Rock Climbing is a great way to experience the outdoors. Made of adventurers and thrill-seekers, this activity helps you stay fit and fills your adrenaline itches at the same time. Before anyone gets to the ropes, it is important to gear up for a number of reasons.
Safety
Safety is the most important reason for having the right gear when climbing. There are a countless number of precautions that you need to consider and many different accessories that are designed to keep you safe in a variety of situations. Having insufficient, defective, or old gear can put you at a danger for injuries or even death, depending on the type of climb your group has embarked on. It is in the best interest of you and the rest of the climbers in your party that you all are fully equipped for everyone’s safety. You want to ensure that the gear you use is up to regulations and standards, learning about the best equipment for your climb.
Comfort
In addition to being needed for safety reasons, you want to select the gear you use with comfort in mind. Your shoes and harnesses are going to face the challenges of contorting with your body in the many positions you find yourself in during your climbs. These will place different strains on your muscles and body. The last thing you want to have to worry about is added pains or aches from the equipment or gear that you are wearing. This is where owning the best intermediate climbing shoes will come in handy. Comfort plays a huge role in the designs of the most effective shoes. You want to be able to focus on the climb at hand, and making sure that your gear is comfortable will help ease your mind.
Utility
Different gear has different purposes but plays specific roles in your climbing excursions. Being selective about your gear is crucial as not only do you want to select quality made equipment for their security but for any added benefits. Certain shoes will provide more grip to help with your footing, while your belay devices will vary depending on the type of climb and your needs. You need to evaluate your climb and after doing so, can equip the right gear for yourself.
Preparedness
As you begin to climb larger rock faces and face more difficult challenges, you will need to prepare yourself better and carry gear that ensures you are ready for any situation. Once you have begun your ascent and are in the middle of a climb, there is no turning back and changing gear. This is where having multiple types of equipment will result in you being able to adjust on the fly and help you think on your feet if you find yourself in unusual climbing conditions. It is best to be overly prepared, carrying backups than it is to be traveling too light, and not having what you need in emergency situations.
If you are a climber, you know the exhilarating feeling of reaching the top of a difficult wall or mountain. Regardless of whether you climb in controlled indoor environments or the outdoors, any experienced climber will relay the importance of your gear to keep your focus on your challenges in front of you.
