Climbing, sometimes called rock climbing, is a practice and a sport consisting of moving along a wall to reach the top of a relief or an artificial structure, by a path called a route and with or without the help of equipment.

The climber's playground ranges from low boulders to climbing walls several hundred metres high. Physically, climbing is a complete sport that requires hands and arms as well as legs and trunk and important mental skills.

The equipment for our safety during this practice is therefore essential. Here is the list of what you will need to take your first steps as well as a few tricks.

Find all the brands of equipment on our site: Black Diamond, Kong, Millet, Scarpa, La Sportiva...

THE SLIPPERS :

In order to improve the friction grip of the foot on an artificial climbing wall or on rock, the shoe is covered with a layer of rubber. Usually, the booties are only a few millimetres thick and hold the foot very tightly. They are available for beginners and experts alike. It's mainly the camber of the sole and its rigidity that will make the difference between one shoe being more "aggressive" than another. Men's and women's products are obviously different because of our morphology.

Snap climbing shoes Katana La Sportiva Climbing shoe Katana La Sportiva woman

LE BAUDRIER or HARNAIS:

A harness is a set of sewn straps, more or less adjustable to the user's waist and thighs, allowing to increase safety and to hang comfortably from a rope. The single harness forms three interconnected rings of webbing designed to hold the user's waist and upper legs. It is usually equipped with a gear carrier on which quickdraws and other carabiners can be attached. It also provides a base for belaying to attach a descender and to climb in pairs in complete safety.

There are also mixed or specific models of this type.

Solution Harness - Men's Black Diamond (Ultra Blue) SOLUTION Black Diamond (black-nickel) Ladies' harness SOLUTION Black Diamond (black-nickel)

Black Diamond Wiz Kid (Nightshade) Junior Harness

ONE DESCENDER: (belay device)

One end of the rope is connected to the belayer through a belay device. The rope is then controlled as the climber progresses by "slacking off" and the belay device can block the rope in case the climber falls.

The figure-eight descenders, named after their shape, provide a fast but controlled descent down a rope.

Black Diamond belayer in 8

Classical insurers are very versatile and generally have the option of having 2 ropes for long track belaying and their compulsory double rope system.

Descender ATC-XP Black Diamond

Finally, the grigri are quite coveted for a classic belay of climbing in moulinette. (only 1 length to climb before going down).

THE ROPE :

Without a rope there is no belaying possible. Currently, sport ropes are made of a woven sheath (interwoven fibres) and a core of braided fibres. The two parts are not always made of the same material. This allows them to adapt the elasticity, the desired diameter according to the style of climbing of the day, depending on the models and practices. When climbing, a rope must always be dynamic (elastic) in case of a fall in order to cushion the climber's fall as much as possible.

Millet Diamont 9.8 070p Stern Rope (Orange A15)

A rope bag can also be added to the equipment in order to carry the rope more easily. Often these specific bags are equipped with a protective mat that allows the rope to be unfolded on the ground without dragging it on the ground so as not to damage it unintentionally.

Rope bag Superchute Black diamond

THE DEGAINS:

A quickdraw is used in climbing to attach the rope to the anchor points on the rock or artificial wall. Synonym, often used in the plural: pairs (= quickdraws).

A quickdraw consists of two single carabiners connected by a short ring of sewn webbing, called an express webbing. This webbing ring can be of almost any length, depending on the intended use. Before the ascent, the quickdraws are attached to the equipment rings on the harness. Some models are lighter than others depending on the performance ambitions of the individual.

Freewire quickdraws Qd 12 Cm 6-pack Black Diamond Kong Anodized Argon Quickdraws Finger Wire Kn 20 With Dyneema Strap

THE CAVE:

The cow is commonly used to cow! And yes an original but primordial term in the climbing safety language. The cow is in fact a piece of rope sewn in a loop at both ends and meeting safety standards. It is attached to the harness trigger guard so that once at the top of the climbing route, you can "cowhide" and attach the other end with a screw carabiner to the belay (anchorage point where you will attach the rope).

This allows you to be insured and do the rope handling necessary for the descent.

THE HELMET :

As in the majority of extreme sports, it is always more advisable to wear a helmet, especially on long routes, to protect yourself from falling rocks on your head.

Helmet Magic Uiia ce KONG Vapor Black Diamond Helmet

MAGNESIA:

Usually in powder form, magnesium carbonate is used as an antiperspirant in many sports, known as magnesia.

Magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) is a white solid, which is found in a mineral state in nature. It is a component of magnesite.

Magnesia is the climber's best friend after his belayer because it helps to dry out the hands and prevent sweating. During the effort it is obviously very annoying not to be able to hold the grip because our hand slips on the rock. The climber often puts his hands back in his magnesium bag to stay as precise as possible.

Magnesia loose chalk 200gr Black Diamond Magnesia solid white cold 56gr Black diamond

THE CLOTHES:

Finally for a perfect ease of your movements you will appreciate to be equipped with this specific clothing for climbing. Lightweight teeshirts and very strechy but sturdy pants to resist to the abrasion of the wall.

Climbing pants man Credo Black diamondClimbing pantswoman notion Black Diamond