Uk climbing trad rack. There’s no denying that trad climbing is an equipment-heavy sport. I don't really want to spend hundreds of pounds on it but from what I read elsewhere, I don't think I have a choice Jun 5, 2017 · Below is our choice for Ultimate Rock Climbing Rack. They seem to sit very well in all sorts of awkward placements. Learn how to build your first trad rack with Chockstone Climbing Guides. Feb 25, 2020 · It’s important to remember that building a trad rack is very personal. Looking to get into trad climbing? To get started, you’ll need to learn the Tools of the Trad, what kit you need, and how to use it. Master Cams - RRP £55 The Master Cam has built a solid following in the UK based on clean design and its narrow head unit which fits placements where other units cannot follow. i am looking to start to buy a full trad rack and i have come across a full stater kit on a site call peglers for £285 but i was just wondering if anyone has bought anything frlom peglers before and if it is a reliable site for climbing gear? May 17, 2024 · What you really need to know, and buy, to start trad climbing. Feb 23, 2020 · We share some guidance on how to build your first trad climbing rack to help you choose the right gear and which pieces we'd never leave the ground without. Learn about nuts, hexes, cams and other equipment you may need. looking to start trad climbing this year, can any one offer any advise on what i need to buy to get started. However, I ditched all but one of my sewn draws from my UK trad rack long ago (that one being stiff enough for clipping pegs or jammed gear, just out of reach from a comfortable position) An article suggesting what we think makes up a trad climbing rack. Apr 14, 2021 · We have written up a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to build your very first rack for trad climbing, what you should consider and how much all this might cost you. Let us help you, it can be a little confusing with how to start off. May 5, 2015 · The Dolomites have a somewhat fearsome reputation when it comes to trad climbing and when viewing the peaks with their characteristically steep faces it is easy to see why. Apr 10, 2020 · Admittedly US trad tends to be a lot bigger than UK trad, with longer average pitch lengths, so needs more long and adjustable draws. In reply to Michael MacArthur: Several options: - Compile a big shopping list and discuss prices with some of the better independent climbing shops. (40-60m pitches, no bolted belays), my standard rack is a set of nuts, usually a set of micronuts, double cams from micros up to green Camalot, and one each of red, yellow, and blue Camalot. Having read lots of info I would be grateful for advice on ropes and gear. News and Articles from the Association of Mountaineering Instructors related to climbing and mountaineering in the UK and beyond. HTH tom 30 Aug 2007 Jul 2, 2020 · When winter climbing in traditional UK marginal conditions and melting ice when you'll probably only get half a pitch up and need to back off - your partner's rack! When climbing ridiculous scary mixed horror shows where you'll incessantly hammer wires, hooks and pins until they are welded into the rock - definitely your partner's rack Aug 31, 2014 · •A older trad rack might weigh in at over 4. Sep 30, 2024 · Starter Rack for Trad (Traditional) Rock Climbing: General RulesThere is an enormous variety and choice when it comes to choosing rock climbing equipment. I've had a fairly unused and unloved trad rack for a while now because I have focused on sport but I am keen to get out and up my trad grade whilst ticking 3* classics. - Shop around online and buy individual items or groups of items from the cheapest online shop in each case. The Bandolier makes tricky sea cliff approaches safer, as it can be easily discarded if you fall into the sea. First of all, I know that the first question you'll have is 'What do you need it for', so let me 'introduce' myself : right now, I'm only climbing indoors. I suspect it would take me a very long time to build up a rack from crag swag, unless there are particular crags people leave gear behind? In reply to dan tipper: I recently started out on trad, rack pretty similar to what Si is suggesting above. Basically looking to make it as quick and easy as possible to re rack Jun 27, 2005 · After 2 years of sport climbing on Portland and the Swanage quarries my mate and I have finally decided to give this trad game a go. Cyotee (sp?) for a very modist £30,000, only undergo spontainious rapid deconstruction once for every 2 hours of use Aug 30, 2024 · Hi all. This has to be adjusted (in some cases radically) for certain types of climbing that involve far more big cracks. This difference is greater than an additional set of wires AND cams, i. In the UK you never need a double set of cams as you don't get many long cracks of constant width. Trad on active rest days perhaps!? Richard Hall 25 Aug 2010 I have recently started venturing out to try some Trad climbing and would like some advice about buying my 1st rack. Currently I have: 3 wild country And they're lighter. Any suggestions on what a good “starter pack” would look like as far different cam/nut sizes? and then I can experiment and add to it based on need from there. Also see some examples of gear-racking options. Jun 29, 2021 · A description of the key items you need to start building your own rack for traditional or lead rock climbing, including karabiners, nuts, hex’s, cams and tips on how to use them. cams, nuts etc. Think they are size 1,2 and 3 C4s. Firstly I gather from talking to people that i require about 4-5 crabs, should they all be HSMs or can i get away with the 2 HSMs i have and the others being more basic, cheaper crabs? > My watch word for UK climbing has always been to have one piece for each size. So far we climb up to 6a+ sport Jul 13, 2025 · DMM Climbing Bandolier The Bandolier helps keep your rack organised when carrying lots of gear. Hello, I'm a new climber who has ventured outdoors and discovered I absolutely love it! It's 10x more satisfying than climbing indoors and there was even some sun today! I have been searching online trying to price my first trad rack, but I'm not really in any position to say what's good and what's bad, so I thought I would ask you guys. My current one has done a full summer season of work guiding and personal climbing, plus a load of autumn climbing wall training, mostly on the auto belay. cook2000: The traditional way to learn to climb trad was with an experienced partner, or with a club. I've got coloured carabiners for ease of selection whilst climbing which I find really helpful. •The snapgates weigh more than the cams and three times as much as the Jun 24, 2025 · An instructor's complete guide to trad climbing gear — from buying your first trad climbing harness to choosing the best climbing helmet. On the continent, you can expect the sport grade to be significantly higher in One of the question I get asked the most when running my climbing courses is “what do I need to buy for my rack go trad climbing”. What would you recommend? alx 19 Apr 2018 In reply to Jamie Fry: Aug 31, 2015 · What is the best (read that how you will - least fuss, safest, lightest etc. Check out our recommendations for essential gear you need to start trad climbing. Here is a great guide to start, building out your very first trad climbing rack. You end up doubling up on nuts as you find them. 3-4 to start with. In this post we’ll review the recommended gear to start leading trad climbs. Firstly I gather from talking to people that i require about 4-5 crabs, should they all be HSMs or can i get away with the 2 HSMs i have and the others being more basic, cheaper crabs? Jan 13, 2021 · Hi, I'm looking to start doing trad climbing later this year and I was wondering how to build a proper gear rack. Unlike sport climbing, you’ll want a lot more than a few packs of quickdraws to get started. The cliffs are solid, steep, juggy and well protected, what Jul 24, 2015 · The average trad grade logged for the last 14 years on UKC stands at HS and the average sport grade comes in at 6a+. Often people have a disjointed selection of gear they have picked up over time and wish to add to their collection to make a complete rack, or perhaps they’re starting from scratch and just want a shopping list. If you are concerned with needing a size multiple times or having used a size at a stance remember many wires cover two sizes by their dimensions when rotated 90 deg. Jan 31, 2023 · Building your first trad climbing rack can feel like a daunting task. I'll primarily be climbing in the peak and Lake District so just want to ask what sizes and makes of greater people recommend for beginner trad rack Aigen 19 Feb 2016 In Choose the right climbing protection gear to get your started with trad climbing. THANKS! CurlyStevo 11 Sep 2024 In reply to philesra: Cadair 124 Aug 2010 Price: £270 Trad Rack 11 Quick Draws 3 30cm Quick