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Glossary
Climbing Gear terms, explained
Short, plain definitions of the words you'll see on product pages and spec sheets. Each one links to a guide when there's more to know.
A
- Assisted braking
- A belay device design that adds braking help under load. Read the guide →
B
- B rating
- A mountaineering boot stiffness rating from B0 to B3. Read the guide →
- Belay loop
- The reinforced loop at the front of a harness. Read the guide →
D
- Downturn
- The curved, toe-down shape of aggressive climbing shoes. Read the guide →
- Dry treatment
- Coating that reduces water absorption in a rope. Read the guide →
E
- EN 12492
- The European standard for climbing helmets. Read the guide →
H
- HMS carabiner
- A large pear-shaped locking carabiner for belaying. Read the guide →
I
- Impact force
- The peak force a rope transmits in a standard test fall. Read the guide →
K
- kN
- Kilonewton, the unit for gear strength ratings. Read the guide →
S
- Single rope
- A dynamic rope certified to be used alone. Read the guide →
- Smearing
- Using friction from shoe rubber on a hold-less surface. Read the guide →
- Spotter
- A person who guides a bouldering climber's fall toward the pads. Read the guide →