Climbing - Basic Gear - Carabiners and Rope Harnesses
Almost all climbs will require some kind of rope harness, ropes and a number of carabiners. These constitute the basic equipment for anyone doing anything other than a free climb.
Carabiners come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they're almost all made of aluminum and are manufactured in two basic types: locking and non-locking.
Non-locking 'biners' are roughly oval or D-shaped with the 'C'-shaped portion providing a loop completed by a section that swings open and shut. They're used as a strong, breakproof stay to connect a rope harness to belay devices, pitons and other gear via ropes.
The swinging portion of carabiners can be straight or bent, with the latter an increasingly popular option. The rope is pushed against the gate, which swings open easily, but then shuts quickly to prevent the rope from escaping. They do sometimes come open, but most will perform properly under a wide range of strenuous conditions.
Locking carabiners provide that extra measure of security by incorporating a sleeve or other mechanism that clamps over the gate. Some are self-locking but the majority require only a simple slide, twist or screw motion to secure the biner. Naturally, that's done after you've put the rope inside.
It's very rare for a biner to break, but it's been known to happen, especially in ultra-cold temperatures and under sharp acceleration. More than one can be used to secure a rope harness.
A rope harness is the complementary piece of gear, the part that clamps onto you. A series of straps with connectors provides a form-fitting harness that attaches to ropes by biners. There are different styles that are used for different types of climbing.
A sit harness is made up of a waist loop and two leg loops, often made of strong nylon. They provide safety while offering freedom of movement. They're often used for rock climbing or abseiling - a technique of vertical descending down a rock face.
A chest harness, by contrast, is only worn around the chest and shoulders. With a chest harness, you can avoid accidentally flipping around the waist since you have a high center of gravity. They are often used in conjunction with a sit harness to provide an extra measure of stabilization and mental security.
A full-body harness is essentially the combination of the two. With two points, upper and lower, you can provide maximum security. But there's a trade-off. A full-body harness provides less freedom of movement. For an experienced climber that trade-off frequently isn't desired, but for a beginner the extra feeling of security may be highly valued.
Ropes connect everything together, using loops that are strongly sewn into the harness and (in some instances) wire straps that are part of other gear such as cams.
Selecting biners that are easy to use and a harness that feels right to you will enhance your climbing experience.
