Climbing accessories are the unsung heroes that support climbers in their pursuit of vertical challenges. They enhance safety, improve efficiency, and ensure comfort during climbs. Here's a breakdown of some essential types:

Carabiners are arguably the most iconic climbing accessory those handy metal loops with spring-loaded gates! They serve as connectors between ropes, harnesses, quickdraws, and other gear. Different types cater to various needs:

• Locking Carabiners: These feature a twist-lock or auto-locking mechanism preventing accidental opening. They are essential for critical connections like belay devices and anchors.
  • Key Features: High strength rating, locking mechanism type (screwgate, triple action), ergonomic design.
  • Best Uses: Belaying, rappelling, anchor building, attaching gear to harness.
  • Example: Petzl Am'D Screwlock Carabiner - A reliable and versatile screw-locking carabiner suitable for a wide range of climbing applications.
• Non-Locking Carabiners: These offer quick clipping and unclipping but lack the added safety of a locking mechanism. They are often used in situations where rapid connection/disconnection is crucial, such as on quickdraws.
  • Key Features: Lightweight design, smooth gate action, high strength rating.
  • Best Uses: Quickdraws, gear loops on harnesses.
  • Example: Black Diamond RockLock Carabiner - A lightweight and durable non-locking carabiner that is ideal for sport climbing.

Quickdraws are essential tools connecting the rope to bolts or other anchors during a climb. They consist of two carabiners joined by a short nylon dogbone sling. Quickdraws come in various lengths and stiffnesses:

• Straight Gate Quickdraws: These have carabiners with straight gates for easier clipping, especially useful on steep terrain.
  • Best Uses: Sport climbing, ice climbing.
  • Example: Edelrid Mega Jul Carabiner - Offers a wide gate opening, making it easy to clip and unclip even while wearing gloves.
• Bent Gate Quickdraws: These have carabiners with bent gates that provide better rope handling and reduce rope wear. They are generally preferred for traditional climbing.
  • Best Uses: Traditional (trad) climbing, alpine climbs.
  • Example: DMM Dragonfly Offset Carabiner - Offers an offset design to minimize rope drag and improve clipping efficiency on trad routes.

Belay devices control the descent of a climber while they are rappelling or being lowered after completing a route. They come in various designs, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:

• Tube-Style Belay Devices: These simple devices work by pinching the rope between your fingers and feeding it through a tube, creating friction to control descent speed.
  • Best Uses: Top-roping, belaying beginners (easy to use).
  • Example: Petzl Grigri - A popular assisted braking device that provides automatic locking when slack is introduced into the system.
• GriGri-Style Belay Devices: These devices feature an internal cam or pawl mechanism which engages and locks onto the rope, providing a more secure belay than tube-style devices.
  • Best Uses: Sport climbing, trad climbing (more advanced).
  • Example: Edelrid Mega Jul - A versatile assisted braking device with excellent handling and smooth rope feeding.

Slings are long loops of nylon webbing used to create anchors or extend the reach between two anchor points. Runners are shorter versions of slings designed for quick connections. They come in different lengths, widths, and strengths:

• Non-Textile Slings: These are made from Dyneema (Spectra) or other high-strength fibers, offering exceptional strength with minimal weight.
  • Best Uses: Alpine climbing, trad climbing where low bulk is crucial.
  • Example: Sterling Evolution Dry Sling - Lightweight and durable sling with a sewn loop design for added strength.
• Textile Slings & Runners: These are made from nylon webbing and offer good abrasion resistance. They are versatile and widely used in various climbing disciplines.
  • Best Uses: Sport climbing, trad climbing, rappelling.
  • Example: Black Diamond Nylon Dogbone - A simple yet effective sling for connecting gear to harnesses or anchors.

While technically not an accessory, a harness is the foundation of your climbing system and deserves mention here. It distributes weight evenly across your body, providing comfort and safety during climbs:

• Sport Climbing Harnesses: Lightweight and streamlined with minimal padding, designed for performance on sport routes.
  • Example: Ocun Ozette Harness - A comfortable and breathable harness ideal for sport climbing.
• Trad Climbing Harnesses: Feature more gear loops for carrying trad rack equipment, often with thicker padding for comfort during long climbs.
  • Example: Black Diamond Solution Harness - Provides ample gear storage and exceptional comfort for multi-pitch routes.

Chalk helps absorb sweat on your hands, improving grip and preventing slippage. Chalk bags are pouches used to hold chalk balls or loose chalk:

• Soft Chalk: Absorbs moisture well but can be messy.
  • Best Uses: Warm weather climbing, humid environments.
• Hard Chalk: Less absorbent than soft chalk but creates a firmer grip and is less dusty.
  • Best Uses: Cold weather climbing, dry conditions.

Climbing tape (athletic tape) protects fingers from abrasion and provides support for injured or fatigued digits:

• Finger Tape: Used to protect the tips of your fingers during crimping and edging moves.
• Joint Tape: Provides stability and compression for sprained or strained joints in your hands, wrists, or elbows.
  • Example: KT Tape - Durable and elastic tape that provides support without restricting movement.

Choosing the right climbing accessories depends on several factors, including your experience level, the type of climbing you do, and your budget. Here are some key features to consider:

• Strength Rating: All climbing gear must meet specific strength standards set by organizations like UIAA or CE EN 12275. Ensure that carabiners, slings, and other load-bearing equipment have a minimum breaking strength (MBS) appropriate for your needs.
  • General Guideline: For most climbers, an MBS of at least 22kN is sufficient.
• Weight: Lighter gear can reduce fatigue on long climbs, but it may also compromise durability or safety features. Choose a balance between weight and strength based on your priorities.
• Material Quality: Look for accessories made from high-quality materials like aluminum alloy (carabiners) or nylon webbing (slings). Check for CE EN 12275 certification to ensure compliance with European safety standards.
• Ergonomics: Accessories should be comfortable and easy to use, especially when wearing gloves or in cold weather conditions. Look for carabiners with large gate openings and ergonomic designs that fit well in your hand.

Using the right climbing accessories can significantly enhance your safety, performance, and overall enjoyment of climbing:

• Increased Safety: Proper gear protects you from falls and reduces the risk of injury. Locking carabiners prevent accidental opening, while belay devices provide controlled descent during rappelling or lowering.
• Improved Efficiency: Quickdraws and slings make it easier to connect your rope to anchors, reducing clipping time and allowing for faster ascents.
• Enhanced Comfort: Harnesses distribute weight evenly across your body, preventing pressure points and discomfort. Chalk bags keep your hands dry and grippy, improving performance during long climbs.
• Extended Durability: High-quality accessories are built to withstand the rigors of climbing and will last longer than cheaper alternatives.