have the right information, gear and safety tips, you can get the most from the activity. If you are a beginner in climbing, I believe you have benefited from this guide. The above are some important things you need to have when climbing. Make sure you have these items because they will help you have a safe and enjoyable climbing.