Rope

Used directly for rock climbing to ensure safety of climber in case of a fall, or ascending rock wall. In general, a rope with a thickness of 8~11 mm is used. It is recommended to confirm user indication during purchase or before use.

Types of rope

Single rope: strongest rope, which is frequently used Ropes with a diameter of 10~11 mm are used frequently, usually with a length of 50~60 m. In case of ice climbing, ropes of 70~100 are used.
Double rope: the double rope technique is used in case of various routes with falling stones, rock corner, etc., mostly with a thickness of 8~9 mm Length of the rope is usually 80~90 m.
Dry rope: rope with silicon or Teflon coating. 33% less abrasive than regular ropes and has the effect of blocking ultraviolet rays. In addition, frozen surfaces and difficult rope ventilation is prevented.

Maintenance of rope

Do not step on rope or drop rope at any place
Do not expose to heat, because rope is very sensitive to heat; avoid heat resulting from friction at time of descent.
Store in cool places or shadow to avoid damage resulting from ultraviolet rays.
It is recommended to remove dirt after use and to check thoroughly while coiling the rope, if there are any damages.
In case of large falls, rope should be discarded for safety reasons.

Slings

Types of slings

Webbing: tubular webbing (form of an empty cylinder inside), flat webbing (made of a whole); very strong
Code: Code Sling with a diameter between 3 and 9 mm. It is recommended not to use slings below 8mm for large impacts.
Quick Draw: used between karabiner and karabiner; similar to sling but is shorter in length. Restricted use.

Use and maintenance of slings

It is recommended to carry slings with various length, 30cm, 60cm, 80cm.
In case of personally fastened slings, it has to be checked if knot has loosened at any time.
Maintained in the same way as rope and should be exchanged periodically.
Existing slings on rock wall routes may have become weak through ultraviolet rays or fall impacts. Therefore surroundings have to be observed thoroughly and doubtful slings should not be used.

Quick Draw

Backstiched webbing sling with loops on both sides to fasten karabiner.
Equipment to connect parts with this shape: karabiner + quick draw + karabiner

Descender and belay equipment

Figure 8 Descender: has the shape of the number 8; there is a small hole on one side and a large hole on the other side. Rope is placed inside the large hole during descent; principle of creating friction by winding the karabiner outwards to the direction of the small hole. The small hole is placed on the body of the climber or on the belay checkpoint.
Tube Descender: metal pipe with 2 holes for ropes cut shortly; on one side metal string is fastened. Rope is placed inside the plate, locking karabiner is fastened on rope and metal string; directly connected to the belayer or belay checkpoint.
Grigri: automatically locking equipment; comparable with safety belts of vehicles that lock in case of sudden movements or impacts. Rope is placed inside the equipment and fastened to belay checkpoints or belayer; may be used as single line.
Reverso: May be used as descending belay device, single or double rope; circulation of rope is soft and can be easily loosened. Carabiner method is used for tube descender and rope, which is inserted in hole; a smooth and rapid damping is provided.

Safety Belt

There are safety belts for general purposes, free climbing and competition climbing. Belts for general purposes are made for a convenient use during a long period of time. Belt size of leg parts can be adjusted; therefore it can be conveniently used even in case of layered clothing. Belts for free and competition climbing are lightweight and small; they are offered in various sizes to perfectly fit the climber. Belts for wall climbing are designed for a convenient use during a long period of time; waist and leg parts are thickly padded.

Carabiner

Carabiner are metallic gates with shapes of O, D, offset-D, locked and for special purposes. Locking carabiners are used for belaying due to their opening and closing system of the gate.

Rock climbing shoes

Rock climbing shoes are designed to fit shape of feet; due to the elastic rubber sole, anti-slide protection is outstanding. Recently, sportsclimbing has become more and more popular. Rock climbing shoes for artificial walls are available in a great variety. Rock climbing shoes usually expand, therefore shoes where foot barely fits in, should be chosen. Speaking of the various types, there are the rock climbing shoes that use the old-fashioned method of shoe laces, the ones that use Velcro tape and the one with the shape of a all in one slipper without a fastener.

Helmet

Helmet is worn to protect the head against falling rocks, falling ice or in time of fall. They should be approved and marked by the UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme, English: International Climbing and Mountaineering Organization) and have straps to adjust head circumference and chin size.

Chalk Bag

Filled with magnesium carbonate powder that is applied to the hands during climbing; the bag is attached to the safety belt or the waist with a separate line.

Protection

Spring Load Camming Device (SLCD), also called cam or friend: usually called friend or cam.
Nuts: diamond shaped hexahedrons with wide ends and slim tops that are fixed within gaps of rocks to support protection. When installed correctly, they improve safety. They are difficult to remove after strength is applied; therefore a nut reclaimer should be prepaired.