Mountain Climbing Research
There are many different categories and types of mountain climbing.
Rock climbing: this means using your hands and feet to climb up a vertical rock surface. May not include an ascent to the summit of a mountain.
Ice climbing: this means using your hands and feet to climb up a vertical rock surface. May not include an ascent to the summit of a mountain.
Mountaineering: climbing with the goal of reaching the summit of a mountain. May includes rock climbing or ice climbing or both. Mountaineering may sometimes be non technical and no extra equipment is required.
List of Climbing Equipment Needed:
Hiking Sticks or Poles
Hiking sticks are good if you have a steep downhill, they can provide good anchor points to balance against as you hike down.
You need hiking sticks or poles for: Mountaineering.
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Hiking shoes are needed to protect your feet from rocks and debris on the trail and will also have good grip, keep your feet dry, and be light enough to move easily.
You need hiking shoes or boots for: Ice climbing and Mountaineering.
Crampons
Crampons are spikes that you attach to your hiking boots for walking or climbing in icy terrains.
You need crampons for: Ice climbing and Mountaineering in icy conditions.
Climbing Helmet
Climbing helmets are used to protect your head.
You need helmets for: Rock climbing, Ice climbing and Mountaineering.
Climbing Harness
You need harnesses for: Rock climbing, Ice climbing and Mountaineering.
Ice Axe and Ice Tool
An ice axe is a multi-purpose tool which can be used for hiking, ascending and descending of routes with snowy or icy conditions. It is used mainly to help with balance and as a safety tool.
An ice tool is a specialised form of ice axe that’s used for vertical ice climbing.
Ice Screws and Pitons
Ice screws and pitons are large screws and spikes. They are used to screw into hard ice and act as a temporary anchor point for protection.
Snow Anchor
Snow anchors are used to set up an anchor point for belay, rappelling or rescue work.
You need snow anchors for: Ice climbing and Mountaineering in icy conditions.
Quickdraw
A quickdraw is used to attach climbing ropes to anchor points.
You need quickdraws for: Rock climbing, Ice climbing and Mountaineering.