6. Using Traditional Climbing Gear

Although many mountain routes won’t require the use of trad gear, on those with long rock or ice sections and/or exposure at or above grade III, using protective gear is always going to be a good idea, if not essential. For this reason, before summiting your first mountain a basic but solid knowledge of how to use nuts (stoppers), friends (cams) and the associated rope-work is likely to be necessary.

Becoming familiar with the workings of trad gear and how to move on ropes on high, steep and exposed terrain can be done on simple low-altitude climbs in preparation for the real thing. Getting it right before setting off on your climb is highly recommended – high mountain ridges, slopes or rock faces are not the best places to be experimenting with untried and untested skills.