Rock Climbing Equipment
DISCLAIMER – Rock climbing is inherently dangerous. You should take a course from a certified institution before going out and buying your own gear (ropes, carabiners, belay devices, etc.). It is helpful to learn from people in person who can mentor you while you get started.
Before hitting the rocks (or gym) it is critical that you double check your gear.
Rope
Ropes are an integral part of your climbing system. Before starting a climb, take the time to inspect your rope.
When inspecting rope, there are a few things to look out for. Visible damage could look like the following:
- Cuts
- Flat spots
- Stiffness
- Fuzziness
If any of these signs are present, take a closer look at your rope before climbing.
When should ropes be retired?
Ropes need to be retired even if they do not have visible damage. Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations, but this is the general lifespan of a rope under various use frequency:
- After an extreme fall or other damage: immediately
- Regular use (a few times per month): 1-3 years
- Rarely used (1-2 times per year): 7 years
- Never used: 10 years
When taking a bight of rope this is known as a dead spot (left). Both strands should not touch each other if the rope is good (right).
Storage
Once you finish your climb, it is important to not leave your rope in a jumbled mess that can easily get tangled. Instead, coil your rope so it looks like the finished coil (right). Keep these points in mind to maximize the life of your rope:
- Minimize exposure to UV light
- Use a rope bag
- Wash your rope
Hardware
The second key component of any climbing system is the hardware. This includes carabiners, belay devices, etc.
When examining hardware, pay close attention for any of the following:
Belay Devices
- Look and feel over the entire device
- move any moving parts
- look for any edges or grooves that may come in contact with the rope
Carabiners
- Sharp edges that may come in contact with the rope
- grooves deeper than 10% of the carabiner’s thickness
- Check gate action. Gate should close all the way when released