Questions tagged [rock-climbing]
This tag should be used for all questions about the activity rock climbing, books, gear and accessories used or necessary to do rock climbing. The term Rock Climbing is an activity in which participants climb up, down or across natural rock formations or artificial rock walls.
385
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Why is it bad to use your whole foot in rock climbing
I was reading:
“The larger the foot-holds, the more beginners tend to put as much of their shoes onto them. Instead, also when the foot-hold offers more space, we must still use only the forefoot ...
- 683
48
votes
11
answers
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How to clean rock-climbing shoes?
I have never found a good answer to this one:
How do you clean rock-climbing shoes, without ruining them?
Let me be more specific.
I have a pair of modern leather-and-fancy-rubber climbing shoes ...
- 5,756
48
votes
5
answers
23k
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Can I use a bicycle helmet as a climbing helmet?
I have a bicycle helmet that fits well. Can it be used effectively as a rock climbing helmet?
Most climbing helmets have a hard shell that the bicycle helmet does not. However, one of the more ...
- 9,491
46
votes
6
answers
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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 ...
- 2,834
44
votes
12
answers
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Should overweight people ever climb?
I used to be a regular climber, and unfortunately I have put on some serious weight over the last 4 years, and I have not been able to climb as much as would have loved to.
While, I am still working ...
- 31.7k
40
votes
4
answers
12k
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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 ...
- 1,081
36
votes
2
answers
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If the Dawn Wall had been climbed before, why was the 2015 attempt so difficult?
There's a lot of talk in the media about Kevin Jorgeson and Tommy Caldwell's free ascent of the dawn wall of El Capitan.
This wall has been climbed before, but this is the first time it's been free ...
user2766
36
votes
5
answers
26k
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What is the difference between "dry rope", "non-dry rope" and "dry core rope"?
I've just recently gotten into climbing and so far the ropes have always been provided for me. I'm starting to look at getting my own rope for outside climbing, and am confused by some of the ...
- 8,710
32
votes
5
answers
9k
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Which fingers to use in a 2 finger pocket when rock climbing?
While rock climbing, when crimping a hold, I always use my index finger (and whatever other fingers fit) since I can stack my thumb on top. For two finger pockets is it better to use your index and ...
- 10.7k
32
votes
1
answer
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What's the difference between Sport Climbing and Traditional Climbing?
What is the difference between Sport Climbing and Traditional (Trad) Climbing? Is it just that Sport Climbing uses bolts?
- 751
31
votes
9
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What are the advantages of being short when climbing?
My girlfriend often complains that a route or boulder was created for tall climbers. In my experience that sometimes is true: I easily get a hold, she has to jump. However, Lynn Hill proved that a ...
- 1,481
30
votes
9
answers
21k
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Techniques for handling pumped arms?
I love rock climbing and I try to go to my local gym and boulder as often as possible (usually 2-3 times a week). But it's really hard for me to climb for any extended period of time because my arms ...
- 401
29
votes
7
answers
4k
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What equipment do I need as a beginner outdoor rock climber?
What are the bare essentials that I need in terms of equipment when it comes to rock climbing? I've done indoor rock climbing but always rented my equipment from the rock-climbing gym.
(For the ...
- 1,365
29
votes
4
answers
8k
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What is the point of belay glasses?
I was going through the REI website for some of the products and I stumbled upon this one here.
It's called Y & Y VERTICAL Classic Belay Glasses
The product punchline says:
Stop wrenching ...
- 31.7k
29
votes
3
answers
9k
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What should one do when climbing if someone above you yells ROCK?
Hearing someone above you yell ROCK when climbing is a scary experience because that means that an object (usually a rock) is plummeting down to the route towards you.
Hopefully you are wearing your ...
- 69.2k
29
votes
7
answers
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What's the best way to carry a dslr camera when rock-climbing?
I am interested in hearing how people take their dslrs (digital single lens reflex camera) onto multi-pitch-rock-climbs. I have carried mine up in a small pack, but I end up taking hardly any pictures,...
- 7,491
28
votes
4
answers
2k
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What to do if the second seems stuck and absolutely no communication is possible?
