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Belaying: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
Belaying is an essential skill for rock climbing. It’s used to protect both the climber and the belayer, who manages the rope. Belaying includes controlling the rope’s tension and making sure there’s a secure anchor point to catch any falls. It demands expertise and flawless coordination between the belayer and climber. A belay device is…
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How to Make Liquid Chalk for Climbing
Liquid chalk is a must-have for climbers, providing better grip than regular chalk. Let’s dive into the world of liquid chalk and learn how to make your own! Liquid chalk, also known as gym or climbing chalk, is a mixture of rubbing alcohol and magnesium carbonate. The alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving behind a thin layer…
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How Do Climbers Make Money
Alex Honnold and Adam Ondra have figured out a unique way to make money by doing what they love. By partnering with climbing companies, these elite athletes can make a living from their passion for rock climbing. They earn money from professional climbing competitions, plus they can promote their adventures on social media platforms like…
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Should You Be Climbing in Jeans? You Should…
Climbing in jeans is becoming increasingly popular, due to their versatility and style. They provide comfort, durability, and flexibility. Thanks to advances in fabric technology, climbing-specific jeans are available, with features like breathability and stretchiness. Whether bouldering indoors or tackling outdoor routes, these jeans can truly elevate your experience. Breathable and stretchy denim is ideal…
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How to Find Climbing Partners: Best Places and Tips
Searching for a climbin’ buddy? Whether you’re a pro or just startin’ out, findin’ a reliable partner can make your experiences much better. Here are some tips and places to find the perfect climbin’ partner. Local climbin’ gyms and communities are great spots to meet potential partners. Check out bulletin boards or apps to view…
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Flappers from Climbing: How to Deal with Them
Rock climbing can be thrilling, but it comes with risks. One of them is the dreaded flapper – skin tearing off due to friction from climbing holds. Here’s how to prevent and treat them: Take preventive measures to avoid flappers – keep hands healthy and use proper techniques during climbs. You’ll be ready to rock…
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How Rock Climbers Sleep: An Intro to Portaledges
Portaledges, also known as ‘cliff cabanas’, are unique camping shelters that are designed to be attached to a cliff. They’re made from durable nylon fabric and are secured with carabiners and ropes. This type of rock climbing was made popular by Yosemite in the 1970s. Companies like Black Diamond started producing portaledges, and now they’re…
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You’ll Never Climb Alone: The Ultimate Guide to Climbing without a Partner
To experience the thrill and solitude of climbing alone, the introduction sets the stage for exploring the world of solo climbing in this comprehensive guide. Discover the unique adventure of climbing without a partner and delve into the depths of self-reliance. Prepare to embark on a journey where independence meets the challenges of the vertical…
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Rappelling 101: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Getting Down
Rappelling, aka abseiling, is a must-have skill for rock climbers. It’s the way to go down vertical or near-vertical surfaces with ropes and specialized equipment. Climbers use it to safely descend cliffs, canyons, and mountains after completing their ascents. The importance of rappelling cannot be overstated. It allows climbers to retreat from routes when it’s…
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How to Build a Trad Rack
Trad rack: the essential gear for trad climbers. It’s made up of cams, nuts, slings, carabiners, belay devices, and nut tools. These tools help keep the climber secure when climbing natural rock formations. Having the right trad gear is key. It should be able to cover a range of crack sizes, and double or triple…
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Autoblock vs. Prusik: Which Knot Should You Use?
