Pants can get in the way of footwork so don’t get them too long or too loose. Roll up long pants around your feet to be safe.
Wear longer shorts. Your harness will go around your thighs. Longer shorts can protect your thighs from chafing and irritation from the harness.
Some go-to synthetic fibers include Tencel, Gore-Tex, nylon, and polypropylene. [2] X Research source
Start with a warm base layer in synthetic material that will wick away sweat. Add an insulating layer for added warmth. Top it off with a layer that will protect you from the elements. Make sure your clothes are loose enough to give you a maximum range of motion.
Unlined shoes are more comfortable, but they stretch more so aren’t as durable. With a stiff sole you can size up a little for comfort and still be safe on all kinds of climbs. Leather shoes will stretch more than synthetics and will gradually conform to your foot. If you choose a synthetic shoe, make sure it fits comfortably when you buy it.
CEN is the European standard for safety. The website for the UIAA database is http://theuiaa. org/safety-standards/certified-equipment/
Choose a helmet with ventilation if you tend to get hot quickly. A light-colored helmet will keep you cooler in the sun on hot days.
Harnesses fit around your waist or your hips. You’ll be most comfortable in a harness that fits around your waist if your hips are bigger than your waist. The leg straps should not be snug, but not tight. The rise is the difference between your waist and your leg straps. You won’t be comfortable if this is too short. Try to find an adjustable rise. Mesh harness are the most comfortable, breathable, and lightweight. Gear loops should be easy to access. Make sure that they aren’t too far forward so your gear won’t bang on your thighs or get in your way while you climb.
Get rope that is at least 60 feet long. Longer rope will give you more flexibility. Ropes come in a variety of diameters. A thicker rope is a safe choice for starting out. It’s also highly durable, locks well into your carabiners, and is easy to grab. Dynamic, stretchy ropes are best for lead climbing. Static ropes don’t stretch. Both static and dynamic ropes can be used for rappelling and hauling equipment. Make sure to check your rope for “dead spots”, or places where the core of the rope feels soft or damaged.
The D-shape is the most durable, lightweight, versatile, and common. All carabiners will have ratings in kilonewtons (kN) that describe their force-bearing capacity in different positions, including along their spine and across the gate (cross-loaded). A carabiner is most effective when force is distributed along its spine. A pear shape has a larger basket to hold the rope and is usually used for belaying (holding the rope to stop another climber from falling). Choose between a carabiner that locks automatically when it is shut or one that screws shut (mostly used in wet and icy conditions).
