With winter arriving sooner than many of us would like, people usually head to gym to get in a good workout and challenge themselves to reach their fitness goals. However, if you want an extra challenge and a burst of adrenaline this winter, you might want to consider doing some rock climbing. The combination of cold temperatures, snow, and ice can turn an easy path into a real adventure and help to build your climbing skills at the same time.
With That In Mind, We Are Going To Share Some Essential Cold Weather Rock Climbing Tips:
Clothing- you need proper clothing to stay safe, warm, and dry. Wear a synthetic or wool sweater as base layer. For mid-layers, choose a couple of breathable cotton pieces. For the outer layer, choose a hard-shell jacket with long sleeves and a hood. Your gloves may protect against sharp rock edges and low temperatures. If it’s bright and sunny, you will also need to bring sunglasses and sunscreen, for extra protection. During a rock-climbing trip, you need to prioritise dexterity more over waterproofness and warmth. This means that it is important to find the right balance between these important factors.
Gear- experts recommend choosing rock climbing gear that provides both safety and comfort. During winter, it is important to be more prepared than usual, because the extreme weather can be a real challenge. You need to bring dry-treated rope, a rock-climbing harness with adjustable loops, crampons, cams, pitons, a rock-climbing helmet with a headlamp, winter beacon, small thermos with warm water, a first aid kit, and smartphone with GPS. Bring a compass and map too because GPS doesn’t always work.
Food And Water- rock climbing can be a tiring activity, so you need a sustained source of energy. Bring high-energy snacks and meals that require minimal preparation. It’s less likely for you to feel thirsty in the cold, but rock climbing could dehydrate you. Bring enough warm water inside a thermos, so you can take a sip regularly.
Find An Experienced Climber- there should be an experienced climber on the team that can guide others. Climbing during winter can be tough and risky, so it’s essential to have someone with experience and skill.
Contact My Climbing Gear
For more tips and advice designed to make you a better climber, contact My Climbing Gear and shop a wide selection of name brand climbing gear and apparel today.
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