The climbing tag has no wiki summary.
6
votes
2answers
109 views
swapping lead when climbing in a group of three using a pair of half ropes
On a multi-pitch route when all climbers have reached the belay point, what is the best way/ what considerations need to be made, in order to swap lead. obviously the leader will need to be tied into ...
2
votes
0answers
86 views
What's the mountain on North Face's ad? [closed]
I saw an ad today, there's a guy climbing on a super exposed totem that seems really narrow and gets wider as it gets higher. I saw the ad in North Point in San Francisco, but it might or might not be ...
9
votes
3answers
146 views
How tight should the line be kept for toproping?
I was climbing with someone recently and they complained that there was too much slack any time the line wasn't completely taut. By the same token when they were belaying me it was almost hard to ...
3
votes
1answer
61 views
what to do with the lap coiled rope if the belayer wishes to lead consecutive pitches
Imagine a multi-pitch climbing situation where a lead climber has just finished belaying the second from a hanging belay position. The rope is coiled over the anchor cord (or clove hitched sharp end). ...
5
votes
1answer
87 views
What is the correct way to attach an autoblock to your harness for rappelling?
When rappelling and using an autoblock consisting of a french prusik knot it seems there may be some options on how and where to attach the autoblock to my harness.
Is there a correct placement on ...
6
votes
2answers
43 views
How to get rid of the smell from indoor climbing shoes?
When I go climbing indoors I typically wear my climbing shoes without socks because this gives me slightly better control over my feet while climbing which I particularly need in overhangs.
The ...
5
votes
2answers
121 views
When climbing should a carabiner ever be clipped to the tie-in loops, and should anything other than a carabiner ever attach to the belay loop?
I'm a beginning climber and am trying to resolve conflicting instruction related to tying into my harness.
During a recent outing a friend (an experienced climber, but not an instructor) was showing ...
6
votes
3answers
371 views
Is there a consensus or ethic for rappelling off a tree?
When trad climbing I have seen many people wrap their rope around a tree and then rappel, and then yank the rope down at the next belay station or tree. I have also seen the scarring as a result of ...
9
votes
2answers
110 views
What can I do with a retired rope and harness?
I've recently retired a rope (dynamic) and a harness. They're both in very good shape, but just over 8 years old. Common sense dictates I throw them away, but I wonder if there are other uses I can ...
5
votes
2answers
111 views
How to avoid pendulum descent when belaying?
I recently started indoor rock climbing at a local spot. I got to the top and (after appropriate communication) my partner started to belay me down. I instantly starting swinging and spinning pretty ...
3
votes
5answers
272 views
What is scientific relation between body weight and backpack weight in mountain climbing?
I am eager to go mountain climbing but cannot carry heavy backpacks because of my light weight. I want to know if there is any scientific equation to help me know how much weight is safe for me to ...
6
votes
3answers
233 views
Will glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate prevent or repair damage to climbers’ fingers?
I've heard that I can take glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate supplements to prevent damage to my fingers when I'm climbing. Is it true, or is just an old wives' tale?
9
votes
2answers
282 views
Things to keep away from climbing ropes
There are some no brainers like don't throw your climbing rope next to car batteries in the back of your car. The effect of bug sprays containing Deet seem to be controversial. I have also heard a ...
14
votes
2answers
194 views
What everyday tasks can be adapted in a way that helps build muscles and technique for bouldering?
(This is related to "What hand and finger exercises help with climbing?" but asking for what can be done when not climbing/training.)
Like most climbers, I don't get to do as much as I'd like, and I ...
7
votes
2answers
308 views
Using a Girth Hitch in Alpine Draws
I've recently started making my alpine (or "trad") draws by girth hitching one end of a sling to the gear side carabiner and then clipping and passing the rope side through as usual. The girth hitch ...
3
votes
2answers
62 views
Do rescue services use avalanche transceivers in the UK?
If mountain rescue teams in the UK were searching for a walker or climbing caught in an avalanche, would they start with a transceiver search? given that transceivers are infrequently carried by ...
11
votes
4answers
2k views
What can I do to help relieve joint pain in fingers after climbing?
After I've been climbing for a while, my finger joints are very sore.
Is there anything I can do to relieve that pain?
14
votes
3answers
168 views
How should I check climbing equipment to tell whether it is still safe to use?
I have, unfortunately, not had the opportunity to go climbing (and thus use my climbing equipment) for a couple years. I know that such equipment, especially the rope and webbing, can degrade over ...
8
votes
1answer
333 views
How do I mount a hangboard in an apartment?
The last few months I have come to the conclusion that I need to have a fingerboard at home if my rock climbing outdoors is to get to the next level.
But the problem is that I live in an apartment. ...
5
votes
3answers
120 views
For what it's worth: climbing-tape
The other day I used some mysterious, ultra-sticky climbing-tape at my local gym, which got me thinking: How much should I be paying for my tape?
Prices for climbing-specific tape seem to be somewhat ...
7
votes
1answer
363 views
Methods for taping hands, wrists, and fingers for climbing?
I've been climbing off and on since I was a teenager, but one thing I've never done much of is taping my hands. As I'm getting older I can see more value in it than before.
What are some good ...
7
votes
1answer
102 views
Difference between a Fingerboard and a Hangboard
This is just a climbing terminology question:
What is the difference between a Fingerboard and a Hangboard?
Maybe there is no difference at all? Maybe it's subtle? I have been Googling around and ...
