Climbing - Plan the Perfect Climbing Trip

My first experience on a climbing rope was at midnight on a rappelling route. My heart was pounding and the adrenaline was coursing through my veins. While I did end up running out of rope and needed to drop that wasn't the most memorable part. There was a moment when I was hanging in the dark with my hand-brake on. I wasn't touching the wall and kind of spun around. All of a sudden I could see the city lights and I was mesmerized. I took a deep breath and took in the moment. 

That summer we climbed many routes in Rock Canyon near Provo, UT. We trekked to Montana to repel out of some caves we knew and took trips to a number of places.

I've coached over a hundred youth and adults over the edge while rappelling since that summer. I love to watch people conquer their fear and own the moment.

If you're safe, climbing and rappelling are so satisfying. 

How to Enjoy the Perfect Climbing Trip

Over the years we've learned how to execute the perfect climbing trip. We've learned how to plan, what gear and supplies to take, how to prepare for the weather, how to stay safe and how to ensure we get back home safe.

Adventure Story: Rappelling at Midnight

...As I hung I looked out and could see a few city lights off in the distance. It was pretty cool. 

I kept dropping. All of a sudden I realized I was at the end of the rope. I put my brake on and yelled up, "Aaron, there's no more rope and I'm not on the bottom!!"...

Read the Story

Below you'll find the following topics:

• Tips for executing the perfect climbing outing
• How to build the perfect climbing pack
• Top climbing product reviews
• Best climbing resources

If you're like us you'll love the trail and climbing will become second nature. Let's get started.

Climbing Tips

Over the years we've learned how to set up the perfect climbing trip. We thought we'd list a few tips to consider for your next outing:

Basic Tips

1. Plan ahead - even if you decide to go on a spontaneous hike, take a minute and plan just so you're prepared. If your hike is more involved, spend the time you need to make sure you're ready.
2. Know your route - research the trail to your rock face and research the route on the face itself.
3. Gear up (Climbing Pack) - make sure you have the right gear and supplies. Many hikes are day hikes. We recommend taking a day pack with you (see below). 
4. Dress right - know your weather, climate and terrain. Be sure to dress in layers so you can add or subtract a layer if you get cold or hot. Consider these layers:
   • Waterproof Jacket
   • base layers (for cold weather)
   • zip off pants  - you can have shorts when it's warm and add the pant legs as it cools off
5. Footwear - take quality climbing shoes. Make sure your footwear is broken in so you don't get blisters.
6. Tell someone where you're going - be sure someone knows where you're starting, your route, and when to expect you home. Don't forget this one! You want someone coming if you get injured or lost.
7. Buddy up - Take a buddy with you in case you get injured or lost.

Safety First

We all have different risk tollerances. As I've gotten older I've consciously slowed down a lot and take fewer risks. I've seen guys with life-altering injuries who can't enjoy the outdoors any longer. I talked with a man this week who has messed up his knees and joints so much he can't go on a simple hike. That can't be me!

When we venture out, we need to keep in mind that we have future outdoor experiences to enjoy so we need to get home safe after every one. Our chances of survival and safe return increase with a few principles:

1. Prepare before you go out
2. Take adequate first aid supplies - just in case
3. know your limits and opt for safety over risky activities.

Having the right first aid supplies handy can help a lot. Make sure you have the right supplies for the activities you're doing. 

Survival Medical Guide

Critical first aid field guide for survival situations

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The Perfect Day Pack Checklist

We recommend taking 2 packs when climbing. Take your personal day pack with first aid supplies, hiking gear, and toiletries. Then, take your dedicated climbing pack with your rope, harness, and protection.

I divide my personal gear and supplies into 3 kits: gear, first aid, toiletries. These kits go into my pack and are with me on every outing.

Personal Day Pack

Gear Kit

• Water filter
• Multi-tool
  • blade
  • saw
  • tweezers
  • screw drivers
• Paracord
• Lighter
• Ferro rod
• Emergency blanket
• Poncho
• Emergency fishing kit
• Snares
• Duct tape
• Head band (ear protection)
• Safety pins
• More...

First Aid Kit (IFAK)

• Bandages
• Ace bandage
• Tablets
  • Pepto
  • Tylenol
  • Allergy
• Bug spray
• Sun screen
• Alcohol pads
• Burn cream
• More...

Toiletries

• Pocket tissues (perfect portion of toilet paper)
• Carmex
• Toothbrush (handle cut off)
• Toothpaste
• Nail clippers
• More...

Climbing Pack

• Comfortable harness
• Locking carabineer
• Figure 8 or ATC
• Dynamic rope
• 8 carabineers minimum
• Multiple webbing loops (various sizes)
• Comfortable hiking shoes (broken in)

Wear

• Tight a fitting shirt
• Put your hair up if it is long (you don't want it feeding through your harness system!)

Top Hiking Product Reviews

New technology pushes climbing gear forward every year. The ropes, harnesses, and protection equipment are more and more save and comfortable.

Click on the image to read the review or click on the button to purchase.

Camping Cookware/Mess Kit

Modern cookware mess kit with accessories

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Biodegradable All Purpose Soap

Clean your hands, body, dishes and other items with biodegradable multi purpose soap

Buy on Amazon

550 Paracord Type 3

Milspec type 3 550 paracord for survival

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550 Paracord with Integrated Fishing Line, Wire, Tinder

Enhanced milspec type 3 550 SurvivorCord for the outdoors

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Lighter

Ideal primary option for rapid fire starting

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Ferro Rod with Striker

Great secondary option for fire starting, especially when wet

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Pocket Tissue

Individually packaged pocket tissues and toilet paper.

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Toiletry Kit

Toiletry kit for the trail or camping

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Climbing Resources

Being prepared with some survival skills, trail information, and weather forecasts can make your hike relaxing and help you get home safe.

Maps

Don't get lost! Find the right map for your area. We recommend reviewing the map BEFORE your embark on your adventure. Get a feel for the topography, water sources, trails and roads, etc.

Time to Hit the Trail

We love our trail time! We hope your outings this year are memorable, relaxing, full of adventure, and safe. 

We'd love to hear about any memorable stories you experience. Submit them to us and if we feel the story matches the site we'll publish it.

Gear up, prepare, and hit the trail! Enjoy!