Get The Right Fit
• Test fit by hanging in the harness.
• Waist belt should sit above hip bones.
• Adjustable leg loops are ideal for varied conditions.
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Harness Styles
• Sport: Lightweight with minimal padding.
• Trad/Ice: More padding, wider gear loops.
• Mountaineering: Quick-release leg/waist straps for easy layering.

Storage
- Avoid sun exposure; store in cool, dark places.

Safety
- Regularly inspect the stitching for wear or fraying.
- Follow manufacturer’s recommended lifespan (around 5 years).

Hard Shell Helmets
• Tough outer shell with foam liner
• Ideal for trad, alpine, and mountaineering
• Heavier, but better for repeated impacts

Soft Shell Helmets
• Lighter with dense foam core and thin outer shell
• Absorbs high-impact forces effectively
• Best for sport climbing where comfort and weight are prioritized

Storage
• Keep helmets out of the sun when not in use
• Avoid dropping them to prevent weakening the material.

Safety
• Inspect for cracks, dents, or worn straps.
• Replace if any damage is found or if it has taken a serious impact.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for regular replacement (5-10 years).

Neutral Shoes
• Flat or slightly relaxed profile
• Focus on comfort and wearability
• Great for beginners or casual climbers
• Provides less precision but is better for long, day-long climbs

Moderate Shoes
• Slightly curved profile
• Balanced comfort and performance
• Ideal for trad, multi-pitch, and all-day climbs
• Provides support for edging and comfort for longer wear

Aggressive Shoes
• Strongly curved profile with pointed toe
• Maximizes power and precision for very steep and overhung terrain
• Less comfortable, designed for short, intense climbs
• Best for sport climbing and bouldering

Rope Types
• Single Ropes (9.4–10.5 mm): Ideal for sport and trad climbing
• Half Ropes (8–9 mm): Used in pairs for alpine or trad climbs
• Twin Ropes (7.5–8 mm): Used together for technical ice or alpine climbs

Length
• Standard: 60–70 meters for most climbs.
• For multipitch or alpine, consider 70m.

Dry vs Non-Dry
• Dry Ropes: Best for wet conditions, resist water absorption.
• Non-Dry Ropes: More affordable but heavier when wet.

Maintenance
• Shake out dirt and wash periodically with mild detergent.
• Store in a cool, dry, dark  place
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Inspection
• Check Regularly: Look for fraying, cuts, or kinks, especially in the middle.
• Sheath Damage: Consider replacing the rope.
• Core Damage: Retire immediately.

End of Life
• Retire after 10 years or sooner if damaged or heavily used. (cut and mark rope)

Locking vs Non-Locking
• Locking for security. Use when belaying, lead climbing, or connecting critical gear
• Non-locking for racking gear (quickdraws).

Strength Ratings
• Major Axis: At least 20 kN for climbing.
• Minor Axis & Open Gate: Weaker (7 kN & 5 kN).

Gate Types (The Opening)
• Straight Gate: Fast, good for racking.
• Bent Gate: Easier clipping for quickdraws.
• Wire Gate: Lighter, prevents gate flutter.

Avoid Overloading
• Never exceed strength ratings.

Belay Device
• Choose a device that suits the climbing style.
• ATC: Basic, lightweight, cheap
• Gri-gri: Assisted braking, expensive
• Figure-8: Rappelling

Rope Compatibility
• Ensure your belay device is compatible with your rope's diameter.

Locking Carabiner
• Always use a locking carabiner with your belay device.

Gloves
- Belaying/Rapelling causes friction against the rope.
- Wear thick leather gloves.

Types of Trad Climbing Anchors
• Usually carry multiple types  for different sized anchor points.
• Cams: Used for large cracks and cravasses
• Hexes: Used for medium cracks
• Nuts: Used for very small cracks (often require a tool to remove)

Slings and Cordelette
• Used to equalize multiple anchor points

Quickdraws
• Used for attaching rope to anchor points.
• Alpine quickdraws are ideal for overhangs or when extended distance is needed.

Brand
• Osprey is renowned as a top-tier brand in the backpack space.
• Other high-quality brands include Cotopaxi, Deuter, and Gregory.
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Why No CamelBacks (Bladders)
• Tend to be more complicated, prone to leaks, and harder to clean and refill.
• They also make it difficult to track water usage.
• Experienced adventurers often prefer traditional water bottles for reliability and simplicity.

Size
• Backpack capacity is measured in liters (e.g., 36 equals 36 liters).
• 6 to 10 liters: Small packs for essentials.
• 10 to 30 liters: Daypacks for day trips.
• 30 to 50 liters: Medium packs for short trips.
• 50+ liters: Backpacking packs for extended trips.

Hip Belt
• Essential for backpacks to properly transfer weight from your back to your waist, improving comfort.