You want to climb a via ferrata and are looking for the right equipment? Then you've come to the right place! We tell you what to look for in via ferrata equipment and what you really need to know.
Such a via ferrata is really mega fascinating. With little and especially light equipment you can climb steep rock faces.
The head is just as challenged as the body. I love the tranquility of nature combined with the technique I have to use to get up the rock. Brains, skill and strength are required.
The first two or three times I borrowed the via ferrata equipment. But then soon came the point at which I knew: I want to go climbing more and more often.
Table of contents
- What to look for in a via ferrata helmet
- Why the waist belt is the most important part of your via ferrata equipment
- How to find the right via ferrata set
- What to look for in your shoes in your via ferrata equipment
- Why gloves should be part of your via ferrata equipment
- Why you should own a small backpack
If you buy your own via ferrata equipment, you are flexible and can climb a rock at any time :)
You don't know your way around so well? Little problem. I have made myself smart and tell you what it depends on the via ferrata equipment!
Your equipment consists of:
- Helmet
- Via ferrata harness
- Via ferrata set
- Via ferrata shoes
- Gloves
- First aid kit
That's what you need to know as a via ferrata beginner!
What to look for in a via ferrata helmet
Invest in a good helmet. It can protect you from serious head injuries! You can use all common climbing helmets as a helmet. A distinction is made between:
- Hard shell helmets
- Hybrid helmets
- and foam helmets.
In principle, it doesn't matter which one you choose. What you should not take is a bike helmet. It has too large ventilation slits and very often too thin plastic.
The helmet protects you from hitting the rock and falling rocks.
Measure your head circumference with a tape measure before you buy a helmet!
The helmets for climbing are also particularly light. Many come to just 200 grams.
A helmet that fits really well does not slip even when the chin strap is open!
Anyone who wants to start hiking should definitely read this!
If you don't have equipment, get some. You don't know how many hours borrowed gear has been in use. I like to stock up at Bergzeit because they have a great selection of different brands. Plus, there are always great promotions where you can save a lot of money.
My via ferrata set, the shoes and my additional carabiners I have ordered in the Bergzeit Onlineshop. With a Click on this link you come directly to the via ferrata section.
Why the waist belt is the most important part of your via ferrata equipment
The harness or waist belt is the link between your body and the via ferrata set. This set connects you to the wire rope and the rock.
So if you're supporting, the harness has to hold you very well. For this to work, it must fit well.
Basically, there are three variants:
- Hip belt
- Combination belt
- and chest strap
The most common model is the waist belt. You can use it for almost any action in alpine terrain.
The most important criterion of your climbing harness is that it must fit very well. Whether and how it fits depends on our anatomy. One has stronger hips, the other narrower and the same applies to the thighs.
The climbing harness must never be too tight. This impedes your freedom of movement. The blood is cut off and you are not mobile enough to master the challenges.
But of course, it must not be too loose. Otherwise, you will have no grip in an emergency and will injure yourself.
It is therefore worth investing in good via ferrata equipment. The hip belt must enclose the torso well. YOU must always wear the harness above the pelvic bones!
Get a via ferrata harness that has adjustable leg loops. The loops should be padded. They are particularly comfortable if they are about 5 to 10 cm wide and 1 to 2 cm thick.
Wow! So easy you increase the calorie consumption while hiking!
In addition, the harness should be equipped with four material loops. This is where the carabiners and webbing slings are hooked.
How to find the right via ferrata set
A via ferrata set consists of a band fall arrester and two elastic branches. At the ends of the branches hang two carabiners.
At the end of the strap shock absorber you will find a tie-in loop with which you can connect your climbing harness and the set.
Some via ferrata sets have a third branch. It is shorter and is used so that you can take a comfortable rest. You hang yourself with the rope and can take a break. If your set does not have this branch, then you can simply order one from Amazon.
What you have to pay attention to in the via ferrata set is above all the handling. Most manufacturers rely on carabiners that are unlocked with hand pressure. This makes it easy to clip in and out.
If you invest a little more, you get a set with swivels between the strap halyard swivel and branches. This eliminates the annoying twisting of the straps.
The larger the carabiner opening, the more finger-friendly and easier to use.
This is how you train your grip strength!
What to look for in your shoes in your via ferrata equipment
Please never go with sneakers on the via ferrata! No matter how easy the route is! I actually saw this only recently and could only shake my head.
If you already have a via ferrata equipment, you should not forget good shoes.
The shoes for the via ferrata tour do not have to be climbing-resistant mountain boots. But they should have a very robust and grippy sole and provide stability.
There are approach shoes that have no shaft. And high-cut shoes with an upper.
Basically, a hiking and trekking shoe that has a reinforced toe will do.
Why gloves should be part of your via ferrata equipment
Beware of hanging wire ropes. Especially on older via ferratas, wire ropes are often untwisted at the end. So there are many small wire cables standing away. And to make matters worse, they are usually rusty. Injuries to the hands are virtually pre-programmed.
That's why you should wear via ferrata gloves. This is not mandatory but can protect you from one or the other injury.
Normal work gloves are not suitable. You have too little feeling in them and they are cut much too large.
Via ferrata gloves fit precisely. This helps you to apply the force to hold and not slip off. Only then can you easily re-hook the belay carabiners without blocking yourself.
With the short gloves, the fingertips are free, so you have extra freedom of movement.
Why you should own a small backpack
Water, tissues, your cell phone and a first aid kit go in your backpack. The lighter and smaller it is, the better.
Pull it all the way to your body and close it at the level of your stomach and chest. This prevents it from slipping off your shoulders, even on steeper overhangs.
Our conclusion
To get a via ferrata equipment is really worth it. I always have my stuff in the car and am always ready :) Pay attention to good quality and invest in good equipment. Safety always comes first!
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