Draws 3 20cm Quick Draws 5 10cm Quick Draws £50 15 Wild Country/DMM Nuts £45 8 Rock Empire Brass Nuts £25 2 Black Diamond Cams 1 & 2 £35 1 Wild Country Friend 0. I want to climb in the range initially of E1-2 ish. inc not availible retail yet but beta test versions are obtainable by writing to Dr W. When you first arrive in town, all you can see is conglomerate towers, many topped Ask your climbing partner what they don't have and buy that to compliment their rack. Was just wandering if anyone knows anywhere that have good deals on nuts and hexes atm? I've recently been trying my hand at a bit of single pitch trad climbing and I've quite enjoyed it,I've been using my mates gear so far but I'm now doing some research into what makes a good beginners rack. ) method of storing your trad rack within your rucksack when cragging or approaching an alpine route. However, I'm looking to build my own rack, so we don't have to keep relying on one friend to have all the necessary gear. Jan 4, 2024 · Situated four hours north of Athens, Meteora is one of Europe's great unsung multi-pitch climbing destinations. I suspect it would take me a very long time to build up a rack from crag swag, unless there are particular crags people leave gear behind? Jul 1, 2020 · When winter climbing in traditional UK marginal conditions and melting ice when you'll probably only get half a pitch up and need to back off - your partner's rack! When climbing ridiculous scary mixed horror shows where you'll incessantly hammer wires, hooks and pins until they are welded into the rock - definitely your partner's rack Hi, I've climbed numerous times with friends and lessons with an instructor however have forgot to ask what set of gear he recommends for trad (climbing I'll be doing) and top rope which my brother will be doing as he's young. Very overwhelmed on where to start. £1000 worth of kit would be fairly standard. Once you cover the basics The Up and Under Trad Pack has an RRP of £377. Its always hard to put Jan 31, 2013 · Metolius have a wide range of trad climbing gear, these products are suitable to help build a perfect trad rack which won't let you down when you are running it out a bit further than expected. 99 for a whole bundle of natural protection to help your outdoor trad climbing career begin. Aug 30, 2007 · In reply to apneaquatic: What rack you need is depends entirely where you're climbing. Was just wandering if anyone knows anywhere that have good deals on nuts and hexes atm? Sep 27, 2021 · The ‘standard rack’ in trad climbing refers to a standard set of cams and nuts that most people carry. Im heading to Morocco in Nov for two weeks for the first time predominately looking to go trad climbing. i am looking to start to buy a full trad rack and i have come across a full stater kit on a site call peglers for £285 but i was just wondering if anyone has bought anything frlom peglers before and if it is a reliable site for climbing gear? Jun 22, 2015 · This starter rack is aimed at someone who is going out and climbing on simple, shorter climbs, if you start multi-pitch or sea cliff climbing there is yet more kit to acquire, and when you start leading trickier climbs there is different kit you may benefit from, but that’s for another article. Jul 19, 2019 · Just wanted to find out if theres any secret wonderful ways of me marking/organising my trad rack. Removed User01 Aug 2011 Hi All, I was wondering whether you would be able to advice me on what to get for my first trad rack, at the moment the budget is rather tight (£150), so will try to stick to the passive protection, having my sport rack/slings, thought I could get WC classic rocks 1-10/DMM wallnuts though these cost more, to complement WC rocks 11-14, being thorn between DMM torque Mar 11, 2014 · Pabbay & Mingulay are uninhabited islands in the Outer Hebrides containing some of the best adventurous trad climbing in Britain. I Getting into trad climbing opens up your opportunities for climbing different types of routes at your favorite crag, but it also comes with the added expense and need to build up your gear closet. So if anyone wants to go sport climbing in Cheddar/Brean e-mail with proflie please! I have about a gazillion projects (7a-7b) in the area which I intend to spend some weekdays on in the second half of September as I have some leave. I was thinking: Black Diamond Stoppers: 4-13 £65 or 1 Aug 31, 2016 · In reply to h. I understand a lot of the multi-pitch options have bolted first pitches