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.
Personal Gear
Climbing Shoes
The Black Diamond Momentum climbing shoe is the world’s most popular climbing shoe for good reason. Its comfortable and capable enough to climb most trad routes.
Helmet
A helmet is a must-have for any type of climbing, but it’s especially important for trad climbers. Falling rock and debris are a particular risk when climbing routes not often frequented.
The Capitan helmet conforms to the new recommended climbing helmet standards with added side and back protection. The helmet has the features of a high-end helmet at the price of a low-end helmet.
Harness
While a cheap harness may work for sport climbing where you spend a maximum of 30 minutes hanging in the harness at a time. Trad climbing is a different story, it needs to be much more comfortable as you may be sitting in it for multiple hours at a time. Your harness also needs to have more gear loops for holding your rack.
We recommend the Zone harness as the most versatile harness on the market.
Chalk and Chalk Bag
Chalk keeps your hands dry and improves your grip on the rock. A good chalk bag will keep its shape even after being sat on many times. The Mojo Zip has a small pocket perfect for keeping small important items.
Backpack
A backpack is essential for carrying your gear to and from the crag. A good backpack is comfortable to wear and has enough room for your gear, water, and snacks.
The BD Crag packs are tough, comfortable, and can hold an unreasonable amount of gear.
Apparel
Alpenglow
The alpenglow is lightweight, and highly breathable. It enables climbers to stay cool while being protected from the sun’s rays during prolonged exposure, it doubles as a base layer for winter missions in the alpine.
The alpenglow is a staff and BD athlete favourite, you will never want to wear anything else!
Approach Shoes
Approach shoes are a type of walking shoe that’s designed for scrambling and a moderate amount of climbing. They have a sticky rubber sole for good traction on rock, they’re lightweight and comfortable for long approaches.
While the circuit is comfortable and light. Designed for easy approaches and heading to the bar after a hard day of climbing. Have a look at all our approach shoes to find the perfect one for you.
We hope that helps
If you need some help choosing your rack pop us an email and we will gladly assist you!