Backstory:
A few months ago, I experienced the following situation: We (two people) were climbing the last pitch of a multi-pitch route. Near the end, there was a cave-like chimney. Basically a ...
- 4,447
27
votes
8
answers
11k
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Is it okay to “free solo” in popular climbing spots?
Our climbing group had a disagreement today with another set of climbers over the fact that my friend was doing “free solo” on what normally would be a 5.6 top rope route. Personally I wasn’t happy ...
- 2,837
27
votes
5
answers
4k
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What are the benefits of learning to climb outdoors rather than indoors?
I would say I'm a fairly experienced hiker, and would love to begin climbing some more challenging mountains, i.e. mountains that require actual climbing, rather than just hiking. I have next to no ...
- 485
26
votes
5
answers
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Learning to fall when leading: what is good fall technique?
I'm learning to lead climbs, and I'm terrified of big falls. Part of this is learning to trust my gear placements, but a large portion is because I don't know how to fall - I've only taken small falls ...
- 483
26
votes
3
answers
4k
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How should I vet belayers? What should I look for?
The other night I went to the climbing gym, intending to look for a climbing partner once I got there. (My usual gym climbing partner isn't available to climb as often as I want to.) The gym provides ...
user2169
26
votes
1
answer
1k
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What sort of rock climbing grade can a goat do?
It is quite well known that goats are into free solo rock climbing. Is there any evidence (even if anecdotal) of the highest grades they are able to climb?
- 501
25
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7
answers
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What are the key differences between Mountaineering and Rock Climbing?
I think the title speaks for itself. I have done a basic google search and I do not find the references to be sufficient. I'm looking for a short synopsis that would educate a layman such as myself.
- 32.1k
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votes
4
answers
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What are common climbing techniques for strongly overhanging walls and roofs?
What are common climbing techniques for strongly overhanging walls and roofs?
In order to avoid a strength oriented climbing style and focus on technique.
- 1,481
25
votes
4
answers
1k
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Keeping the things interesting in a small climbing gym
I had been a regular climber half a decade back. And, then I got off the routine. Now I am trying to get back into climbing. For that, I go to a local climbing gym kind of thing managed by a friend ...
- 31.7k
25
votes
4
answers
6k
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Is it realistic to teach yourself rock climbing?
I've been wanting to get into rock climbing for a while but I live in a very flat area with no climbing gyms around. I'm planning on moving to the Pacific Northwest soon and I wanted to know what the ...
- 1,892
25
votes
3
answers
9k
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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 kg and I might climb with heavier partners (80-90 kg)
- 557
25
votes
7
answers
10k
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How to safely mark a rope
I was reading this question and the first thing that popped into my head is what do you use to mark the middle of the rope?
I was taught not to use any kind of marker on the rope (because there's no ...
- 2,456
25
votes
2
answers
3k
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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 ...
- 619
24
votes
4
answers
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How do forest fires affect rock climbing?
The Kenow fire ripped through the Rockies near where I live. Flames were reported to be hundreds of meters high coming off the tops of some trees. Some of those flames licked the crags I most ...
- 53.5k
24
votes
3
answers
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Please Explain Rock Climbing Grades
I have seen various grades for different climbs such as
5.14b,
8b+,
8b - 150m
It seems there are different parts to the grade, e.g. the last one is it 8b for 150 metres?
Do these grades only ...
- 751
24
votes
4
answers
3k
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How to inspect climbing bolts?
I am most interested in setting up a top rope anchor on 2 bolts side by side. I feel like in this case you almost have to be more careful using bolts for a top rope than sport climbing because in ...
- 1,081
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votes
4
answers
7k
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Why are indoor climbing grades easier?
This is possibly a little of a generalisation but, why are indoor grades easier than outdoor grades?
Having climbed at many many indoor walls (all over the uk) and done multiple outdoor climbs (...
user2766
24
votes
3
answers
5k
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What happens to cams after climbing?
What do people do with their cams after they've reached the top of the rock? Is there some special way of getting them down again? Seeing the prices of around 50 € per piece they can hardly just leave ...
