Traditional climbing equipment. 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 Trad climbing requires a lot of gear, and it can be quite confusing knowing exactly what you need and what you should buy. In this article, we will explore the essential gear needed for traditional climbing, including recommendations Feb 20, 2025 · Traditional climbing (trad) requires placing your own protection, which increases the amount of gear needed. In this update, we purchased 7 of the best sets and slid them into cracks of all sizes across the United States. Jul 23, 2023 · For example, in trad climbing, the follower will clean the gear the leader has placed when climbing the route. From buttresses protruding from huge mountains and immense walls, like Yosemite’s El Capitan, to roadside crags and sea cliffs, there is an almost endless variety of trad climbing venues. Providing a growing selection of products and climber resources gear reviews, guide pro-tips, setter pro-tips, and climber stories. 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. 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. In addition to the items listed for sport climbing, trad climbers also need: Oct 25, 2022 · Traditional climbing has a large range of gear and techniques for different rock features. Gear up and climb with confidence! Jun 23, 2024 · Essential Gear for Traditional Climbing When it comes to traditional climbing, having the right gear can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and successful climb. Sport climbing adds ropes, harnesses, belay devices, and quickdraws which clip into pre-drilled permanently-fixed bolts on the rock face. Sport Climbing: Using pre-placed bolts for protection on routes. We became increasingly frustrated with the lack of consolidated, quality information available on the web about some of the more complicated techniques needed for climbing. However, the elephant in the room is obvious (and Nov 18, 2016 · The trickiest—and most important—parts of multi-pitch trad climbing are placing solid gear and building safe anchors fast. Our introduction to trad climbing courses teach the essentials of traditional rock climbing & techniques to lead any rock climb in Colorado. We must admit that climbing a wall with no fixed gear and only the equipment on your harness is a special feeling. Jul 16, 2020 · Trad climbing requires the most gear and often has long approaches. 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. Here, we will give a short list of trad climbing essentials, and then offer our simplified buyers guide to traditional rock climbing gear. 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. Jun 23, 2024 · Traditional climbing and sport climbing are two popular forms of climbing with unique techniques and equipment. What Do “Trad Climbing” and “Sport Climbing” Mean? In the realm of technical rock climbing, free climbing is defined by using a rope and some means of protection, with the climber only relying on this gear to catch their body weight in the event of a fall. I also wondered what gear I could sell to financially power my lifestyle. 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. What is trad climbing and how does it differ from other forms of climbing? The term trad climbing was coiled after the birth sport climbing or pre-bolted climbing routes. In this style of The History Of Trad Climbing Trad climbing, short for “traditional climbing,” originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as climbers sought to ascend formidable peaks using rudimentary gear like pitons and wooden wedges. Jun 21, 2024 · A growing mountain of gear: what’s in my pack for the trek to Everest Base Camp What kit do you need to get into rock climbing? Whether you’re starting with sport climbing or trad climbing, indoor or outdoor, you’ll need the following items just to get started. 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. You’ll remember your big wall trips for the rest of your life. From basic ropes and harnesses to specialized In this article we explain sport climbing and trad climbing in detail, focusing on their similarities and differences, as well as the skills, knowledge, and equipment required for each. Sep 12, 2024 · Trad climbing is one of the most historical forms of climbing, shaped over the years by different approaches, gear, and ethical guidelines. Traditional (Trad) Climbing: Placing and removing gear for protection as you climb natural rock formations. 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. Learn more about camalots, offiset cams, stoppers and quickdraws. Our trad climbing equipment is relentlessly tested and built by climbers for climbers. 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. With traditional protection one can climb a huge wall, place and remove all the gear and leave behind no trace of passage – something quite special from a climbing standpoint and important from an ecological one! The traditional lead climbing class will prepare you for the next level of climbing. Jan 21, 2021 · Trad climbing (short for “traditional” climbing) is climbing in which you place your own protection pieces as you climb. Please do not try this without proper training. Hopefully, it’s not the pain from sitting in your thin-ass harness that you remember. Trad climbing protection devices are mostly designed to be wedged into cracks, pockets, and similar features. From ropes and harnesses to cams and nuts, each piece of equipment plays a crucial role in the overall experience. There will be no or