3
votes
0answers
45 views
finger grip improvement exercisers [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What hand and finger exercises help with climbing?
I'm looking to get a product that will improve my finger grip- have been looking at powerballs & grip masters but ...
8
votes
2answers
224 views
How can I improve my footwork while rock-climbing?
When I'm rock climbing, I feel like I've got hand holds down as far as where to grab on and understand that the hands are mainly for balance. However, I can't seem to figure out my feet. There are ...
9
votes
2answers
464 views
How do I tie a slackline with only carabiners and webbing?
Commercial slackline solutions seem bulky, heavy, overpriced, and a little too industrial for my liking. I have 6 carabiners and 50m of tubular webbing. What knots do you recommend for building, ...
6
votes
2answers
72 views
Climbing Insurance [closed]
I think I should've donde this ages ago, but, well... better late than never.
Could you recommend a good insurance that covers climbing? It could be a travel insurance or a medical insurance. I'm ...
8
votes
3answers
122 views
How do you know if smaller brands of climbing equipment are safe?
There is a local shop that sells small brand name gear for pretty good prices. I am looking at their harnesses and quickdraws and would like to know:
1) Whether the equipment is safe - say compared ...
14
votes
2answers
2k views
Climbing rope is rated to X UIAA falls. What is a UIAA fall?
When looking at buying climbing ropes, they are rated to a number of "UIAA falls".
What does that mean?
2
votes
1answer
66 views
What's the best climbing website? [closed]
I've not found a "must read," general information (news, trends, photos, product reviews, etc.) rock climbing website.
Climbing.com, for example, is riddled with missing images and dead links, which ...
6
votes
3answers
802 views
Ideal and Minimal Rope Diameter for Lead Climbing
I'm thinking of a single rope that it's safe to take long lead falls, but also light to carry around. I weight 75 kgs and I might climb with heavier partners (80-90 Kgs)
7
votes
2answers
157 views
How big a fall is a “major” fall?
I answered a question about rope safety with some advice about retiring the rope after a "major" fall. Another user asked me what would constitute a major fall - and I have to admit that I can only ...
6
votes
3answers
196 views
Are used climbing shoes safe?
We have several used gear shops locally, which also sell climbing shoes. I'm looking to start climbing and I am considering buying used shoes to save cost. Is it ever safe to buy used shoes, and if ...
9
votes
4answers
957 views
Why go without socks with climbing shoes?
I've been going climbing (indoor bouldering) for about six months, using shoes I rented at the gym, and wearing socks (and everything was fine). I've recently got a pair of climbing shoes, and want to ...
22
votes
9answers
2k views
What hand and finger exercises help with climbing?
It's been a while since I went rock climbing but I'd like to get back into it. What are some hand exercises that will help with climbing?
10
votes
2answers
2k views
Which knot for climbing: figure eight, yosemite bowline, bowline on a bight?
This is a topic often discussed online, but all I could find so far was people sharing their opinions (including numbers) on what tie-in knot is the best. Here's what I've found out from different ...
5
votes
2answers
475 views
Preventing cross-loading on belay carabiners
It happend to me a couple of times now that I've cross-loaded my carabiner when belaying; the frequent change from slack to tension and back, moving the carabiner up and down and all that, can easily ...
5
votes
2answers
74 views
Cam Sling Modification
How do you modify Cam slings with a straw as described here for easier removal?
6
votes
1answer
118 views
Looking for a boot recommendation
I'm planing on taking the Yamnuska Snow and Ice Long Weekend class in September. The final day includes a summit attempt on Mt. Athabasca (3491m). I'm looking to buy my first pair of mountaineering ...
7
votes
2answers
485 views
What is a good starter kit for beginning indoor climbing?
If I want to get started on indoor climbing, what is the bare minimum I need to have, assuming I don't want to rent equipment?
11
votes
2answers
2k views
What does it mean to cross load a carabiner?
What does it mean to cross load a carabiner?
I know it's bad, and not to do it, but I don't really know what exactly it is.
14
votes
1answer
229 views
Chalk: pure, plus drying agent, liquid?
Having only used pure chalk without added substances so far, I wondered how the other types perform. Most of the information I could find online is either somebody ranting against a certain type, or ...
4
votes
1answer
144 views
Are there any year round beaches with nearby bouldering?
I want it all in one. I recently went to Florida and fell in love with West Palm Beach, but I could never live there due to the lack of climbing.
Are there any locations which combine year round ...
3
votes
2answers
192 views
How do I tie a double fisherman's knot?
In climbing, a double fisherman's knot is used to tie together two separate pieces of rope.
How would I tie such a knot?
6
votes
2answers
203 views
Training to prepare for oxygen deficiency in the high mountains
I would like to prepare myself for the climb in the high mountains (for now by "high mountains" I mean elevation 4000 m and more, but eventually eight-thousanders).
What can I do to improve my ...
3
votes
2answers
140 views
How do I tie a stopper knot?
A stopper knot is often used to prevent rope from unexpectedly going throu some hole, such as a belay device.
How would I tie a stopper knot?
7
votes
2answers
326 views
What are the advantages / disadvantages of a rock climbing hat made from hard plastic to one made out of carbon fiber?
What are the advantages / disadvantages of a rock climbing hat made from hard plastic to one made out of carbon fibre?
I have done a Google search already, but wanted some pointers with people who ...
5
votes
2answers
2k views
How do I set a top rope anchor?
When rock-climbing, I need to set up a top-rope anchor so if I fall, it will minimize chance of injury.
So, how would I safely set one up?