then turn into trad/sparsely bolted with bolted belays, and many other routes are purely trad. I need quite a few bits of new gear. There are however plenty of easy routes to go at in terms of technical difficulty, just bearing in mind that7 pitches is a relatively short route and many of the descents require multiple abseils. On top of all the sport climbing basics such as rock shoes, a harness, and a belay device, you’ll also need different types of protection to place in the various cracks in the rock to catch your falls. Using the Rockfax grade comparison chart, we see that (very roughly) the UKC climbing population is operating on trad at an average technical sport grade difficulty of somewhere between 4a and 5a. Anyone know of any good deals about? - Compile a big shopping list and discuss prices with some of the better independent climbing shops. Though I don't usually carry them on my rock climbing rack. I got a full set 1-10 of DMM wallnuts, a load of nylon slings, 12 QDs (half new, with a good deal), a full set 1-10 of hexes (though I shouldn't have bothered with hexes 1-4), and ten locking biners. Building your first trad rack made simple and easy. But what IS the best way of transporting a full trad rack? I'm taking 2x50 meter ropes and a full trad rack. 5 £15 3 Hexes 1 Camp size 6, 2 Wild Country Hexs 5 & 7 £12 1 Petzl Fixed Pully & Black Diamond Mini HMS £15 1 Black Diamond Hi, I've climbed numerous times with friends and lessons with an instructor however have forgot to ask what set of gear he recommends for trad (climbing I'll be doing) and top rope which my brother will be doing as he's young. That’s why we’ve curated this article to help explain the key components of a trad rack and to share some tips to get started and maintain your rack for the long run. 5 £15 3 Hexes 1 Camp size 6, 2 Wild Country Hexs 5 & 7 £12 1 Petzl Fixed Pully & Black Diamond Mini HMS £15 Apr 16, 2012 · For trad climbing though you need a bit more than a rope, 12 quickdraws, sun cream and rock shoes. A 20% discount if you are buying c. Hi, I'm an experienced multipitch trad climber, new to Scottish climbing. Aug 30, 2007 · In the UK you never need a double set of cams as you don't get many long cracks of constant width. Dec 15, 2023 · You can’t climb trad without a trad rack, though, and like most components of climbing gear, trad equipment is expensive, and building your first rack can seem daunting. May 22, 2013 · Hello, I'm a new climber who has ventured outdoors and discovered I absolutely love it! It's 10x more satisfying than climbing indoors and there was even some sun today! I have been searching online trying to price my first trad rack, but I'm not really in any position to say what's good and what's bad, so I thought I would ask you guys. I've got a list of gear I'm wanting and have been looking out for deals. Unless you’re Alex Honnold or Cedar Wright carrying the bare minimum, a ‘standard rack’ changes from area to area. This set will give you the core of a first outdoor lead rack and makes an ideal present for anyone wanting to progress from indoor to outdoor climbing. Currently Im looking at taking a 60m single rope, a UK trad rack with double medium cams, lots of slings, Im not bothering taking any small gear. Learn the exact pieces of gear you need, along with specific recommendations for each. Been trad climbing with some buddies for a while now and ready to commit and buy my own rack. Cheers Hi, I'm looking to start doing trad climbing later this year and I was wondering how to build a proper gear rack. I've got experienced friends who I go out with, and I am confident at belaying and seconding. It can be overwhelming when you first start rock climbing. 30cm ones are essentially short slings, which can have their place, especially on a winter rack. Save nearly £80 with this awesome pack of kit from DMM and Ocun. (9 times out of 10 this is cheaper than the best bulk buy Jan 13, 2021 · Hi, I'm looking to start doing trad climbing later this year and I was wondering how to build a proper gear rack. e. If you’re a beginner, you don’t need a full trad rack to get started as you should only go out with experienced trad However the new anti-gravity rack bag from ACME-climbing products. E. I'll primarily be climbing in the peak and Lake District so just want to ask what sizes and makes of greater people recommend for beginner trad rack Aigen 19 Feb 2016 In Search something like "beginners' rack" on here and you'll find plenty of advice