Ascenders

Expert’s Picks: Ascenders

How to Do a Tyrolian Traverse

A Tyrolean traverse is a mode of transportation used in rock climbing, river crossings or technical tree climbing. In rock climbing Tyrolean traverses are used mostly for returning to a main wall after climbing a pillar and in river crossings used if a river is too large and swift to wade across. Learning how to set up a Tyrolean traverse can be helpful not… read more
Climbing Rope Technique

Climbers use mechanical ascenders and friction knots (often prusik knots) to ascend rocks. Both devices were engineered to prevent a person from sliding down a weighted rope. Mechanical ascenders, which are the focus of this article, offer a locking mechanism that keeps them locked to the rope when they are weighted, and they are simple to use as long as the… read more
Rope Climbing Ascending Techniques

On certain climbs, particularly Himalayan climbs and big wall climbs (cliffs that require multiple days to ascend), climbers will ascend a fixed rope instead of ascend the snow or rock, for both speed and convenience. Sometimes, climbers will get stuck on a rappel during a climb and need to improvise by climbing the rope. Ascending the rope requires a pair o… read more
Tree Climbing Skills

Tree climbing can be a thrilling experience and nearly anyone can master the needed skills. The best way to go about it is to get out there and climb. A number of organizations offer public climbs and basic classes. You'll do best in the classes if you first become familiar with some tree climbing skills you'll need. read more
Riggings for Tree Climbing

Arborists use specialized equipment to climb and prune trees. Much of this same equipment is used by linesmen and telephone equipment technicians. Tree climbing provides a way of honing climbing skills and building fitness to the sport climber. Using the proper equipment is key for good training and safety. read more

Related Ascenders Articles & Videos

How to Avoid Pulmonary Edema at High Elevation

Pulmonary edema is caused by excess fluid in the lungs. Every time you take a breath, the air sacs in your lungs take in oxygen while releasing carbon dioxide. In most cases, this exchange of gases is not problematic. However, under so… read more
How to Train for Mountaineering

Mountaineering is not hiking, climbing or camping. It's all three of those things, usually combined with inclement weather and in a high altitude setting. At every corner and with each step danger lurks, so training is of paramount im… read more
How to Adjust to Higher Altitudes While Climbing

Ascending too quickly above 8,000 feet can lead to serious illness. You can help prevent the most serious degrees of altitude illness by taking a few precautions. read more
How to Climb a Chimney in Rock Climbing

Chimney climbing is often required on longer traditional climbs. It's a valuable skill to have for classics and big walls. read more
What to Pack for Glacier Travel

Glacier travel requires technical gear due to the inherent hazards in such terrain as well as proper clothing and personal gear for comfort and safety. Glaciers are a beautiful place to trek but there is no doubt about the danger they… read more
Different Tree Climbing Techniques

Tree climbing is an enjoyable way to commune with nature. And it's good exercise, to boot. Trees are everywhere, with many that can be climbed. Indulging your urge to act like a monkey once in a while can leave you feeling more liberat… read more
What is Rappelling?

Rappelling is a means of using a rope to descend in a controlled manner. In other parts of the world, another term for rappelling is abseiling. While rappelling is a popular sport, it is also used by military, police and rescue service… read more
How to Climb Using Rope

There are various ways to ascend a climbing rope and many reasons why a climber would do so. If a climber is unable to climb a difficult rock route, she might have to ascend the rope instead. At other times, climbers ascend ropes becau… read more
Uses of Crampons

Over the past few decades, changes in outdoor equipment have made it possible to travel safely to countless destinations. The summits of peaks like Mount Rainier and Mount Whitney were once reached by only a few climbers. Today, hundre… read more
The Best Summer Hiking Boots

Finding the right hiking boots can be challenging, but finding great summer hiking boots adds some new considerations to the equation. Excellent traction, foot support and protection are still key features, but in warmer weather, insul… read more
Single Rope Tree Climbing Technique

The Single Rope Tree Climbing Technique is an efficient method of climbing trees with the use of just one rope. It is fast and widely used by many tree climbers. read more
The Best Shoes for Cross-Country Running

Cross-country runners run on every kind of terrain--from gravel to grass to rocky trails and even through the woods. Sudden inclines and declines as well as drastic transitions from one surface to the next are inevitable. These type of… read more
How to Climb Devils Tower

Located in the northeastern corner of Wyoming, adjacent to the Black Hills of South Dakota, Devils Tower was proclaimed the country's first national monument in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. It rises 867 feet high, and is made… read more
How to Use a Climbing Rope on Half Dome Cables

Half Dome is one of Yosemite National Park's most prominent features. The traditional route to the summit of Half Dome is a long and strenuous route that ends with rising cables up the back side of the dome. In addition to wearing sho… read more
3 Main Types of Altitude Sickness

Some of the world's most noted tourist attractions, such as the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, require visitors to ascend to high altitudes. Mountaineers, skiers and trekkers venture into ever higher locations in search of fresh adventure… read more

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Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
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Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
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Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
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