Traditional climbing gear. It can be overwhelming when you first start rock climbing.

Traditional climbing gear. If you don't want to deep dive into the gear rabbit hole, here is a summary of some of our favorite pieces of gear. That purchase kickstarted not only my passion for trad climbing, but also my enthusiasm for buying used climbing gear. In this article, we will delve into the world of traditional climbing and how it allows climbers to navigate various landscapes using minimal equipment and relying on their skills and technique. Mar 25, 2023 · I calculated the total cost of rock climbing from getting started bouldering indoors to investing in a multi-pitch trad rack! Here are some things to consider: Trad Gear is Less Reliable than Sport Climbing Bolts It's generally safe to fall at any time on a bolted sport route, whether indoors or at the crag. Therefore, this guide is meant to give you a clear idea of the most important things to include in your first trad climbing rack. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. As opposed to sport climbing, there are no pre-drilled holes or fixed anchor points in trad climbing. Instead, the climber must carry up their own trad gear to place inside cracks, pockets, and other features in the wall. Traditional or "trad" climbing. Oct 1, 2024 · While there are many choices when purchasing rock climbing equipment, these are personal favorites that are generally well liked amongst the community. Instead of clipping bolts, you are looking for natural features, cracks, or constrictions to place traditional climbing equipment like nuts and cams. This article teaches you how to place stoppers and cams. You will spend the morning at the crag working on the tools of the trade: placing active and passive protection, cleaning trad climbing gear, building natural and artificial anchors, and learning how to rack up for a climb. However, if the same attitude is applied to trad climbing, you'll soon get injured. In traditional climbing (aka. We work hard to offer a large selection of climbing gear so whether you’re after climbing shoes, harnesses, rope, and trad gear or quickdraws You’ll learn how to place active and passive traditional climbing gear (cams, stoppers, etc. This article explains all. We tested each through a wide range of fissures, scar pins, parallel-sided cracks, around blocks, and the like. Gear up and climb with confidence! A collection of DMM products for trad climbing applications. Jun 23, 2024 · Placing Gear Correctly One of the most important traditional climbing techniques is placing gear correctly. Shop trad climbing gear from Black Diamond. Jul 28, 2022 · Traditional or “Trad” climbing involves placing your own protection as you climb. As sport climbs became more popular, the term for the older style of climbing became commonplace. In top-rope you have a pre-built anchor at the top and in sport climbing you clip into pre-existing bolts. We’ve put together a quick guide to help you get to grips with the right gear. When trad climbing, the leader must place their own gear in the rock. This adds a technical and mental aspect to the route. Efficient and effective gear placement. Sep 23, 2024 · Traditional climbing, or trad climbing for short, is a type of rock climbing that requires a unique blend of physical and mental skill. Nov 15, 2019 · Browse Our Gear Shop Climb Tulsa has Tulsa's largest in stock selection of rock climbing equipment. Sep 27, 2025 · Guide to Building Your First Trad Rack: Essential Gear and What to Prioritize. Two popular forms of rock climbing are sport climbing and traditional climbing, each with its own set of characteristics, challenges, and appeal. In this post I will describe a standard traditional rock climbing rack. Jul 10, 2024 · What is trad climbing? We consider what separates trad from other climbing disciplines, along with where you can do it and what equipment is needed What is trad climbing? What is trad gear? How do you learn trad climbing? Find out the basics about becoming a trad climber from an AMGA-certified Rock Guide. Jan 12, 2024 · Trad (Traditional) Climbing Trad climbing distinguishes itself from other climbing styles by depending on removable protection placed by the climber. Aug 22, 2024 · Still not sold? Then consider that trad climbing allows you to explore some of the most beautiful climbing areas in the world while also avoiding the crowds that now seem to be the norm at most sport crags. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Jan 24, 2023 · Trad climbing involves a wide array of gear, including nuts, hexes, cams, Big Bros, and more, to ensure climbers stay safe. The lead climber places removable protection along the route and it is removed as the final climber ascends, ensuring minimal damage to the rock. Jun 23, 2024 · Conclusion Investing in traditional climbing gear is essential for any climbing enthusiast looking to explore the great outdoors. Proper placement of gear such as cams, nuts, and hexes is crucial for protecting yourself in case of a fall. What to expect Day One: Meet your guide at the program area in the morning. Explore a wide range of our Trad Gear Climbing selection. Jun 23, 2024 · Traditional climbing, also known as trad climbing, relies heavily on the use of removable gear to protect climbers as they ascend a route. It requires a combination of physical