Climbing

Rappelling (or abseiling, as it is also known) is a way of getting down from the top of a mountain or building by sliding down a rope. The word abseiling comes from the German words for...

Mountaineering and rock climbing have been a necessity for humans throughout time. It was in the mid-1700s that it began to expand into a sport. In small Alpine villages new techniques and...

A trek to Everest Base Camp is truly one of earth’s most remarkable adventures. For most travelers the very thought of watching the sunset over Mount Everest from Kala Patar or standing at the...

Climbing harnesses are used for a wide variety of activities--rock climbing, rappelling, aid climbing, ski mountaineering and high or low angle rescue situations--and come in a wide variety of...

Anyone who has made a plan to climb a mountain has mapped the way down as well. Rappelling is the descent from any higher place utilizing a rope and special equipment. What started as a safety...

This article teaches you how to professionally build a zipline for adults or kids. This is not the just-hang-on deal, but the whole shebang with harnesses and everything. #1 RULE: DO NOT BE...

Rope ladders are an integral part of many tree houses and obstacle courses, and also offer plenty of fun by themselves. Fortunately, there are many places to buy rope ladders, and if you don't...

Climbing a tree is something most people associate with childhood, but it is an activity enjoyed by people of all ages. There are two main methods of climbing a tree: the traditional method and...

Gramicci is a clothing brand that claimed a loyal cult following of rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts during the 1980s and 1990s. After dramatic restructuring of the company, Gramicci pants...

Recreational tree climbing has come a long way from the days when kids scrambled up trees using just their hands and feet. While that's still one of the more popular methods, there are many more...

Rock climbing maintains fitness and improves coordination while engaging the mind in problem-solving. However, the risks can be considerable and demand more safety equipment than most recreational...

Climbing shoes are necessary equipment whether you climb indoors or outdoors. As with any shoe, however, climbing shoes can get filled with moisture, dirt and other debris. The insides and the...

If you have never picked a climbing shoe you may not know what to look for. If you have this may answer your questions on what kind of shoe you need next.

A Prusik Hitch or Triple Sliding Hitch is a friction hitch that can be used for many different functions. One function is to belay a climber, rappeler, or other load. This article will detail how...

The sport of rock climbing has been launched into the mainstream the past two decades with the advent of indoor climbing gyms. Now, people of all ages and locations --- you don't to live near a...

Climbers often depend on a partner for safety. This partner, who controls the other end of the climber's rope, is tasked with belaying. This belayer ensures that the climber's rope is drawn taut...

Equipment has greatly increased the safety and popularity of rock climbing. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, certain items are crucial to enjoying the sport.

Honing your technique and increasing your endurance are two basic ways for improving your climbing skills. Many climbers can greatly boost their skills by simply getting stronger, watching what...

A climbing rope is more than the weaving of many fine nylon threads: It is the thing that might save your life. And every climbing rope is not the same. They come in different diameters, lengths...

There are many different knots that climbers use to tie two ropes together for rappelling, but two are the most popular: a figure-8 follow-through and a double fisherman's. A properly tied double...

Mount Kilimanjaro rises high above the African plain with its snow capped summit. The mountain also referred to as “The roof of Africa“is truly an awe-inspiring adventure. At an elevation of...

One of the most difficult aspects of rappelling is not moving down the mountain, but simply standing on a ledge at the top of the mountain and leaning backward to begin the descent. This is more...

It's a fun way to be a kid again!!! If you are interested in modeling and photography, here's an inside secret: pictures in trees look REALLY AWESOME!!! If you have difficulties climbing trees,...

Establishing a rescue rope system relies on a number of precarious risk factors. A rescuer must trust his metal fixtures, rope, knots and anchor points. Any minute action that can minimize risk in...

Abseiling Safety A few simple actions could make the difference between having a great day above the sea and suffering an epic. The article is taken from my website 'Rock Climbing Company'.

Caving is a great hobby or sport involving strenuous exercise, science, and adventure. But if done wrong, a cave could be your unmarked grave. It's more than just climbing in the dark. Here's some...

Rock climbing is a specialized category within mountaineering in which people climb the rock face of a mountain. Climbs are rated from those that are nearly sheer but with numerous hand- and...

One of the most commonly used repelling harnesses is the Swiss seat harness. Tying this harness requires only a short length of rope of about 9 feet and a few minutes of time. When properly tied,...

There are many different ways to coil a climbing rope. Learn more about coiling a climbing rope in this free video.

The Mountaineer Coil is a good way to carry a climbing rope. Learn how to coil a climbing in a Mountaineer Coil in this free video.

The butterfly coil does not get twisted as easily as a mountaineer coil. Learn more about coiling climbing rope in a butterfly coil in this free climbing

A Butterfly Coil is a safe way to carry or store climbing rope. Learn how to coil a climbing rope in a Butterfly Coil in this free video.

Wrapping the end of a Butterfly Coil can show you where the middle of your rope is. Learn how to wrap the end of a Butterfly Coil in this free mountaineering video.

The Butterfly Coil is also called the Backpack Coil because you can wear it like a backpack. Learn how to carry a Butterfly Coil like a backpack in this free mountaineering video.

Learn how to tie a Klemheist Knot in this free video.

Learn how to tie a Monkey Chain Knot or chain sinnet in this free video.

Learn how to untie a Monkey Chain Knot or Chain sinnet in this free video.

Coiling utility rope does not have to be as carefully coiled as climbing rope. Learn how to coil a campsite rope and other non-climbing ropes in this free video.

Learn how to tie an Alpine Butterfly Knot in this free video.

A Prusik Knot is used frequently for climbing and mountaineering. Learn about tying Prusik Knot in this free video.

Learn how to tie a Prusik Knot in this free video.

Your climbing rope is your most important piece of climbing equipment, whether you are mountaineering, caving or hitting the climbing wall. Getting the right rope is essential to your safety and...

The climbing harness is a critical piece of your rock climbing gear and must be able to support the extreme forces during a rock-climbing fall, whether you're taking that fall as climber or...

Rope has been around for thousands of years, perhaps as long as ten or even twenty thousand years. Up until the 1960s, natural fibers like manila and hemp were used to make rope. Today, most rope...

A climbing harness should be retied routinely just as a rope should, but if your harness ever breaks or you need to rescue someone who is not wearing a harness this method can help you in a pinch....

When you're climbing, you're really only as good (and safe) as your equipment, which makes it essential to keep everything in check, especially your ropes. It's this equipment that your life...

Climbing rope is usually made of nylon and consists of two parts: a sheath and a core. This type of rope is referred to as kernmantle. There are two major categories of kernmantle rope, one having...

So you want to rock climb? Your best bet is to start with what is called, "Top-roping." In this set up you must be able to start at the top of the wall you want to climb, or have a more...

A knotted rope may be a rope of almost any diameter that is suitable for sustaining the weight of the climber. The knots in the rope are typically single or double overhand knots spaced equal...

Rock climbing is almost always learned from an experienced rock climber or mountaineer, but here is a general outline of what climbing a rock wall entail. Some of the basics can be practiced on...