To ensure a safe and efficient climbing or rappelling experience, it is crucial to choose the right knot. In this section, we will delve into the explanation of Autoblock and Prusik knots, both commonly used as friction hitches in climbing. Understanding the differences between these knots is paramount. We will also emphasize the importance of…
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Where Can I Find Size 16 Climbing Shoes
Size 16 climbing shoes can be hard to find, especially if your regular shoe size is smaller. Where can you get the perfect fit without sacrificing performance? Check out online outdoor gear retailers, like Backcountry, REI, and Amazon. Read reviews and ratings to make an educated purchase. Mad Rock is one popular brand that offers…
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When to Replace Your Climbing Harness? 2023 Guide
It’s key to know when to replace your climbing harness for safety. Lifespan depends on type and how often used. Regularly inspect for signs of wear and tear, as these can affect it. Harnesses last 3-5 years, but usage and care can affect this. If you climb frequently, especially in harsh conditions or take big…
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Climbing Ropes: How to Choose the Right One
Rope thickness and diameter are critical when it comes to climbing. It’s important to find a balance between durability and ease of use. Thicker ropes offer more protection, but they are heavier and can cause more rope drag. On the flip side, thinner ropes are lighter but might not withstand as many falls. The standard…
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Laces vs. Velcro Climbing Shoes: What’s Best?
The choice of laces or Velcro for climbing shoes is a tricky one – both have their pros and cons. Laces offer better control, distributing pressure evenly and creating a secure fit. Velcro is convenient and fast to use, with a snug fit for better performance on certain climbs. Trad climbers tend to opt for…
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Climbing Protection Devices: A Complete Overview
Climbing protection devices are a must-have for rock climbers. They give them the safety they need to climb high. Their special mechanisms and strong build make sure climbers stay in place and avoid accidents. There are many types of devices like camming devices, chocks, ball nuts, and pitons. Each one has its own purpose depending…
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Different Types of Carabiners for Climbing
Carabiners are a must-have for climbers. But with so many types, it can be tricky to pick the right one. Let’s look into the different types of carabiners and their features. Carabiner anatomy has three main components: the gate, the spine, and the nose. The gate opens and closes the carabiner. The spine provides support.…
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The Ultimate Bouldering Warm-Up
To properly prepare yourself for a bouldering session, it is crucial to understand the importance of a proper warm-up. By engaging in dynamic stretching, such as leg swings and arm circles, you can activate the necessary muscle groups and increase blood flow. This introduction will provide an overview of why a warm-up is essential before…
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How to Clean Smelly Climbing Shoes: A Comprehensive Guide
Climbing shoes are a must-have for rock climbers. But, they can get smelly due to sweat, skin cells, and dirt. Here’s a guide to combat the smell. Prevention is better than cure. Wear socks when using climbing shoes to reduce odors. Also, synthetic shoes are less likely to trap odors and bacteria. To clean smelly…
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How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Everest?
Climbing Mount Everest is a daunting task. On average, it takes two months from sea level to the summit. Prepping for the climb involves a trek to Everest Base Camp. This is at an altitude of 5,380 meters (17,600 feet). Acclimatizing here takes 5-6 days. Then, the ascent starts. Several camps are situated at higher…
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How to Make a DIY Bouldering Crash Pad
Crafting your own DIY bouldering crash pad can be a fun and economical way to guarantee a safe landing while climbing. With a couple of materials and some sewing skills, you can create your own crash pad that fits your needs. Make your own crash pad to save money and control size and design. You…
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How Long Does Climbing Rope Last?
