STARTER KIT DESPITE GRAVITY’S EFFORTS TO KEEP HUMANS GROUNDED,
the lure of exploring and conquering massive walls draws climbers upward. A
little training and the right gear go a long way toward getting anyone started on
an ascent. Here’s what beginners need to master vertigo- inducing heights on the
mountain or at the gym, and reach the top smiling.CLIMB
HIGH
3
Shoes
Powerful back muscles and
grip strength are essential
climbing tools, but your legs
do most of the work. The
right shoes help them out.
The sticky rubber soles of
La Sportiva Tarantula
help keep you glued to the
wall, and sharp edges at
the toes provide solid foot-
ing on narrow ledges.4
Belay device
Easily control the amount of
slack in the line as your
partner climbs with help
from a belay device. The
stainless-steel and aluminum
Petzl Grigri+ auto matically
applies the brakes if your pal
starts to fall. An anti- panic
mechanism inside locks up
and slows the descend if you
let out the rope too quickly.2
Rope
Climbers work in pairs with
a lifeline connecting them.
Mammut treats the 9.8 mm
Eternity Dry with heat
and chemicals to minimize
water absorption and max-
imize abrasion resistance.
You can get it in two lengths,
but the longer 230-footer
offers the most flexibility
when choosing your route.32 FALL 2019 • POPSCI.COM by Rob Verger / photograph by Brian Klutch
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Harness
The Black Diamond
Momentum provides an in-
fallible connection between
your body and the rope. The
sturdy rig features adjust-
able ripstop polyester leg
loops and a padded nylon
waistband. Four gear con-
nectors offer plenty of space
for essentials like cams,
carabiners, and chalk bags.GOODS