Climbing equipment - Big wall

Choose your Big wall climbing equipment from the best brands - Express delivery (More details)
Marque
X
Genre
X
Taille
X
Couleur
X
Prix
X
Promotion
X
Niveau
X
Sport
X

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 items
Sort by



Choosing the right equipment for Big Wall and long route climbing

Indoor rock climbing is an extremely safe sport, thanks to the use of appropriate equipment, and it's also financially accessible. That's why it's logical that this exciting activity is attracting an ever-growing public.

However, the disciplines of traditional climbing and big-wall climbing are completely different. They are generally characterized by the use of essential equipment, and require more in-depth experience and a greater propensity for adventure. But what does this really mean?

The difference between traditional climbing and big wall climbing

In reality, the definition of traditional climbing is quite simple: it's climbing using the traditional ("trad") methods that have always been used on the British Isles. Unlike in other countries, the use of tie-down pins is not widespread in British climbing, and most climbing areas in the UK are devoid of them. Traditional climbing is practised in a similar way to sport climbing, i.e. without using technical means to progress. Mooring devices such as jammers (Friends, Cams, Triacs, etc.) and Hexentrics are used primarily for safety.

There is no clear distinction between traditional climbing and Clean Climbing. The terms are often used interchangeably. To be precise, Clean Climbing refers to a style of climbing that leaves little or no trace on the rocks and excludes the use of pitons (mobile devices). Although the use of pitons is not strictly forbidden in traditional climbing, it is very rare. That's why it's generally considered to be the same thing.

What equipment is needed for trad climbing?

In addition to the usual climbing equipment such as shoes, harness and helmet, various mobile protective devices are required for traditional climbing. These range from single ropes (suitable for very straight routes) to double ropes, which can be used to bypass obstacles. Since the anchor points are not laid out in a straight line but depend on the natural characteristics of the terrain, it is common for the rope to follow a zigzag path more frequently than in pure sport climbing. That's why it's common in traditional climbing to wear both short 12 cm quickdraws and longer ones. Depending on the route, it may also be advisable to carry a series of straps.

Brands such as DMM, Camp and Black Diamond offer a range of equipment specifically designed for traditional climbing. When it comes to helmets and harnesses, many mountaineers put their trust in Petzl products. By researching and considering the different materials, anyone can find the right equipment in the climbing section of specialist stores.

Setting up protection is also a little more complex, which is why it can be a good idea to use particularly long cords or straps. These straps can be used to connect numerous anchor points to the rocks and balance them out. It's important to bear in mind that the strength of a mobile protection device is not easy to estimate. A good anchor (Friend) correctly placed in solid rock is very different from a micro-anchor in a crack exposed to the wind. Experience and regular training are the key to success in traditional climbing.

Among the simplest and most affordable means of protection are webbing rings and ropes. They can be passed through lunges or placed on rock edges. These placements are quick to make and, when the lunules are solid, they inspire confidence.

The next option is to use jammers, which are mainly used in rock formations with many cracks. Wedges are inserted into tapering cracks, fitting securely to the rock face when stressed. As the wedges are very secure in the event of a fall, it is always advisable to have a reliable release tool when practicing traditional climbing.

Hexentrics are a special form of wedge with six sides (hence the name). They are generally larger than traditional jammers and are useful for securing large cracks.

Active clamps such as DMM's Dragon Cams or Black Diamond's Camalots are held in place by springs, enabling them to be used in parallel cracks. For many mountaineers, cam-type clamps are commonly referred to as "Friends", but this term is actually a registered trademark of the Wild Country company and should only be used to designate their own active clamping devices.

What about the big wall?

Big wall climbing, which originated in the USA, involves climbing very high walls. In simple terms, it's the opposite of the European alpine approach, which involves climbing a wall as quickly as possible and in one go. Given that weather conditions are often more stable in many climbing areas in the USA than in the Alps, climbers can take longer to ascend and choose technically more challenging routes. Typically, a big wall ascent lasts several days and all equipment is towed along the wall. We sleep on the wall, often on portaledges, and the gear is usually transported from one location to another using large carry bags. This contrasts with alpine climbing, where both climbers carry their equipment in their rucksacks throughout the ascent.

During the 20th century, in the 1960s, the Clean Climbing philosophy, as mentioned above, gained prominence in American climbing. The aim was to leave the route as you found it. This is why wedges, chocks and straps are often used on big walls. Pitons are often frowned upon in most areas, as are tie-down pins. However, some big wall routes are equipped with tie-down pins and many climbers also use pitons. The big difference with traditional climbing lies in the use of the climbing techniques themselves. Whereas traditional climbing is done exclusively without technical aids, it is quite common to use technical aids in big wall climbing. Mooring points are used not only for safety reasons, but also for progression.

Whichever philosophy you choose, traditional climbing and big wall climbing offer two exciting aspects of this climbing sport to discover.
  • Free delivery
    from 119 € (* see conditions)

    Delivery methods

  • Secure payment
    CB, Paypal, Scalapay, Bank transfer

    Payment methods Payment methods

  • Customer service
    by phone on +33 (0)9 72 306 150
    by email

##|--OK--|##
Need help ?