THERE ARE ENDLESS AMOUNTS OF GEAR FOR TRAD CLIMBING BUT WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIALS?
exclusive deal
We are hosting the annual Tradathon event and anyone that is signed up for the event gets 15% off the essential trad gear page on our website. The discount code has been emailed to everyone that signed up. (if you have not received the code please send us an email)
Gear
Stoppers
First we have Stoppers, small metal wedges that one places into cracks in the rock to act as protection. They come in different sizes and shapes to fit a variety of cracks, and they’re a crucial part of any trad climber’s gear.
Start with the BD stopper set and add more as you progress.
Cam's
Cams, are mechanical devices that are designed to fit into cracks in the rock. They consist of lobes that expand and contract, allowing them to grip the rock and provide secure placements. They can be placed in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal cracks.
The essential rack is 1x 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 3
Hex's
Hexes, are passive protection devices that are shaped like hexagonal prisms.
While they are popular in the UK most climbers don’t use them in South Africa due to the irregularity of our horizontal cracks.
They are however a good alternative if the expensive cams don’t fit in your budget.
Nylon Slings
Nylon slings are used to extend your protection and to create anchors. They’re lightweight and easy to use, and you’ll need several of them in various lengths to accommodate different climbing situations.
We recommend:
8x 60cm (for alpine draws)
2x 120cm (extenders and anchors)
2x 240cm (anchors)
Carabiners
Clipgate carabiners are key for your trad rack. The Litewire carabiners are the most versatile clip gate carabiners and can fit two clove hitches.
Choose your own colourway to make your rack look great!
This is what you need:
1 for each cam (generally colour coded for each cam)
16 to make alpine draws with your 8 60cm slings.
2 for each of your 120cm slings.
Screwgate Carabiners
While trad climbing, you will always be attached through at least one screwgate carabiner at all times.
These are extremely important to have.
1x Large carabiner for your anchor master point
4x Small carabiners (at least)
ATC-Guide
The ATC-Guide is highly versatile belay device used for belaying a lead climber, belaying a second, and for abseiling.