- 1,037
24
votes
4
answers
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How should a climbing rope be stored?
I've purchased my first climbing rope and am wondering how it should be stored when not in use. I have a rope bag which I assume is a good home for the rope; should it be kept tightly coiled inside ...
- 1,450
23
votes
7
answers
814
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Light-weight emergency overnight-gear
What is a good emergency-overnight-sleeping-setup when every ounce counts, like on long technical routes (grade V or VI) where the goal is to do it in one day (without hauling), but one wants to ...
- 7,491
23
votes
2
answers
4k
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How to "spot" someone who is bouldering?
We have discussed a lot and at length about how to climb and other climbing techniques. I haven't come across a single post that talks about Spotting techniques.
What are the duties of a Spotter? ...
- 31.7k
23
votes
2
answers
4k
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When should I retire my rope
I know there is a degree of "gray" in this question but:
I have a Beal Top gun II 10.5mm, I've had this rope for around 4 years now and I'm starting to think about retiring it.
It's been used ...
user2766
23
votes
2
answers
8k
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Why does my belay device have two holes?
I have a belay device that looks like:
which I used when I am belaying someone who is top roping or leading. However, my rope only goes through one of those slots. What is the purpose of the other ...
- 8,198
22
votes
8
answers
3k
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What do I do if I lose my belay plate?
The scenario
My climbing partner and I are at the top of a pitch and we drop a belay plate to the ground. There is no safe descent, we were planning on rappelling down off safe anchors.
What do we ...
user2766
21
votes
8
answers
11k
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How do you tie in to the centre of a rope?
Suppose you're leading a short pitch (20-30m) and you have two followers, or you want to double rope the route, and want to simply half your rope and tie into the centre, pulling the two halves up ...
- 53.5k
21
votes
4
answers
9k
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Is it safe to cut a climbing rope in half?
I recently bought a 70 meter climbing rope from REI because it was a great price on the outlet. Last weekend I used it for the first time in the Texas hill country, where 99% of routes need a rope ...
- 7,210
21
votes
3
answers
1k
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Micro-Fractures in Climbing Equipments
I have always been very careful while handling climbing gear. Last year while returning from an expedition, I met a group that was returning from a tough-looking climb. They were selling off a few of ...
- 31.7k
21
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4
answers
3k
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How do I inspect a climbing rope?
It is imperative that climbing ropes are in excellent shape so they don't split while someone is climbing.
How do I properly inspect the rope when I'm about to start a climb?
- 8,198
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votes
3
answers
731
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How should a climbing rope be cleaned?
What products and process should be used to clean a climbing rope when it gets sufficiently dirty? How would I remove as much dirt and grime as possible without negatively affecting the strength or ...
- 1,450
20
votes
3
answers
4k
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Why would you climb hard bigwall projects in Yosemite in winter?
One of the hardest routes on El Cap, The Dawn Wall, was done by Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson in January 2015. What are some of the reasons to choose to climb such a hard route in winter, when the ...
- 4,329
20
votes
5
answers
3k
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How do I get my fingers and toes warm before rock climbing at cold temperatures?
I've had now a couple of days when going rock climbing while the temperatures are below the general comfort zone (meaning below 6 °C/ 43 °F).
When starting to climb, my fingers got cold rather fast ...
- 303
20
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4
answers
3k
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Rappelling in the Rain
Last night I had a nightmare that I was 5 pitches off the ground and it started to pour rain. When I woke up I realized I have no idea how to deal with this.
Asking around, everyone says two things:
...
- 5,756
20
votes
3
answers
17k
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Climbing with a much lighter partner?
Both my fiancee and myself bought some climbing gear recently and we're planning our first trip to an indoor rock gym this weekend. We decided to practice our knots and belay technique before we went ...
- 1,892
20
votes
6
answers
13k
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Why do many climbers appear to not trust their belay loops?
The belay loop is the strongest part of the climbing harness, so why do so many climbers not trust it?
It’s very common to see climbers backing up their belay loop with a separate piece of webbing or ...
- 31.7k