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
In order to retrieve your ropes after a rappel you have to prepare in advance by setting up a one-rope or two-rope retrievable rappel. Use one rope if the rappel is less than half the length of your rope. Use two if it's greater. read more
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 because it's faster than climbing a rock's face. There are many ways to ascend a rope, including using knots or mechanical ascende… read more
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
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
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
There are many types of carabiners and they have many uses, including contributing to the safety systems in rock and ice climbing, mountaineering, spelunking, and rescue techniques. Among other uses, carabiners can be used for belaying… read more
Rappelling, the act of descending steep faces by sliding down a rope, is one of the most dangerous activities a climber can do. Many climbs can only be descended by rappelling. While it looks fun (and sometimes it is), climbers die in… read more
If you're snowboarding without the right gloves, your hands will get really cold really fast; it pays to invest in a good pair of snowboarding gloves. A good pair of gloves is, first and foremost, warm, waterproof and properly insulate… read more
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 t… read more
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...
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...
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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