as it's a common question, and the previous comment to try other people's stuff if you can is also a good hint. I have limited sport experience, so currently all i own is a rope and quickdraws. We’ve put together a quick guide to help you get to grips with the right gear. Cost and trad rack maintenance. Aug 28, 2015 · In reply to zimpara: You can probably drop a fair few nuts. What's a typical rack for up-to-E1-ish climbs? I'm mostly interested in areas like Ben Nevis, Glencoe, and the Cuillins (the classic 'destination' areas with longer routes). I'm currently using pvc tape on the nut size indicator because when I wrapped the tape around the wire itself it kept unpeeling. So why buy a crag pack, what features do they offer and which models are good for the trad climber with a full rack of gear - in particular the UK trad climber for whom a shell jacket, fleece and hat are often as important to pack as spare chalk? Hey, I am currently getting a trad rack together in time for climbing in late spring/summer in the peaks. Apr 9, 2010 · In reply to kilner: Would recommend WC Xenon Lite draws personally, 5 mixed sizes (ideal for trad) for £44 at the moment and they're super light, but not too small. > My watch word for UK climbing has always been to have one piece for each size. It can also be used to rapid swap gear with partners when multipitch climbing. Jun 6, 2025 · We'll be climbing a lot on the granite crags of Cavallers and keen for some multi-pitch during the week. Here’s how you develop one that will work for you. How to rack trad gear To climb efficiently on trad, you need a system to keep your rack organised. Outdoor Gear Chat Podcast In the UK where people often use a pair of half ropes or often climb up short, straight routes (gritstone edges like stanage or in quarries etc) it is quite usual to see a lot of thin 20cm quickdraws and a few alpines on a trad rack, rather than all alpines as the quickdraws are lighter and less bulky on your harness. My favourite lengths of QD are 15cm and 20cm (for trad)- though I've seen 18cm ones which seem to beat both. can anyone give me some ideas about where to begin,I have a belay device,harness etc. Dmms are made in Wales and therefore support an outdoor industry . However if you're climbing in Yosemite in USA a double set is pretty much essential. Price: £270 Trad Rack 11 Quick Draws 3 30cm Quick Draws 3 20cm Quick Draws 5 10cm Quick Draws £50 15 Wild Country/DMM Nuts £45 8 Rock Empire Brass Nuts £25 2 Black Diamond Cams 1 & 2 £35 1 Wild Country Friend 0. you could take two sets and still be carrying less just by buying lighter gear. I don't really want to spend hundreds of pounds on it but from what I read elsewhere, I don't think I have a choice 7 1 beardy mike 13 Jan 2021 In reply to Removed User: Get tips on what cams, nuts and other gear to take rock climbing and how to organize it all. For now, it’s the simple, basic stuff. Dmm have a cam servicing service that will restore your cam to it's best after it seizes up due to overuse. How long have you been climbing with your own rack? The likely candidates for pruning for most routes are the shiniest bits. Nov 8, 2021 · Hello, this is my first time posting, and I'm wondering if I could get some advice on my first trad rack. THANKS! Mar 22, 2021 · The 8 steps you need to follow to build your first trad rack. (9 times out of 10 this is cheaper than the best bulk buy deals from a single shop) Your rock climbing rack will be based on the type of rock climbing, from sport to trad, winter to alpine, and aid climbing. Just need to know bout wires, cams, slings etc etc. May 30, 2023 · My whole Trad rack only weighs about 8kg and I can max pull up +20kgs and max hanging +32 kgs. If you climb with lots of different people, then probably one half rope is a good investment, as many people only buy one and expect their partners to bring the other. S. Jan 13, 2013 · hi there. Though I'm a little worried my gear might get damaged as the material is flexible? hi there. Except half-ropes I have a decent limestone trad rack (2 sets of nuts, 1 set offset nuts, 1 set torque nuts, selection of slings, lots of draws) but in terms of grit climbing which is what I will mainly be on, I only have 3 cams. Sep 30, 2024 · It can be overwhelming when you first start rock climbing. Cheers mate. ) Jun 29, 2021 · A description of the key items you need to start building your own rack for traditional or lead rock climbing, including karabiners, nuts, hex’s, cams and