Climber equipment is represented by those components which the climber attaches to his body, somehow equivalent to clothing, shoes and accessories characteristic to mountain hiking
Like most items for climbing equipment these have as main role ensuring the safety of the climber. Some of them have the role of enabling forward movement.
The seat (harness)
The harness is the component that is linked by a rope to the climber. The use of the word harness is used somewhat loosely in the lingo of climbers, the harness assuming the presence of a vest on the chest, usually linked to the chair legs. So using the word “seat” refers to the straps tied around the pelvis and the legs of the climber.
Using a full harness vest around the chest containing means that the when a climber attaches to the rope, this is done only in the pelvis area. In case of a fall, the shock of the impact force can no longer be absorbed by the rope and is transferred to the climber exactly in this area. The horizontal position the climber might find himself while falling, can lead to spinal cord injuries. Using integral harness and vest involves passing the rope through the vest, which makes the falling position of the climber become vertical, thus allowing him to have control of the fall.
Helmet
The helmet is another important part of one’s climbing gear. The natural phenomenon of erosion affects rocks differently according to level and depending on the type of rock. Much of the accidents in mountain climbing are caused by the dislocation of stones during climbing, as well as hitting a rock in case of a fall. The dislocation of rocks during a climbing route unfortunate occurs either by natural reasons or because of climber’s actions on them. Most accidents are caused by human displacement of the stones, the victims being those below. Helmet is a very important element in climbing equipment that can make the difference between safety and hazard.
Climbing shoes
Footwear for climbing is different from that used in hiking. Its construction is carried out so as to allow flexibility of the foot, which must have a good feel of the rock.
Footwear should be tight on the foot. In fact, uncomfortable means right or correct in terms of climbing shoes. The feeling of comfort exposes a pair of climbing shoes that are too wide or too long. Strong discomfort, pain, means that the shoes are too small. There must not be a painful pressure over the knuckles. Also by pushing the heel to the front of the shoe because of the rubber band in the back should apply pressure on the Achilles. A feeling of discomfort, but painless gives the correct shoe size.
Ice ax
A very useful tool in climbing medium and large slopes covered with snow, the ice ax is a part of the climbing equipment during winter.
Brackets
Brackets are metal teeth, usually made of hardened steel, attached to a resistant metal frame and used for a better fitting of the feet in angled slopes, with ice or hard snow. Brackets undo the effort of cutting the traces (steps) and, in addition, give greater confidence to the climber.
The modern brackets usually have 12 teeth, eight in the front and four in the rear. The top two front teeth are strongly oriented forward.
Chalk
The presence of chalk in a climbing equipment has the role of keeping the climber’s hands dry. Due to weather conditions, route or difficulty, the climber’s hands can get wet because of perspiration or water. Moisture is not desired because it decreases the degree of grip. The higher the temperature at which the climbing is done, the bigger the chances of having sweaty hands.
