| Rock climbing is a sport that involves | | | | rescue eight, ATC), Ascenders, protection |
| climbing steep rocky terrain. It is a very | | | | devices (nuts, hexcenters, spring loaded |
| exciting sport that involves a lot of | | | | camming devices), sewn runners, helmets, |
| physical exertion and challenge. However, | | | | climbing harnesses (fully adjustable or |
| rock climbing can be very dangerous, if not | | | | partly adjustable), climbing screws, pulleys, |
| done properly. There are basically two kinds | | | | trekking pole, pitons, haul bag, bouldering |
| of rock climbing: aid climbing (use of gears | | | | mat, and holds. Special training equipment |
| like rope, ladders and bolts) and free | | | | for climbing includes: grip savers, |
| climbing (no gear is used except for safety). | | | | fingerboards, campus boards and more. Check |
| Other kinds of rock climbing are: sport | | | | out the equipment before buying it. It should |
| climbing, top-rope climbing, solo climbing, | | | | be safe, comfortable and the right size.Some |
| bouldering, traditional climbing, | | | | of the most popular rock climbing gear brands |
| mountaineering and indoor climbing. There are | | | | are: Black Diamond, Volcom, Nixon, Oakley, |
| certain techniques generally used for rock | | | | Smith, Spy, The North Face, Nikita, Eagle |
| climbing: tying in, leading, abseiling, | | | | Creek, Dakine, Mountain Hardwear and others. |
| lowering and others. | | | | Climbing equipment has to be certified by the |
| | | | International Federation of Mountaineering |
| Using the right kind of gear not only makes | | | | Associations (UIAA) and the European |
| rock climbing easier, but also safe. Some | | | | Committee for Standardization (CEN). Rock |
| basic rock climbing equipment includes: | | | | climbing equipment can also be purchased |
| ropes, cords, webbing, carabiners, harnesses, | | | | online. Some rock climbing clubs lend most of |
| belay devices (sticht plate, ATC, Gri-Gri, | | | | the required gear for their members. There |
| Figure Eight), Descenders (figure eight, | | | | are also stores that rent out climbing gear. |