I’ve never been quite the lover of dangerous adventures, but when I see and read about all those adrenaline spiking sports like rock climbing, mountain hiking and similar, I instantly get the desire to try them. I mean, how cool is to be hanging from a rope from the top of a high hill over a deep abyss surrounded by nothing and no one except the restorative power of complete absence of sound and unbelievable scenes of Mother Nature?

So I did a little research on whether I’d be capable of trying such a sport and I came across the gear I’d need for it. Wow! A number of elements including ropes, special footwear and a variety of accessories for protection – how does one succeeds to stand over a cliff with all those heavy stuff on his back? Well, physical strength is one thing, the other is choosing exactly what you need and not taking excessive stuff you don’t need.

The Climbing Rope

Your main equipment piece is the climbing rope. Think of it as your lifeline you simply can’t go climbing without. That’s why you need it to be of highest quality and always, always well inspected before using it. Generally, there are two types of climbing ropes you can choose from:

• Dynamic ropes – specially designed for rock climbing due to the elasticity they have in their design that absorbs the energy of a fall with a very large force.
• Static ropes – which are relatively stiff and don’t offer as much elasticity.

The most important thing about a climbing rope is that it passes the UIAA test which is performed to measure how much falls can a rope hold. So, when buying, always look for a proof that it has passed that test.

The Quickdraws

The quickdraw is that little piece of equipment that attaches you to the rope. It has two carabiners which serve the purpose and they’re connected with a sling. You want to have those pre-stitched so they increase the speed and efficiency when clipping bolts. Also, you may want to consider having extra carabiners with you, just in case.

The Belay Device

At some point you’re going to have to manipulate the rope in order to move, right? That’s what the belay device serves for. It allows you to control the rope in order to progress in your climbing. It can be used to catch a fall, to lower the climber or to real in the rope to provide tension. You can choose from tubular, self-braking and figure-8 belay device types.

The Helmet and the Shoes

The obvious protective gear when going on such a dangerous adventure would be a helmet for your head. It should feel very comfortable while snugly fitting on your head. Not too tight, nor too loose because it’s going to de-concentrate you or eventually you’ll lose it! Your shoes should be designed to provide you with friction for gripping footholds. Rule of thumb: the harder you plan on climbing, the closer-fitting the shoe should be. And no, you can’t use these shoes for walking on long distances.

So, will I try rock climbing? The picture says it all.