Know Your "Pros" By Ken Morris At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Climbing is an exhilarating and adventurous sport which requires endurance and stamina. Due to the nature of the sport there is more risk of injury than most other activities. This makes having the right protective equipment (or “pro”) that much more important. There is no one single piece of equipment that will ensure your safety; a combination of equipment is necessary to prevent injury or fatality.

Cams are devices that you place into cracks or holes to provide protection from falls. They are spring-loaded so as to expand and hold when they are inserted and pressure is applied; the more pressure that is applied, i.e. your body weight, the harder they grip. They come in a variety of sizes so as to fit in various sizes of cracks and holes.

From the cam, a karabiner (or “biner) is attached. A biner is a ring with a spring opening and it is used to attach your ropes and harness. D-rings are a type of biner which is ultra strong to hold your weight and prevent your from falling.

Another basic type of pro is the nut which is small and usually in the shape of a nut. They have a hole through which a cable is threaded to attach another piece of equipment such as a D-ring. The proper placement of nuts takes experience; you have to judge which crack to insert them in that will safely support the weight.

Another piece of equipment that is inserted in cracks to support weight is a hexentric (or “hex”). This piece of equipment is passive meaning that it doesn’t have moving parts and is meant to remain stable. They are six sided, usually barrel shaped and to be used in parallel-sided cracks. As with a nut, proper hex placement requires skill and experience.

Runners are short loops or straps used to sling around an immobile object such as a tree or outcropping. They are usually made of a combination of nylon and other durable and strong material.

Pitons are spike shaped tools that provide a stay for your rope. They are hammered in place and are made to hold your weight. Their grip can be so strong that removing them can be more challenging than anchoring them. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate different terrain and preferences.

Knowing your protective climbing equipment and how to use it is essential to the sport of climbing. Learn how to use it properly and with time and experience it will become second nature.

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