very minimal bolts on traditional climbing routes. sport climbing and trad climbing are both types of lead climbing. Also see some examples of gear-racking options. Jun 23, 2024 · Traditional Climbing Gear: What to Invest In Are you a climbing enthusiast looking to take your skills to the next level? Investing in the right traditional climbing gear is essential for a safe and successful climbing experience. Some of the essential gear used in traditional climbing includes nuts, cams, hexes, slings, carabiners, and ropes. Note: If you’re interested in more differences between trad and sport climbing, we Learn what climbing gear you need to start out in all levels of outdoor climbing including bouldering, sport climbing, and trad climbing. com is your source for climbing gear and everything climbing. On top of our large selection of rock climbing equipment, Climb Tulsa carries a variety of backpacking and camping gear. Jun 23, 2024 · Challenges and Controversies Debate on the use of technology in traditional climbing There is an ongoing debate within the climbing community regarding the use of technology in traditional climbing. Trad climbing—also known as traditional climbing—requires a lot of gear. But trad climbing requires that you carry gear on your harness while being able to properly place different types of protection. In this article, we will Jun 24, 2025 · An instructor's complete guide to trad climbing gear — from buying your first trad climbing harness to choosing the best climbing helmet. As opposed to sport climbing, there are no pre-drilled holes or fixed anchor points in trad climbing. Learn the exact pieces of gear you need, along with specific recommendations for each. Jun 14, 2024 · Unlike trad climbing, where there’s a leader and a follower. We’ve put together a quick guide to help you get to grips with the right gear. We tested each through a wide range of fissures, scar pins, parallel-sided cracks, around blocks, and the like. 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). Bouldering needs the least equipment outside of climbing shoes, climbing chalk and optional crash pads. Find out how to start now! 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 are different types of lead climbing i. May 6, 2025 · Welcome to the Holy Grail of climbing gear lists! Here you will find our top picks: the gear our climber-testers would recommend to their best friends. It’s the perfect mixture of adventurous climbing and traditional ethics. Don’t use your sport climbing harness. ‎ 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. It’s no surprise, then, that so many climbers continue to pursue trad climbing. Sport climbing, with its reliance on physicality, presents a different kind of challenge compared to traditional climbing. From harnesses and ropes to cams and nuts, this article will guide you on what to invest in to enhance your climbing performance and safety. However, many traditional climbing tools and techniques are still used today, paying homage to the ingenuity of indigenous cultures. [2] 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. Aug 22, 2024 · Trad climbing (or climbing, which was what it was called before the advent of sport climbing), with its increased level of commitment and problem-solving, challenges you in ways that grid-bolted clip-ups just can’t match. At PlaygroundEquipment. Whether you’re a Trad climbing gear can also be used in lead climbing which is removable and therefore not fixed into the rock (more on this later). Oct 31, 2024 · Our climbing experts have been testing the best climbing nuts and stoppers for over 10 years and over 15 different sets. One climber can ascend a sport route and retrieve their gear while lowering from the anchors. Rock climbingThe basics of placing passive trad climbing gear. Learn the basics of trad climbing, from equipment to techniques and strategies. I wondered what other equipment I could buy secondhand. 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. We will explore traditional climbing gear, develop an eye for proper placements, build and Jan 12, 2024 · Trad (Traditional) Climbing Trad climbing distinguishes itself from other climbing styles by depending on removable protection placed by the climber. This article explains all. However, if the same attitude is applied to trad climbing, you'll soon get injured. Through a mixture of discussion and hands-on practice, we will focus on the skills needed for the aspiring trad leader. Traditional climbing is still the dominant format on longer multi-pitch climbing routes, including alpine and big wall routes. In traditional climbing (aka. We exist to serve the needs of those that play in the mountains and work at heights; providing trusted expertise and equipment to the whole climbing community since 1993. In this article, we will delve into the key differences between traditional climbing and sport climbing to help you decide which style is right for you. Learning how to place trad gear is an essential skill as you progress as a climber. Here we give the low down on how to get started, in an extract from our new special edition magazine: Get into Climbing. Due to the heft of equipment, food, water, and layers, there are climbing-specific packs made to sit well and move with your body. Jun 23, 2024 · Evolution of traditional climbing equipment Traditional climbing equipment has evolved significantly over time, with modern advancements in technology and materials improving the safety and efficiency of climbers. For more on this, check out this Mar 22, 2021 · The 8 steps you need to follow to build your first trad rack. 