Climbing rope is a must for climbers and mountaineers. It can handle unpredictable, high-impact forces. But, like any equipment, it has a limited life. The life of a rope depends on usage, UV exposure, and type of climbing. Generally, it’s best to replace a rope after 5-10 years, even if not used much. Nylon fibers…
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How to Bail on a Sport Climb with a Biner
To bail on a sport climb with a biner, you need to know the proper technique. In this introduction, we will discuss the importance of understanding how to bail on a climb, specifically in the context of sport climbing. This sub-section will explain the basics of sport climbing and emphasize why it is crucial to…
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What Is Free Climbing? The Definitive Guide
To understand free climbing, let’s explore the three key aspects: The definition of free climbing, the difference between free climbing and free soloing, and famous free climbers with notable ascents. These sub-sections will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the world of free climbing. Definition of Free Climbing Free climbing is an exhilarating activity…
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How to Build a Top Rope Anchor: A Complete Guide
Constructing a top rope anchor needs careful thought and understanding of anchor systems. This guide will show you all you need to know, from selecting the right gear to setting up the anchor system properly. Essential equipment needed: ropes, carabiners, slings or webbing, locking carabiners, bolts (if available) and knots. Each plays an important role…
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ATC Climbing Device: Everything You Need to Know
The ATC Climbing Device is a must-have for climbers. It provides safety and control during belaying. This article looks into its design, functionality, and importance. The ATC climbing device, or ATC belay device, is a metal piece attached to a climber’s harness. It creates friction and control when belaying. “ATC” stands for Air Traffic Controller…
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How to Clean Climbing Shoes
Climbing shoes are a must-have for rock climbers and boulderers. They give the grip and support to climb all surfaces. After lots of climbing, they tend to get dirty, sweaty, and smelly. To keep them in good shape, you should clean and maintain them. Start by brushing away any loose dirt. For synthetics, machine wash…
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Resoling Climbing Shoes
Climbing shoe resoling is the go-to for many climbers. Instead of buying new ones, they can replace worn-out soles with fresh rubber. This process works for lightly used shoes and heavily worn-out ones. Additionally, parts like the toe area can be replaced with toe caps for extra durability. There are specialized companies for this. They…
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Can You Rock Climb While Pregnant?
The world of rock climbing is one filled with thrills, challenges, and the exhilaration of conquering new heights. But when you’re expecting a little climber of your own, the question often arises: can you continue to climb during pregnancy? The short answer is yes, a pregnant woman can rock climb, but it comes with considerations,…
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Alpine Climbing: How to Start
Alpine climbing, also known as mountaineering, challenges individuals to reach the summits of mountains. It requires physical fitness, technical skills, and mental resilience. Specialized equipment is needed for traversing terrains such as glaciers, rock faces, and ice formations. High-quality gear is important to withstand harsh conditions. Technical skills include understanding rope techniques for belaying and…
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Top Rope Climbing: What Is It?
Top roping is a popular form of rock climbing where the climber is secured to a rope which runs from them to an anchor at the top, and back down to the belayer. It’s a safe environment for climbers of all levels. The climber wears a harness and uses a belay device to control the…
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Mastering Bouldering Footwork: Techniques and Tips for Success
Bouldering footwork is a must for rock climbing success. Correctly placing your feet and using the right techniques can make a huge difference in conquering hard routes and saving energy. By perfecting the art of climbing movement, you can spread your body weight and use your feet to provide balance and stability. Where you put…
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How to Break in Climbing Shoes
Climbing shoes are an important part of rock-climbing supplies, giving the climber grip and support for vertical surfaces. But new climbing shoes can be uncomfortable and need breaking in to fit perfectly. Here’s how to do it. One way is to use plastic bags filled with water. Put on socks and the shoes, then fill…
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The Ultimate Guide to Buying and Selling Used Climbing Gear
Explore the ins and outs of buying and selling used climbing gear with advice on what’s safe to buy used and where to find the best deals.
