To successfully climb you need to be able to carry your gear to the mountain. Here’s how.
Climbing gear is not very heavy, but it is bulky. The average climber carries about 30 to 40 pounds (14 to 18 kilograms) of gear, which includes a rope, harness, carabiners, helmets, boots, crampons, ice axe, food, water, and clothing. The best way to carry all this gear is in a backpack. There are many different types and sizes of backpacks, so you will need to find one that fits you well and has enough room for all your gear.
When packing your backpack, start with the heaviest items first and then fill in the spaces with the lighter items. Be sure to distribute the weight evenly so that the backpack feels balanced when you put it on. Once you have all your gear packed, put on the backpack and adjust the straps so that it fits snugly and is comfortable to wear. If the backpack is too loose, it will bounce around and be difficult to control. If it is too tight, it will be uncomfortable and could restrict your breathing.
When you are ready to start climbing, be sure to secure all loose items so that they don’t fall out of the backpack and become lost. For example, you might want to tie the rope to the outside of the backpack or put carabiners through the loops on the back of the backpack.
As you climb, be mindful of where you place your hands and feet. Sharp edges on the rock can easily tear through your gloves or boots, so be careful. Also, be aware of loose rocks that could fall and injure you or your climbing partner. If you see a loose rock, yell “rock” as a warning and then move out of the way.
Finally, always follow the climbing rules and regulations in place at the climbing area. These rules are put in place to keep everyone safe and to protect the environment.