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. Therefore, this guide is meant to give you a clear idea of the most important things to include in your first trad climbing rack. This guide features Gearhead® tested and approved gear to help you rack up. The lead climber places protection such as cams Building your first climbing trad rack? Learn how to choose the right gear for you with our jargon-busting beginner's guide to starting a basic trad rack. Whether 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. Apr 3, 2025 · Thanks to this new-to-me, used rack, I plugged my way up trad climbs all over the Cordillera Blanca. Rock-climbing equipment varies with the specific type of climbing that is being undertaken by the climber (s). That purchase kickstarted not only my passion for trad climbing, but also my enthusiasm for buying used climbing gear. We spent our evenings reading Climbing Anchors by John Long and searching for whatever material we could find on the subject matter of placing traditional climbing equipment. 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. Our commercial playground equipment is designed to provide children with endless opportunities for fun, fitness, and skill-building. Trad climbing 101 Learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about trad climbing including the skills, gear, and popular destinations. The lead climber places removable protection along the route and it is removed as the final climber ascends, ensuring minimal damage to the rock. Whether you're looking for playground climbing structures for a schoolyard, parks, or Mar 9, 2022 · In climbers’ lingo, these are called trad climbing and sport climbing. Traditional climbing differs from sport climbing where the protection equipment is already pre-drilled into the rockface in the form of permanent bolts. If you’re new to climbing, there are lots of strange terms and different styles of climbing that might seem confusing, but the distinction between sport and trad is really an important one. You can climb wherever you want without restrictions. I will also describe the gear we use aside from the protection itself. In sport climbing, the climber cleans the route (top rope anchor and quickdraws) if no one else in their group wants to climb it. In this post I will describe a standard traditional rock climbing rack. This adds a technical and mental aspect to the route. 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. 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. Instead, the climber must carry up their own trad gear to place inside cracks, pockets, and other features in the wall. We used each while ascending wind-blown alpine Explore our trad climbing gear collection! Find essential equipment like cams, nuts, and harnesses for safe and enjoyable traditional climbing adventures. May 28, 2021 · In traditional climbing, or "trad" climbing, climbers carry their own gear which they place into the rock as they go. e. To be safe when trad climbing, the leader must focus on finding gear placements and then select the right piece of gear to fit. Discover everything about it in our blog post. Get tips on what cams, nuts and other gear to take rock climbing and how to organize it all. Jun 23, 2024 · What is Traditional Climbing? Traditional climbing, often referred to as trad climbing, is a style of rock climbing where climbers place their own protection as they ascend a route. Jan 31, 2023 · For some climbers, trad climbing is the crown jewel of all the rock climbing disciplines. trad climbing), there is no permanently affixed protection. Sep 24, 2024 · Traditional Climbing is the art of placing your own protection while rock climbing. 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. . Traditional climbing involves carrying and placing protection (chocks, camming devices and so on) rather than clipping into preplaced bolts. We stock a chest harness for those who like to separate the lead rack from the rest of the stuff they have on their harness. 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. Once I Our Intro to Traditional Rock Climbing Course is perfect for climbers who want to explore and learn trad climbing. We Discover the best ways to build your first trad climbing rack from the experts at Black Diamond Equipment. This is caused by movements in the rope as you climb 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, chalk bags, and hangboards we have it all at Climb Tulsa. 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. Our guide provides gear, tips, and destination recommendations. 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. This article teaches you how to place stoppers and cams. 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. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Climb On Equipment is a Rock Climbing Specialty Store located in Squamish, BC Canada. 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. On top of all the sport climbing basics such as rock shoes, a harness, and a belay device, you’ll also need different types of protection to place in the various cracks in the rock to catch your falls. If you’re a beginner, you don’t need a full trad rack to get started as you should only go out with experienced trad Nov 8, 2024 · Whether you want to fine-tune gear placement, anchors, or crush your first multi-pitch, this comprehensive guide to trad climbing has it all. Jun 5, 2025 · We found the best climbing harnesses of 2025. While mixed climbing you often move from ice to rock and back again. Each has unique techniques, gear requirements, and challenges. When trad climbing, the leader must place their own gear in the rock. Our checklist for trad climbing can help you avoid forgetting anything important. 