Climbing & Mountaineering

Climbing and mountaineering equipment for indoor walls, crags and bouldering: dynamic ropes, quickdraws, belay devices, harnesses, ascenders, helmets, chalk bags and crash pads. The range includes BLACK DIAMOND ropes and HotForge quickdraws, PETZL GRIGRI belay devices and Ascension ascenders, plus crash and landing pads for bouldering and home use.

Buying advice: for roped climbing, use a dynamic single rope, marked with a 1 on the end band. Diameters around 9.5–10 mm are hard-wearing for indoor walls and sport climbing, and 60 m covers most UK sport routes. Check an assisted-braking belay device's rated rope range; the GRIGRI is designed for single ropes of 8.5–11 mm. Ropes, harnesses, connectors and helmets for climbing should carry the relevant marking: EN 892 for dynamic ropes, EN 12277 for harnesses, EN 12275 for carabiners and EN 12492 for helmets. Retire soft goods as the maker advises or after a severe fall. New to roped climbing? Learn with a qualified instructor or join a club; the BMC website can help you find clubs and climbing walls.

See climbing rope, carabiners & quickdraws, belay & rigging, climbing harnesses, chalk bags and bouldering equipment, or plan a mountain day with the hill-walking kit list.

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Climbing & Mountaineering: frequently asked questions

What rope do I need for indoor climbing?

A dynamic single rope around 9.5–10 mm thick and 30–40 m long is usually enough for indoor lead walls, while 60 m suits most outdoor sport crags. Thicker ropes wear better with frequent use; thinner ones are lighter. Many walls provide top ropes, so check before buying, and never use a static rope for lead climbing.

What does a GRIGRI do?

The PETZL GRIGRI is a belay device with assisted braking: a cam pinches the rope when it is loaded suddenly, helping the belayer hold a fall. It is designed for single ropes between 8.5 and 11 mm. The belayer must still keep a hand on the brake side of the rope at all times; it is not a hands-free device.

Which standards should climbing equipment meet?

Look for CE marking against the relevant European standard, often alongside UIAA: EN 892 for dynamic ropes, EN 12277 for harnesses, EN 12275 for carabiners and connectors, EN 15151 for braking devices and EN 12492 for climbing helmets. Tree-work and industrial gear follows different standards, so check kit is intended for sport climbing.

How long does a climbing rope last?

It depends on use. Manufacturers give a maximum lifespan for stored rope and far shorter periods for heavy use, and advise retiring a rope after a very severe fall, contact with chemicals, or visible sheath damage and soft spots. Keep it clean, dry and out of sunlight, and follow the guidance supplied with the rope.

Sources: thebmc.co.uk

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