strength, mental focus, and technical skill. Some of the essential gear used in traditional climbing includes nuts, cams, hexes, slings, carabiners, and ropes. Being honest about why you're doing this and how much risk you're willing to take is important. Our trad climbing equipment is relentlessly tested and built by climbers for climbers. I wondered what other equipment I could buy secondhand. May 26, 2024 · Trad climbing involves placing removable protection gear in cracks and features, requiring technical skill and risk management. Jan 31, 2023 · Trad climbing, short for traditional climbing, is a style of free climbing that does not rely on fixed gear, like bolts on a sport climbing route, to protect a rock climb. In contrast to sport climbing, where preplaced bolts offer protection, trad climbers meticulously choose and position gear like cams, nuts, and hexes into cracks and fissures while ascending. What Is Traditional Climbing? Trad climbing, as it's popularly known, is how climbing was always done until fairly May 29, 2020 · New to trad climbing? Our Beginner's Guide to Trad Climbing breaks down everything you need to know to get started trad climbing today. There’s also the question of how much gear you actually need to get started—a decision that must balance your own financial constraints with the common fear of not having Trad climbing, also known as traditional climbing or clean climbing, is a method of climbing where climbers use their own belay gear in the form of mobile hangers to secure themselves on the natural features of a rock wall during an ascent. This article compares the basics of trad versus sport climbing. These high-quality pieces of gear are perfect for your next outdoor adventure. Sport climbers can often get by with a rack of 12-15 quickdraws to lead all the single-pitch sport climbs in a popular area. Jun 23, 2024 · Traditional Climbing: Climbing in Different Types of Terrain Are you an avid climber looking to explore different types of terrain? Traditional climbing may be the perfect challenge for you. Discover everything about it in our blog post. Then, in the event of a fall, the trad gear in the wall, in conjunction with a belayer on the ground, arrests the leader’s fall. That’s why we made this handy, printable climbing checklist for sport, trad, bouldering, and hitting the gym. Anticipate car camping in either developed or primitive campsites. Want more in-depth training? Internationally certified mountain guides Rob Coppolillo and Marc Chauvin will teach you the fundamentals of trad climbing in our Intro to Trad 8-week online course. ! Meet your climbing instructor at 8am and hike to the climbing site. Jan 31, 2024 · A trad rack is the term given to your collection of trad climbing gear. Learn more! Nov 27, 2020 · Traditional or “trad” climbing is a style of climbing whereby a leader free climbs up a rockface placing various pieces of metal equipment (known as protection or gear) into the natural cracks and slots in the rock. Lunch will be done on-the-go, allowing you to maximize your learning opportunities on this one-day Jun 23, 2024 · The History of Traditional Climbing Traditional climbing has a rich history that dates back centuries, with its origins rooted in the early days of mountaineering. There’s nothing worse than forgetting crucial gear when you’re on a climbing trip. In this article, we delve into the differences between sport climbing and traditional climbing, shedding light on their distinct Jul 23, 2023 · Explore the top 100 rock climbing terms with clear definitions to enhance your understanding of this adventurous sport. Dec 15, 2023 · Are you looking to carry heavy loads, finagle with sketchy gear placements, and spend a metric ton of cash on gear? If so, you must want to be a trad climber! In all seriousness, traditional climbing is perhaps rock climbing’s most fulfilling discipline. It covers everything from hard single pitch cragging where you're basically sport climbing on gear to sketchballs alpine climbing where the gear is mostly there so they can follow the rope to find your body. From the history of trad climbing to what trad gear to get to the best trad climbing jargon, check out this handy trad climbing guide for beginners to season climbers. Dec 7, 2024 · Traditional (trad) climbing involves placing and removing protective gear into cracks or features in the rock as you climb. org's Types of Climbing article gives descriptions and histories of the 5 basic types of rock climbing: Sport Climbing, Traditional Climbing, Aid Climbing, Bouldering, and Free Soloing. Nov 1, 2023 · Yet, despite the modernization of gear, trad climbing remains firmly rooted in its historical legacy, preserving the essence of self-reliance and exploration. By equipping yourself with high-quality gear such as cams, nuts, harnesses, and helmets, you can ensure your safety and enhance your overall climbing experience. Nov 8, 2024 · Trad climbing requires a large and somewhat complex set of gear that’s used instead of bolts to anchor you or your rope to the rock, and to arrest a fall. You will spend the morning working with a variety of tools and techniques designed to expand your traditional climbing tool kit as well as hone some of the skills introduced in the Traditional Climbing Fundamentals course. This is caused by movements in the rope as you climb Sep 27, 2025 · Traditional (trad) climbing is a style of rock climbing where the lead climber places all protective gear into natural features of the rock as they ascend. Jul 9, 2023 · Trad climbing is a form of free climbing (not free soloing) where the leader places their own removable protection into the rock instead of clipping bolts like on a sport climb. Through a mixture of discussion and hands-on practice, we will focus on the skills needed for the aspiring trad leader. Jun 23, 2024 · While modern climbing techniques and equipment have become more prevalent in recent years, traditional climbing continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many climbers who appreciate the history and tradition behind this unique style of climbing. Trad climbing is a lot broader than sport. Baker Mountain Guides can rent climbing equipment to participants if requested. In this article, we will . Trad climbing requires a lot of gear, and it can be quite confusing knowing exactly what you need and what you should buy. From the pioneering climbs of famous mountaineers to the development of climbing techniques and equipment, traditional climbing has evolved into a popular outdoor sport enjoyed by people around the world. From cams to carabiners, nuts to nut tools, there are so many options for trad climbing gear that it’s hard to know where to even begin. [2] Shop for Our Favorite Trad Climbing Gear at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. While mixed climbing you often move from ice to rock and back again. Oct 15, 2021 · In trad climbing, or traditional climbing, rock climbers place their own safety equipment as they ascend, rather than utilize preplaced bolts or other permanently fixed gear. With some of these simple tips, you can save money and buy the rack of your dreams! Looking to get into trad climbing? To get started, you’ll need to learn the Tools of the Trad, what kit you need, and how to use it. Whether Apr 3, 2025 · Thanks to this new-to-me, used rack, I plugged my way up trad climbs all over the Cordillera Blanca. Jun 5, 2025 · We found the best climbing harnesses of 2025. Also see some examples of gear-racking options. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of traditional May 1, 2022 · Trad climbing requires substantially more gear than sport climbing. Includes climbing gear, clothing and personal items. We’ll focus on simplicity and efficiency without compromising strength or safety. Traditional climbing adds the need to carry a "rack Discover the essential wooden wedges for traditional climbing. Oct 28, 2016 · To learn more trad climbing skills, see the rest of our series, Learn to Climb Trad: A Complete Beginner’s Guide. With a good understanding of trad climbing skills, you can branch out from the indoor walls and sport crags to reach unique places that would Jun 21, 2024 · Our rock climbing gear list covers everything you need as a beginner plus extra kit for once you start getting more ambitious with the grades Oct 31, 2024 · Our climbing experts have been testing the best climbing nuts and stoppers for over 10 years and over 15 different sets. In addition to the gear you use in an indoor wall or at a sport crag, you'll need some more specialist kit to climb a trad route. From placing/removing gear and proper belay techniques, to how to make an anchor and Gear characterising trad climbing style Back to contents Climbing shoes, harness, rope (single rope or twin ropes), belay device, chalk, quickdraws and trad-rack (friends, wires, hexes and cams). Trad climbing gear is more complicated and varied than sport climbing equipment, leaving many beginner trad climbers overwhelmed with their purchasing options. Find out how to start now! Intro to Traditional Climbing The Intro to Traditional Climbing course is an advanced course for climbers looking to gain the foundational skills to lead climbing routes using traditional gear such as cams and nuts. Trad climbing—also known as traditional climbing—requires a lot of gear. The term didn't exist until the birth of pre-bolted climbing routes, or sport climbing. I also wondered what gear I could sell to financially power my lifestyle. Aug 14, 2024 · We break down all the gear you need for a day of climbing, including essential equipment for the gym climbing, bouldering, sport climbing, and trad climbing. Mar 7, 2015 · Gear used: all the gear for sport climbing replacing rock shoes with boots crampons ice tools ice screws Mixed Climbing Mixed Climbing combines ice climbing and sport/trad climbing with crampons on. Our checklist for trad climbing can help you avoid forgetting anything important. Get tips on what cams, nuts and other gear to take rock climbing and how to organize it all. It can look like climbing on rocks with ice tools. Nov 18, 2016 · The trickiest—and most important—parts of multi-pitch trad climbing are placing solid gear and building safe anchors fast. Apr 27, 2022 · In the 1920s, British climbers carried pebbles in their pockets, slotting them into cracks and tying them off (with hemp cord) for pro. Safety considerations, environmental stewardship, and adherence to local regulations are essential for climbing in Colorado. It can be overwhelming when you first start rock climbing. This climbing equipment, often called “protection” or “pro,” serves as temporary climbing protection and is then removed by the second climber, ideally