Gear Knowledge: Introduction to Gear Uses and Signs for Rock Climbing
Due to the inherent risks associated with rock climbing, the development of specialized equipment to ensure climber safety and facilitate the sport has been ongoing since its inception.
Climbing equipment primarily serves two key purposes:
The first category focuses on safety assurance, while the second enhances climbing performance.
- Essential safety equipment includes: main rope, harness, carabiner, belay device, sling, quickdraw, nut, piton, expansion bolt, hanger, impact drill, crash pad, and helmet.
- Performance-oriented equipment mainly consists of climbing shoes and chalk bags.
As these tools are critical to climber safety, meticulous attention must be paid to their quality during selection and purchase.
I. Quality & Safety Certification
Equipment bearing certification marks from the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) and meeting European Standards (CE) is generally recognized as safe.
Currently, major producers of climbing gear include countries with longstanding climbing traditions such as France, the UK, Italy, and the United States.
II. Product Category Marking
Various markings commonly found on mountaineering equipment serve distinct purposes.
Some indicate quality certifications while others denote product classifications.
The use of these markings follows international standardization protocols.
Understanding their significance assists in making informed decisions when selecting and using professional equipment.
Note: The * symbol indicates that the equipment must pass the specified safety testing standards.