tips on how to use them. You won't go far wrong with something like . May 4, 2021 · How to Buy Your First Trad Climbing Rack: Advice on how to choose the right nuts, cams, slings and karabiners for your first trad lead rack. Does that work or do I need a rethink?, the plan is to multi Hey, I am currently getting a trad rack together in time for climbing in late spring/summer in the peaks. If you want to assemble your perfect lead rack for trad routes, each of our shops has a well-stocked wall of equipment and staff only too keen to chat about climbing. TL;DR - trad in Cornwall, sport in Portland, got 80m dry rope and 17 petzl quick draws, anchors, PAS, what next for start of trad rack? Also, care to teach me some UK trad, and help me remove my rust? So, back in 2016 I was taught for a summer some trad climbing mostly in Index, WA, but also a bit in Leavenworth and often climbing beautiful granite, sometimes a bit wet or muddy, or solid Jan 31, 2024 · Discover the essential gears you need for your trad climbing rack. Mar 26, 2018 · I'm looking at building my first climbing rack and would appreciate some advice for this. Kinisi KEY KNOWLEDGE ARTICLES View all How to Build Your First Trad Rack Looking to get into trad climbing? To get started, you’ll need to learn the Tools of the Trad, what kit you need, and how to use it. 3 kg (91⁄2 lbs), while a state-of-the art one at only 2. I was thinking: Black Diamond Stoppers: 4-13 £65 or 1 The perfect climbing rack for any multi-pitch route is one of personal preference and would be put together for the route of choice on the day, but here we have put together some of our favourite pieces. You would borrow your partner's gear for your early leads, and build up your own rack slowly and with better knowledge of what is most suited to your usual climbing area. Jun 8, 2022 · Obviously route dependent, however, what climbing gear would people recommend for the Dolomites? Is it worth doubling up on nuts and cams ? are tri cams worth getting for pockets? aramid slings useful for threads ? Apr 20, 2018 · Hia, I'm just getting into trad and I will predominantly be climbing on North Walian Limestone. It'll probably all go into a 50 litre bag? I was thinking of one of those heavy duty PVC haul bags/kit bag type things. Double racking cams is perplexing. The peak is the closest area to me so will probably be focusing on grit; flying buttress, unconquerables, sloth etc but also looking to head to Pembroke with the ambition of climbing E1-E2. For wires, as well as the DMM wallnuts I got a set of DMM off-sets, which I've found incredibly useful (for Swanage and Pembroke where I've done most of my trad climbing). What's the thought on having the grigri and Dec 28, 2013 · For multipitch climbing in the U. You'll soon find out how that rack fits with the areas you're climbing in. Another shout for Needle Sports, they may not always have the best deals, but for advice and customer service, both online and on the phone, they're second to none. I don't really want to spend hundreds of pounds on it but from what I read elsewhere, I don't think I have a choice 7 1 beardy mike 13 Jan 2021 In reply to Removed User:. We feel this is the most versatile rack that will perform the best in the most number of locations I managed to build a full trad rack (except cams) with new slings but second-hand hardware for £110. 7 kg (6lbs). Step-by-step guide on how to build your trad rack. Sep 11, 2024 · Hi, I'm an experienced multipitch trad climber, new to Scottish climbing. Therefore, this guide is meant to give you a clear idea of the most important things to include in your first trad climbing rack. So, what would you recommend to build a trad rack, especially if I’m gonna prioritize Cornwall for trad, and Portland for sport? (My gf surfs, so we can risk one or the other each weekend we go out. 81 but you pay only £299. Learn from the professionals - A Higher Standard Mar 17, 2025 · Gear loops are fine for a trad rack with some Yosemite racking of cams if I take a double set, but not as good as the Sitta with the divider. Its moulded thumb loop I'm currently wondering about the trad equipment i'll require. I have never (yet) found a nut, although I have only done around 50 trad routes. Ander 17 Jul 2005 This means you can get zeros and aliens for £30 and other gear we don't get over here like trango max cams, splitter 2 cams, big bros and those weird omeag pacific link cams. ymc svx nraf ftkdp jhofm elsvjj seklp ddltd dhwzgiq tks