When you first get into rock climbing and mountaineering, someone must have told you about the ten essential items for outdoor activities, along with their functions and importance.Just as a map and compass are indispensable for mountain climbing, modern lead climbing also has its own list of essentials.
1. GRIGRI
Are you still using a belay device that causes your rope to twist and tangle? Why not try the GRIGRI from PETZL? The GRIGRI is truly a godsend for lead climbers. This self-locking belay device eliminates the risk of a falling climber slipping uncontrollably, and it significantly reduces the belayer’s workload when the climber needs to repeatedly practice tricky moves on the route — at the very least, when the climber sits on the rope to rest, the belayer can let go with both hands.
2. Belayer’s Gloves
Ropes are often dirty, and handling them can leave your hands coated with a dark, shiny “glaze” that can negatively affect your next climb. Unless you have the chance to thoroughly clean your palms with a wet wipe before climbing, it’s best to wear gloves (thin leather or cycling gloves work well) to protect your precious skin.
3. Water
Many climbers overlook the importance of staying hydrated during outdoor climbs. This is a bad habit that can lead to poor performance, muscle cramps, and increased susceptibility to tendon injuries. You need to hydrate regularly. Only when your urine is clear — not as yellow as pine resin — does it indicate that you’re properly hydrated.
4. Food
Sure, you can go a whole day without eating and feel like you’ve lost some weight. But you’ll also experience the wonderful dizziness brought on by low blood sugar. Everyone has their own food preferences for outdoor climbing, but it’s best to avoid sugary foods or anything hard to digest, which can cause bloating and reduce your core’s elasticity.
5. Extra Clothing
Of course, most of the time during climbing season, and in most lead climbing locations, it won’t be so cold that you’re in danger of freezing. But staying as warm as possible will make you more comfortable — especially when belaying — so your muscles stay relaxed and loose. A down jacket is a great choice because it’s lightweight and easy to put on or take off.
6. Mobile Phone
Lots of ads show how useful this device is in emergencies. You can also use it to communicate with your partner or ask about route information. For example: “Hey, buddy, I’ve reached this big hole where I can rest my foot — can you tell me where the next knee-friendly spot is?” But try not to let the ringtone disturb other climbers. And make sure there’s a signal in the area before relying on it.
7. A Big, Wet Dog
This isn’t really an essential item, but people love bringing their dogs along — why is that?
8. Knee Pads
Knee pads are a must-have in the smart lead climber’s gear bag. Most pros like to sew a piece of climbing shoe rubber sole onto the outer surface of the knee pad to provide better grip.
9. Emergency Medical Kit
Gather all necessary emergency medical supplies in a kit, and include a set of tools for treating skin abrasions. Most lead climbing routes don’t abrade the skin as much as crack climbing does, so there’s usually no need to wrap your hands up like a glove. But applying benzoin tincture (or another massage balm) and wrapping with sports tape can support your tendons and speed up skin recovery. A callus file and nail clippers are also good items to keep in the kit.
10. Stick for Assisting Quickdraw Clip-in
This tool has huge potential and a wide range of uses. Some people use it to clip in the first quickdraw when it’s placed too high; others find it a very handy aid when facing a route that’s a full grade above their limit. How you use it is entirely up to you.
Original source: http://www.v7plus.com