leaving no trace on their ascent. This protection, also called pro, is placed in cracks and fissures as you climb, and then removed, or cleaned, when you’re done. Sep 30, 2024 · Starter Rack for Trad (Traditional) Rock Climbing: General RulesThere is an enormous variety and choice when it comes to choosing rock climbing equipment. Sport climbing adds ropes, harnesses, belay devices, and quickdraws which clip into pre-drilled permanently-fixed bolts on the rock face. Selection, use, and care of traditional gear. Guides will cover a variety of topics including tips for placing gear efficiently, belaying from above We know that climbing can require a lot of gear. Shop now for fast shipping and easy returns! Our Intro to Traditional Rock Climbing Course is perfect for climbers who want to explore and learn trad climbing. Buy + Sell Used Outdoor Clothing, Ski, Snowboard, Mountain Bike, Road Bike, Hike, Climb, Paddle, Surf, Wake, Skate, Fly Fish, Yoga + Camping Gear. In its most recent form—since the introduction and exclusive use of mobile protection—it has also been called "Clean Climbing," emphasizing the low-impact nature of this style, which avoids damaging or leaving Traditional climbing differs from sport climbing where the protection equipment is already pre-drilled into the rockface in the form of permanent bolts. Jun 23, 2024 · Traditional climbing is a form of rock climbing that involves using gear to protect against falls, rather than relying on pre-placed bolts or anchors. Introduction to modern traditional technique. Apr 14, 2021 · So, looking at these estimates above, we are looking at $745 for a basic trad climbing rack with a set of nuts, a handful of the most used cams, a safe number of alpine draws and some equipment to build anchors and a nut tool. Perhaps one of the most distinctive aspects of trad rock climbing is the profound sense of self-reliance it instills in climbers. How to build a trad anchor is always one of the first questions people ask when they venture into the world of traditional climbing. Care and selection of traditional climbing gear. Note: If you’re interested in more differences between trad and sport climbing, we Mar 11, 2021 · This Trad Climbing Buyer's Guide takes a different approach to the usual buyer guides that take a product category approach. Learning to place your own protection, build your own anchors, and lead a pitch (or many pitches) of rock from bottom to top without any If you're new to trad climbing and unsure what gear you might need to get started, this guide covers the essentials. We used each while ascending wind-blown alpine ClimbingTechniques. Feb 8, 2020 · Building a Trad Climbing Rack is Expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Sep 12, 2024 · Complete Guide to Trad Climbing Gear Trad climbing is one of the most historical forms of climbing, shaped over the years by different approaches, gear, and ethical guidelines. Climb Tulsa is the proud retailer of some of the leading manufacturers of climbing gear in the world including Black Diamond, Petzl, Scarpa, and more. Learn how to lead trad routes safely, place and remove gear, clip gear, use slings, lead belay, protect leader falls, manage your rope, route planning and more. ) as well as how to use natural features like trees, rock threads, and horns and how to join various components into a bomb-proof anchor. Jan 21, 2021 · Trad climbing (short for “traditional” climbing) is climbing in which you place your own protection pieces as you climb. Unlike sport climbing, trad doesn’t rely on pre-installed bolts. Nov 14, 2019 · Ever wondered what the difference was between Trad and Sport Climbing? We give the skinny on climbing gear, style, and history! Explore our trad climbing gear collection! Find essential equipment like cams, nuts, and harnesses for safe and enjoyable traditional climbing adventures. May 21, 2020 · After whetting their appetite sport climbing outdoors, many gym-to-crag climbers will eventually desire to get into trad climbing (AKA traditional climbing). May 3, 2024 · Rock climbing is a diverse and exhilarating activity that offers various styles and techniques for climbers to explore. In conclusion, having the right gear is essential for a successful traditional climbing experience. Learn how to place gear on traditionally protected rock climbs with an emphasis on safety. Anchor building techniques and management. Please arrive prepared for all weather conditions. Sep 9, 2022 · Jim Erickson looks back on the past half century to chronicle how the gear we rely on has changed and improved over the years. Jun 23, 2024 · Traditional climbing, a form of rock climbing that relies on placing gear to protect against falls, has seen significant advancements in technology over the years. Trad Climbing Essentials Is hand jamming your jam? Read on for our favorite trad gear. This hands-on course teaches you the tools, techniques, and skills needed to climb safely and confidently on gear-protected routes. Learn how to identify gear placements, assess their quality, build anchors, and remove gear quickly and efficiently. Our approach is to take a look at the gear required for each stage of the trad climb which starts with Gear to Lead with Rope There are two common approaches to Trad Leading - single rope or double rope. Jun 23, 2024 · Traditional Climbing: The Evolution of Climbing Gear