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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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
17
votes
3
answers
5k
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Safe way to mark a carabiner gate?
At the crag this weekend I noticed that my climbing partner's carabiner had a great feature: a red line painted such that you know the carabiner isn't locked until the red is hidden.
I love this ...
- 5,756
20
votes
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
11
votes
3
answers
15k
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What is a typical elongation of a dynamic climbing rope?
I'm looking into buying a rope for rock climbing, and I know that I need a dynamic rope for lead climbing. However, trying to find information on the elongation percentages of ropes is proving tricky.
...
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10
votes
3
answers
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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 ...
- 7,491
7
votes
4
answers
3k
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What's the best protection for my knees while bouldering?
I've been top-roping for several months. About a month ago I found out how much fun bouldering is. I've been getting quite a few scrapes on the knees working certain routes, or from falling. I'm ...
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19
votes
3
answers
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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 gained more experience, it's value is now apparent.
What are some good techniques ...
- 5,575
15
votes
1
answer
28k
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How do I mount a hangboard in an apartment?
In the last few months I have come to the conclusion that I need to have a fingerboard at home if my climbing is to get to the next level.
But the problem is that I live in an apartment. How can I ...
- 5,756
29
votes
7
answers
14k
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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
3
votes
0
answers
63
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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 cannot ...
- 31
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
15
votes
4
answers
953
views
What should I look for in a rope for climbing?
I just started rock climbing recently. I don't have any gear of my own and the first thing I wanted to get was a rope. There are various ropes of different prices. What should I look for when buying a ...
- 619
11
votes
2
answers
4k
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How to heal "blown tips" faster after a climb?
I just started rock climbing recently (by the way, it's awesome!). I tend to tear up my fingertips though when climbing on rough rock or for long periods of time. It takes a couple days for them to ...
- 619
6
votes
2
answers
261
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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 ...
- 557
19
votes
4
answers
523
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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 ...
- 293
2
votes
1
answer
312
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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 ...
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votes
4
answers
4k
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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 ...
- 32.1k
15
votes
1
answer
2k
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What are "Aggressive" climbing Shoes?
This question was borrowed from a comment on this question. But what is meant by an "aggressive" climbing shoe? What is the difference in a non-aggressive shoe? And when would you use one over the ...
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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
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
46
votes
6
answers
58k
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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
40
votes
4
answers
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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
48
votes
5
answers
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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
17
votes
2
answers
3k
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How to toughen up hands?
So I climb. It keeps my hands pretty rough, but for my day job I am a desk jockey now. I was wondering, are there exercises can I do to keep my hands rough so they don't get torn to shreds when I do ...
- 6,232
11
votes
1
answer
1k
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How do I correctly clean (remove) Tri-Cams?
Tri-Cams have a reputation for fitting where other protection will not, and they are light weight and inexpensive compared to SLCDs.
Unfortunately they also have a reputation for being hard to clean (...
- 9,491
25
votes
7
answers
26k
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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
8
votes
1
answer
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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 ...
16
votes
4
answers
4k
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What type of knife should I carry while rock climbing?
I carry a cheap folding knife with me while climbing, particularly if I know there is a chance of stuck ropes, grubby anchors, or we are in the backcountry. The knife is held shut with a loop of cord, ...
- 1,828
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
19
votes
3
answers
5k
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Backup prusik for Abseiling: Where does it go?
When abseiling from an anchor during rock climbing, I like to use a backup prusik as a potential lifesaver in case I screw up.
However, I have heard different advice on where to put it, both for ...
- 2,500
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
21
votes
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
5
votes
2
answers
576
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In rock-climbing, how do I safely belay another climber? [closed]
I am learning to rock climb, and I have heard that I will need to belay climbers, so if they fall, my belay will stop the fall and prevent an injury.
What do I need to do to properly belay my ...
- 8,198
12
votes
1
answer
4k
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When rock climbing, what is the difference between top-roping and leading?
I'm starting to learn how to rock climb, and there seem to be two types of climbing, top-rope climbing and lead climbing. What's the difference between the two, and what would be better for a ...
- 8,198
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 ...
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