Climbing Shoes
Climbing shoes are specifically designed for use in rock and mountain climbing. Climbing shoes come in three types: Edge rock climbing shoes, which are good for beginners as they are stiff and protect the feet; smearer rock climbing shoes, which have a rounded edge and allow a bit more flexibility; and slippers, which are excellent for getting your feet to fit into tiny crevices. But slippers are hard on the feet because they are so flimsy.
Climbing Harness
A climbing harness is used in mountain climbing to secure you to ropes and anchor points. There are three basic types of harnesses: The sit harness is comprised of a sit belt and loops for legs for added security and movement; the chest harness goes across the chest and allows flexibility in your position so you can stay upright while climbing; and the full-body harness is similar to wearing the chest harness and the sit harness. The full-body harness is good for those with small bodies that need the extra support.
Climbing Ropes
Ropes are used for support, to keep you tethered and to haul gear. Ropes are also used for rappelling. There are numerous types of ropes designed for a variety of types of climbing. They are generally single, half or twin ropes. Single ropes are the most common and versatile. Twin ropes are used in pairs and are great for alpine climbing and offer added safety. The half ropes can be used like twin ropes, in pairs, or in the half rope position where the left and right ropes are run through alternating clips, limiting drag.
Carabiners
Carabiners are used to connect two ropes and also to anchor a rope. Two things to consider with carbiners are the shape and the "gate" type. Carabiners are traditionally an oval shape but tend to be weaker than the D carabiner. The D carabiner is shaped so the weight load is shifted away from the gate, which is the weakest part of the carabiner. There are several types of gates on the carabiner: The straight gate, which is the most common; the locking gate, which prevents the gate from accidentally opening; the wire gate, which is thinner and leaves a larger gate opening; and the bent gate, which also leaves more room for clipping because of its bent, concave shape.