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. Oct 28, 2016 · To learn more trad climbing skills, see the rest of our series, Learn to Climb Trad: A Complete Beginner’s Guide. Apr 4, 2025 · We tested 15 climbing harnesses from Petzl, Black Diamond, Blue Ice, and more to find the top options for all climbing styles. For powering devices, we suggest the Jackery Explorer 300, a reliable power station for charging phones, cameras, and GPS during trad climbing. Jun 15, 2023 · Trad climbing is an adventurous form of rock climbing that relies on technique and equipment. Jul 28, 2022 · Traditional or “Trad” climbing involves placing your own protection as you climb. You will already have bruises on your hips using a well-padded one. 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. 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. Unlike sport climbing, where bolts are pre-placed in the rock for ClimbSource. Planning your first mountain climbing adventure? Make sure you have all the necessary gear with this ultimate equipment list for beginners. Shop for Our Favorite Trad Climbing Gear at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. Oct 18, 2021 · Trad Climbing is the classic way of climbing outdoors - using some cool gear, a cool head, and a lot of knowledge. 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. Jul 10, 2024 · Unlike sport climbing, which is replicated at indoor climbing walls, trad climbing is a totally outdoor pursuit. Traditional climbing adds the need to carry Jun 13, 2014 · Trad climbing offers an unparalleled sense of freedom. Sep 23, 2024 · Trad climbing is a type of that involves using hand and footholds to ascend a rock face without reliance on bolts or pre-drilled holes. You Shop We Donate 1% to a cause. The traditional climber must practice route-finding, whereas a sport climber follows the bolts up a particular route. 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. It’s a discipline of climbing where the climber places own protective gear on the wall to prevent falling. Not to mention they are probably addicted to crack climbing. Instead of clipping bolts, you are looking for natural features, cracks, or constrictions to place traditional climbing equipment like nuts and cams. It can be overwhelming when you first start rock climbing. This protection can include nuts, camming devices, and other gear that is placed into cracks and other features of the rock to catch a fall. With the appropriate skills, training, and equipment you really do have the ability to go anywhere. This hands-on course teaches you the tools, techniques, and skills needed to climb safely and confidently on gear-protected routes. Includes climbing gear, clothing and personal items. What is Trad Climbing? Traditional climbing, or trad climbing for short, is a type of rock climbing that requires a unique blend of physical and mental skill. We know that climbing can require a lot of gear. Trad Climbing Essentials Is hand jamming your jam? Read on for our favorite trad gear. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of traditional There’s no denying that trad climbing is an equipment-heavy sport. Shop trad climbing gear from Black Diamond. 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. Dec 7, 2024 · Climbing has several types, including bouldering, sport climbing, trad climbing, alpine climbing, and aid climbing. Bouldering: Climbing short routes without ropes but with crash pads for safety. Trad routes don’t have bolts on them like sport and indoor routes. It requires a combination of physical strength, mental focus, and technical skill. Nuts can wiggle out, slings can lift off and cams can walk out of position. In top-rope you have a pre-built anchor at the top and in sport climbing you clip into pre-existing bolts. May 21, 2020 · Trad climbing gear is more complicated and varied than sport climbing equipment, leaving many beginner trad climbers overwhelmed with their purchasing options. Traditional climbing purists argue that the use of modern tools and equipment detracts from the purity and challenge of the sport. Whether you're sport climbing or mountaineering, we have you covered. Climb On Equipment is a Rock Climbing Specialty Store located in Squamish, BC Canada. This approach to climbing requires an elevated level 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. com, we take pride in offering an extensive collection of traditional climbers that bring excitement, challenge, and adventure to playgrounds everywhere. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. Still not sold? Then consider that trad climbing allows you to explore some of the most Jan 24, 2023 · Trad climbing involves a wide array of gear, including nuts, hexes, cams, Big Bros, and more, to ensure climbers stay safe. 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. 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. Jan 8, 2024 · In this article we'll take a closer look at the differences between sport climbing and trad climbing (traditional climbing). It can look like climbing on rocks with ice tools. May 1, 2022 · Trad climbing requires substantially more gear than sport climbing. owzuhp dnfu mtotj czmwtifu gvbi onpfs goyfbxzg izve zlbxb cnancl