Via Ferrata equipment

Discover via ferrata, the perfect mix between hiking and climbing

Via ferrata is both a discovery activity and an introduction to verticality in the heart of nature. The hiking phases allow you to discover and admire magnificent landscapes. The vertical part is a kind of introduction to climbing. A via ferrata is a course on a rock face. It is usually equipped with cables, rungs, ladders or footbridges to facilitate safe climbing. Without the presence of this artificial metal equipment, such a route would require the use of roped climbing techniques. Via ferrata is a fun activity. It allows you to cover routes that are somewhere between hiking and climbing. It can be enjoyed at low or mid-altitude. There are also via ferrata routes in the high mountains.

What equipment is needed for safe via ferrata climbing?

To tackle a via ferrata in complete safety, it's essential to follow a few precise rules. It's also vital to equip yourself with the best possible via ferrata equipment.

• A climbing harness and a via ferrata kit, or a via ferrata lanyard

climbing harness, supplemented by via ferrata lanyardwill enable you to hold on to the anchors and restrain yourself in the event of a fall. The via ferrata kit is fitted with two lanyards connected to an energy absorber, which stops the user's fall and reduces the shock on impact by absorbing a greater or lesser amount of the impact force. This ensures that you don't end up on the ground, and reduces the impact of the fall on your body. Such absorbers are ideal for users weighing between 45 and 120 kg. If you're outside these limits, you can use a rope to brace yourself at the top.

• A climbing helmet

Wear a climbing or mountaineering helmet, not just to protect you from falling rocks, but also from falling objects (phones, water bottles, small miscellaneous items, etc.) that might accidentally fall out of your pockets or backpacks. A few grams in a pocket can turn into kilos of projectiles a little lower down.

• Although not compulsory, we strongly recommend that you equip yourself with aa pair of via ferrata gloves

These are the same as climbing gloves) or reinforced leather mittens, as well as a good pair of hiking boots! Shoes and gloves or mittens will give you real comfort in your practice while securing your holds. Your day is punctuated by climbs on rungs, sometimes in contact with the rope or rock face, and it would be a shame to come home with scratched hands or even blisters... equipping yourself with via ferrata gloves (or climbing gloves) will save you from painful blisters that can quickly become dangerous in these circumstances. Climbing gloves are ideal for via ferrata practice, thanks to their leather reinforcements in the palm of the hand, their lightness and flexibility.

• What footwear for via ferrata?

While hiking boots are highly recommended, you'll need a good pair of shoes for via ferrata climbing. And by a good pair of shoes, we don't mean sneakers! If you choose shoes that are suitable for your approach walk, you may want to keep them for the via ferrata. For this, choose shoes with good grip and non-slip soles (e.g. Vibram soles), offering good protection and cushioning for safe movement in technical areas.

• To conclude with the equipment you'll need for via ferrata climbing, we also recommend a headlamp, lighter,survival blanket and first-aid kit for both small and big problems. And to carry it all, and prevent any objects from falling out of your pockets, we recommend a climbing backpack, perfectly suited to via ferrata climbing.

As you can see, having the right via ferrata equipment will ensure you have a serene experience... and a memorable day! Discover our Via Ferrata packs !

While a via ferrata helmet, climbing harness and via ferrata kit or lanyard are absolutely essential, we strongly advise you to complete your preparation by equipping yourself with via ferrata shoes, gloves and other equipment.

Discover the best of via ferrata at Alpinstore, thanks to a quality selection from the biggest names in the sport: CAMP, Black Diamond, Petzl, Mammut...

Alpinstore offers equipment for everyone, from beginners to experienced climbers, as well as for women and children!