# Climbing the Triangle

## Equipment

To climb safely, you will need a few pieces of basic equipment. Most rock climbing gyms will rent this equipment to you. You can also buy your own equipment from an outdoor gear store like REI, or look for used gear on Craigslist. I highly recommend using rental gear first, before you buy. That will give you a change to find out what you like. Remember, you can don't have to buy everything at once.

### Harness

A harness is an absolute requirement for climbing. The harness fits across your waist and legs, attaching you to the rope. Most places have rental harnesses, but they are generally "universal" harnesses designed to fit nearly anyone. They work, but they tend to be very uncomfortable. If you decide you enjoy climbing, it is worth buying your own harness quickly.

Because a harness is life-saving safety gear be very careful if you buy used gear. A used harness may have been damaged in a fall in a way you cannot see. Don't trust your life to a Craigslist seller. Be sure to inspect any used gear very carefully.

Harnesses in the United States generally come sized from extra-small to extra-large. However, these sizes often do not correspond to your pants or dress size, especially if you have a narrow waist. I suggest buying your first harness at a retail store, where an experienced salesperson can help you fit your harness. Expect to spend between $50 and $80 for a basic harness.

### Shoes

When you first start climbing you can wear a pair of tennis shoes for the basic routes. If you wish to progress to harder routes, though, you will need a pair of specialized climbing shoes. These shoes are usually worn very tight and have a slight curve to them. They allow you to put your wait on a small part of your foot and remain stable. They also have a textured sole that is a bit more "sticky," allowing you to plant your foot against the wall for balance and stability, even without a hold.

Rock climbing shoes are generally either leather or a synthetic suede-like material. They come in a variety of styles. Very technical shoes tend to have a rigid sole and a pronounced curve. They look painful because they are! As a beginner, you will probably want a shoe with a softer. more flexible sole.

These shoes come in standard men and women's shoe sizes. However, most climbers prefer tight fitting shoes and will buy a size or so down from their regular shoes size. As a rule, shoes marketed to women are narrow than those marketed to men. If you have a very narrow foot, stick to women's shoes; if you have a wide foot buy men's shoes. They generally look very similar.

I strongly recommend renting shoes at first, until you find a size and style that works for you. Shoes are an excellent piece of gear to buy used. Because they are such a personalized piece of gear, many people buy a pair, wear them once or twice, and then sell them because they do not like the fit. If you do buy new shoes, expect to pay between $70 and $100 for a pair of starter shoes.

### Belay Device

A belay device is a small mechanism that is used to connect a climber and their belayer. Some can also be used to rappel. A belay device serves a few primary purposes:

1. It securely attaches a belayer to their climber.
2. It provides extra friction, allowing a belayer to quickly stop a fall. Some more complicated devices also have automatic breaking systems.
3. It compensates for weight difference between a climber and belayer.
4. It allows a belayer to lower a climber smoothly and at a safe speed.

There are several different types of belay devices. An ATC (pictured) is the cheapest and simplest. They are light and easy to use. A Cinch or GriGri is more expensive and heavier, but has a built-in automatic braking system. Any climbing gym or retail store should have employees that can show you the different models and how they work.

Belaying is a simple skill that most people can pick up rapidly. However, it is very important that you learn to belay properly. A mistake when belaying can mean death or serious injury for your climber. Most gyms offer classes in belaying. If you work with an experienced, well-trained climber, they can generally show you how to use a belay device properly. All gyms require that you pass a test in order to belay climbers at that gym.

Belay devices are life-saving safety gear. Never buy a used belay device. If the device was mistreated, it may be damaged in a way that is not visible to the naked eye. Additionally, if you ever drop your belay device from a height, or notice any signs of cracking or metal fatigue, stop using it immediately. An ATC is very inexpensive--about $20--so there is no reason to economize. An auto-braking device will be closer to $100.

### Chalk Bag and Carabiners

Like Olympic gymnasts on the parallel bars, climbers need to get a good grip. At any gym, you will notice climbers chalking their hands before they start. Climbers store their chalk in a drawstring bar they can attach to their harness. They are not a necessity, but they are helpful. Chalk bags are inexpensive, $15-$20. They are often sold in a package deal with harnesses.

You'll attach your chalk bar to your harness with a carabiner. Your belayer will also use a carabiner to anchor him or herself to the belay device. Carabiners are sturdy metal links with a gate, or opening, on one side. Most have a locking mechanism of some kind, to keep them from opening accidentally. Larger weight-bearing carabiners are around $10-$15. You should have a least two. You can buy smaller carabiner for attaching gear to your belt for just a few dollars.

### Helmet

The good old brain bucket. A helmet does exactly what you'd think: it protects your head from impact. Impact can come from you hitting a rock, or a rock hitting you. The second is actually fairly common outdoors, where falling rocks are a danger. As an added bonus, it protects you from bird poop.

A retail climbing helmet is generally very light and comfortable. The climbing helmets that most gyms rent out are designed to be sturdy, and are usually much heavier and less comfortable. Either way, you want a helmet designed and rated for climbing. A bike helmet is not sufficient--they are designed to take impacts from a different direction. (They also tend to have holes, which makes them less effective protection from debris and bird droppings.)

I don't wear a helmet when climbing in a gym; most adults don't. If you are climbing with an incautious or clumsy child, it might be a good idea to have them wear one, though. If you go climbing outdoors, you do need a helmet.

Climbing helmets are usually adjustable to a wide range of sizes. Unless you have a very small head (or really hate the available colors), buy a men's or unisex helmet. The helmets marked to women tend to be less adjustable, and don't have any other benefits. Be be very careful if you buy a used helmet, and inspect it for any signs of damage. If you take a fall and impact your helmet, you should probably also replace it. A helmet costs about $60.

A sample site by Sylvia Richardson