Are you a climbing enthusiast looking to learn more about the history and development of traditional climbing gear? In this article, we will explore the evolution of climbing equipment used in traditional climbing, from its humble beginnings to the high-tech gear available today. Jun 23, 2024 · By understanding the different types of protection equipment, knowing how to place gear correctly, and mastering the art of building anchors, traditional climbers can ensure a safe and successful climbing experience. This approach to climbing requires an elevated level Oct 18, 2021 · Trad Climbing is the classic way of climbing outdoors - using some cool gear, a cool head, and a lot of knowledge. In this update, we purchased 7 of the best sets and slid them into cracks of all sizes across the United States. I will also describe the gear we use aside from the protection itself. Find top brands, exclusive offers, and unbeatable prices on eBay. Learn what climbing gear you need to start out in all levels of outdoor climbing including bouldering, sport climbing, and trad climbing. Whether you’re just getting started at sport climbing, venturing into trad, learning the ropes at mountaineering, mastering the art of ice climbing, solving bouldering problems, or even venturing into big wall climbing, we’re here to help. Demystify choices & build an economical, functional starter set. Traditional climbing is still the dominant format on longer multi-pitch climbing routes, including alpine and big wall routes. In this style of climbing, climbers use a combination of gear placed in the rock, such as cams, nuts, and hexes, to protect themselves as they ascend up the mountain. Feb 25, 2021 · What is trad climbing then? Before sport climbing rose to fame in the 1980s, most rock climbing was done using traditional methods. Make sure to assess the rock quality and choose the right size and type of gear for the specific climbing route. Jun 15, 2023 · This comprehensive trad climbing guide offers everything you need, such as gear, tips, and destinations, whether you want to fine-tune your rappel skills or build better anchors. So, with that out of the way, here are some of our top trad climbing essentials for the fall of 2024. Meet your climbing instructor at 8am and hike to the climbing site. Bouldering needs the least equipment: climbing shoes, climbing chalk and optional crash pads. Jan 9, 2019 · 3 piece trad anchor using a 60cm and 120cm sling Rock Climbing Trad Anchors Rock Climbing Trad Anchors. To be safe when trad climbing, the leader must focus on finding gear placements and then select the right piece of gear to fit. But trad climbing requires that you carry gear on your harness while being able to properly place different types of protection. For more on this, check out this May 28, 2021 · In traditional climbing, or "trad" climbing, climbers carry their own gear which they place into the rock as they go. Learning how to place trad gear is an essential skill as you progress as a climber. This includes spring-loaded camming devices, commonly called cams, passive gear, either nuts or hexes and all the material that will be used to connect these things. Sep 24, 2024 · Traditional Climbing is the art of placing your own protection while rock climbing. trad climbing), there is no permanently affixed protection. This guide features Gearhead® tested and approved gear to help you rack up. ‎ Whether you’re a seasoned regular at the Creek, a casual dabbler visiting the Gunks, or the dedicated trad dad spreading the word, you need a hefty collection of gear for trad climbing. Our introduction to trad climbing courses teach the essentials of traditional rock climbing & techniques to lead any rock climb in Colorado. Rock-climbing equipment varies with the specific type of climbing that is being undertaken by the climber (s). Mar 22, 2021 · The 8 steps you need to follow to build your first trad rack. Whether you're sport climbing or mountaineering, we have you covered. Leader safety in a single pitch environment. The traditional lead climbing class will prepare you for the next level of climbing. Oct 31, 2023 · Get rock climbing gear recommendations from NOLS instructors! Learn what gear we use and our tips for caring for our equipment. Oct 6, 2023 · In the world of rock climbing few disciplines captured the essence of adventure and self-reliance like traditional climbing, often referred to as "trad climbing". There will be no or very minimal bolts on traditional climbing routes. Nov 9, 2023 · 10 steps to your first multi pitch trad climbing adventure including necessary skills, gear, resources, and techniques. When there are no bolts or fixed gear to show you the way, Trad Climbing Topics: Placements of traditional climbing gear Building simple trad anchors Opportunity to practice leading on gear without the risk of a leader fall (mock leads) Leave no Trace Environmental Ethics Although they very origins of modern rock climbing, trad climbing can feel inaccessible to even competent, established climbers. Wild Country® USA Best Products for Trad Climbing Top Quality and Expertise Material Selection for Climbing Equipment. Learn the exact pieces of gear you need, along with specific recommendations for each. Nuts can wiggle out, slings can lift off and cams can walk out of position. jm h9muw ypacgtmfv lq 3wqdz2 3aicx ojigm6 z0o 8gvzx 7zty