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Shoulder Exercises for Climbing: Strengthen and Prevent Injuries
Shoulder exercises are key for climbers! They help build strength and prevent injuries. The rotator cuff muscles need attention, as they are responsible for internal and external rotation, which aids with stability and movement. Neglecting them leads to shoulder injuries that can impede climbing progress. To target rotator cuff muscles, focus on exercises that work…
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Cool Chalk Bags
When picking a chalk bag, consider the shape and size. Tapered bags make it simple to access chalk while cylindrical ones offer more space for climbers with bigger hands. Opt for lightweight options to avoid unnecessary weight. For durability, look for bags made from high-quality materials like leather or reinforced fabric. This way, they can…
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Common Climbing Injuries and How to Prevent Them
Rock climbing is an exciting and daring sport, testing both mind and body. But like any physical activity, it comes with risks of injury. Let’s explore the typical climbing-related injuries, and ways to avoid them. Overuse injuries are common in climbers. These come from repetitive movements that put strain on body parts. Elbow injuries, like…
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Climbing Games: Fun Ways to Improve Your Climbing Skills
Rock climbing is a thrilling sport that needs strength, agility and focus. If you’re a beginner or a pro looking to boost your skills, throwing in games can be fun and useful. This helps with problem-solving and understanding your body better. Here are some of the coolest climbing games that’ll take you to new heights.…
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MUST-HAVE Gear for Summer Hiking in Colorado
There’s a certain list of gear you need if you’re hiking in the Colorado mountains, or any mountainous area above 6,000-7,000 feet in elevation. A lot of this gear can be used on any other hike you may do, so by all means its function isn’t limited to these certain hikes. That being said, if…
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Rock Climbing Warm Up
Warm-ups are vital for rock climbing; they help your body prepare for the physical demands of the sport. Doing one correctly can mean success on the rock, or an injury. Let’s look at the importance of warm-ups before climbing, and how to do them effectively. Make sure you give yourself time. Most climbers need at…
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Rock Climber Hand Care: A Comprehensive Guide
Rock climbers know the importance of hand care. You cannot conquer epic climbs with hands that look like they’ve been through a cheese grater! To keep your hands healthy, wash them with cold water before every climbing session. This cleans away any oils or dirt that could interfere with your grip. You can also use…
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Alpine Quickdraws: A Comprehensive Guide for Climbers
Alpine climbing? Check! Specialized gear? Check! Alpine quickdraws are the versatile tools that make it all possible. Solid gate carabiners and lightweight dyneema slings minimize friction and increase safety while navigating belay anchors. Length matters when it comes to choosing an alpine quickdraw. Longer slings reduce rope drag. Multiple slings allow for different angles and…
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Best Blackout Tents
Discover the best blackout tents for your next camping adventure. Our top picks offer superior darkness, easy setup, and weather resistance!
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Hangboard Training: Unlock Your Climbing Potential
Hangboard training is a great way to boost your climbing skills. It works by building finger strength. But first, you need to know the right form and warm-up techniques. Grip positions are important in hangboard training. Try the open-handed grip with slightly bent elbows. This strengthens your fingers overall. To target specific finger flexor strength,…
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How to Coil Climbing Rope: From Flake to Backpack
Learn how to coil climbing rope with our step by step guide of the butterfly coil. It’s a personal favorite and it’s super easy to use and learn!
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Bouldering Drills for Improved Climbing Performance
To improve your climbing performance, bouldering drills in the climbing gym are the solution. In this introduction, we will explore the benefits of bouldering and why bouldering drills are crucial for enhancing your climbing technique. These drills focus on specific aspects such as footwork, technique, and power endurance, enabling you to become a better climber…
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Multi Pitch Climbing: A Comprehensive Guide
Ready to take on the thrilling world of multi pitch climbing? You’ll need a few key items to get started. A reliable belay device, trad climbing gear, and comfy climbing shoes are essential. Stay in sync with your partner(s). Swing leads to reduce fatigue and make smooth belay transitions. Smart rope management will help prevent…
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Advanced Bouldering Tips
Bouldering – it’s a mind and body challenge! Newbies and experienced climbers alike can up their skills with these advanced tips. Mastering technique and building strength are both essential for success. Plus, climbing outdoors offers a unique challenge not found in the gym. Choose shoes with sticky soles and keep your hips close to the…
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Mastering the Art of Climbing Anchors
What are climbing anchors? Climbers use anchors to secure their ropes and avoid falls. These can be natural objects like rocks and trees, or man-made ones such as bolts and cams. Anchors give climbers a secure lifeline to ascend or descend with confidence. Without them, climbing would be hazardous. Various types of climbing anchors exist.…
