Trad climbing hex removal. We can achieve this best by looking for a constriction on a crack, placing trad gear in where the crack is wider and sliding it towards where its constricted or narrowing. This will teach you far more about trad climbing strategy, placing gear and the intricacies of placements on different rock types and routes, than Feb 2, 2024 · Our Runner Ups for the Best Climbing Nuts for Trad Climbing While these nuts didn’t quite make the cut into the favorite’s position, they are still recommended by many trad climbers as well as having positive reviews from many experts. The perfect sensei, however, is hard to find for a lot of us. We will focus on applying protection skills into the context of anchor building for top rope set up, top belay and lead climbing. Traditional climbing is a form of free climbing (i. This 'hexes' article is part of the book - Trad Climbing Basics. With a good understanding of trad climbing skills, you can branch out from the indoor walls and sport crags to reach unique places that would I am somwhat confused about the places of hexes in a modern trad setting. Learn how to place climbing cams. Re: Trad Climbing Questions by Chris F » Tue Apr 09, 2013 2:43 pm First impression is you are going overboard on expensive cams and hexes, an light on nuts. Traditional climbing gear consists of different types of protection devices that are placed in cracks or features of the rock to catch a fall. hownot2. Placing traditional protection in the rock is perhaps the greatest barrier to trad climbing. Diligent study and practice is necessary in Nov 8, 2024 · Whether you want to fine-tune gear placement, anchors, or crush your first multi-pitch, this comprehensive guide to trad climbing has it all. A trad climber carries not just quick draws, but a whole rack of climbing gear consisting of cams, nuts and sometimes hexes that get placed into cracks in the wall. Really handy when “cleaning up the crag” after a weekend of gumbies getting their shiny new cams stuck in cracks ;) But like u/listurgh mentioned, get some friends to bring you trad climbing. [3][4] After the lead climber Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. This Trad Climbing Buyer’s Guide will help point you in the right direction. Free UK delivery for orders over £60 | Buy climbing equipment online from Sgùrr Shop. An introductory look at how to place passive protection during a traditional rock climb. Affordable active and passive trad gear from Kouba Climbing. Sep 24, 2025 · Learn to place trad nuts like a pro with this AMGA-based guide. The asymmetrical, tapered shape of each hex allows for multiple placement options, accommodating a wider range of crack sizes and shapes. Just exactly what is trad climbing? When I Been trad climbing with some buddies for a while now and ready to commit and buy my own rack. In the beginning of your trad climbing career you should focus on building a solid nut rack and learning to place them well. Every major style of climbing, from mountaineering to sport climbing to traditional climbing, requires a climbing rope and some way to securely attach it to the rock, snow, or ice. no artificial or mechanical device can be used to aid progression, unlike with aid climbing), which is performed in pairs where the lead climber places removable climbing protection into the route while ascending. Sep 27, 2025 · Struggling with trad anchors? Learn Building Bombproof Trad Anchors: Principles of SERENE/ERNEST. Slings Slings are simply strongly-sewn loops of nylon or dyneema tape. Building your first trad rack made simple and easy. Mar 13, 2016 · What is Traditional Climbing? Traditional climbing is a style of rock climbing in which a climber or group of climbers place all gear required to protect against falls, and removes it when a passage is complete. Nov 13, 2017 · 1) Trad Climbing Also, know as traditional climbing, is a form of climbing where the anchors are placed by the climber on the way up rather than being pre-setup beforehand. First of all, trad gear is expensive. Any suggestions on what a good “starter pack” would look like as far different cam/nut sizes? and then I can experiment and add to it based on need from there. Neil Gresham gives us a masterclass in the basics of placing nuts as Trad climbing protection. A typical trad rack will contain 10-12 nuts and maybe one or two mid-size hexes. Learn the essential distinctions today! Durable, fully ventilated helmet for climbing, mountaineering and other rope activities. Sep 17, 2024 · Hexes (and nuts, too) contact the rock snuggly with no such space for the rope to cause mayhem. Very overwhelmed on where to start. At GearLab, we've tested a wide variety of climbing gear over the past decade+ and have recommendations for every climber, from beginner to expert. We have all kinds of really cool cams, and other styles of chocks/nuts/whatever. Cams are certainly easier, but I'll take a well placed hex over any cam placement anyday. This article explains the physics of how climbing cams work, and also how to place, remove and rack them. New hexes have a lot of variability of size so they'll fit a lot of places, that one looks to have sides of equal length so it's more of a glorified nut. In this style of climbing, climbers use a combination of gear placed in the rock, such as cams, nuts, and hexes, to protect themselves as they ascend up the mountain. Arete A wall edge that stands at an acute angle TRADITIONAL CLIMBING, ALSO CALLED TRAD CLIMBING OR JUST “TRAD,” is a particular style of roped climbing that involves placing your own protective equipment as you move up a climb, then removing it when you’re done. How do climbers protect a fall with our little wired pieces of metal? In this episode I cover the complete basics of nut placement and the thought process be Nov 1, 2023 · Furthermore, trad climbing fosters resilience, teaching climbers to confront fear and uncertainty head-on, transforming obstacles into stepping stones towards personal growth and accomplishment. 9% of the world AND when the primary consumer of the gear are new climbers on easy routes, it starts to paint a clearer picture of why they are laughed at. Learn how to place, remove and rack climbing hexes. Apr 27, 2022 · In the 1920s, British climbers carried pebbles in their pockets, slotting them into cracks and tying them off (with hemp cord) for pro. Further information A curse is a supernatural manifestation that inflicts various hardships and torments on the victim. Learn how to use nuts and hexes. This guide will help you understand how passive protection works and what to look for in a good placement. We have been climbing for a while, guiding professionally Jun 23, 2024 · Traditional climbing, also known as trad climbing, is a style of rock climbing where climbers place their own protection devices, such as nuts, cams, and hexes, into cracks and crevices in the rock as they ascend. Get the best deals on Nuts/Rocks Climbing & Caving Carabiners & Hardware when you shop the largest online selection at eBay. What Is Trad Climbing, Really? Trad climbing is a style of climbing where climbers lead routes by placing their own protection. You’ll also get to practice placing gear while climbing and get personalized, real-time feedback in a Dec 31, 2019 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. This article explains everything about using climbing nuts: placing, racking and removing them. We break our first cam at the end!👉 Learn and SHOP at https://www. Get a Jul 28, 2022 · That’s a lot of gear! Traditional or “Trad” climbing involves placing your own protection as you climb. Aug 27, 2025 · Climbing nuts are one of the first pieces of trad protection climbers will purchase. Plus try these 6 methods for breaking a curse. Hexes Climbing hexes are large hexagonal shaped wedges of metal that you slot into constrictions in wider cracks, to provide protection when traditional climbing outdoors. This equipment is also called protection, or “pro,” because it protects you from hitting the ground in a fall. It teaches participants the various types of rock protection, including passive protection (nuts, hexes) and active protection (cams); and how to place and incorporate the pieces of protection into anchors. Traditional climbing: use at your own risk. Trad Climbing Gear > Tricams This 'Tricams' article is part of the book - Trad Climbing Basics. I climb mostly in Utah in rock canyon and Ibex with the occasional moab trip. What's trad climbing? We break down how trad is different than sport climbing and introduce you to types of active and passive pro. Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. What is the best way to learn traditional climbing? If you want to become a traditional climbing leader, the best thing you can do is follow a leader and clean their pieces. In this update, we purchased 7 of the best sets and slid them into cracks of all sizes across the United States. Nuts are an essential for every trad climber. An overview of things to look for and ways to develop your gear placements for trad rock climbing. Traditional Routes follow Cracks and Slabs. There are many different types of trad pro, including cams, nuts, hexes, Tricams, Ballnuts and more. Have fun. Trad Climbing Essential Gear: A climbing harness filled up with trad climbing gear, including nuts, cams, locking carabiners and slings. Placing nuts are intuitive, they are inexpensive, and will last you a long time. Trad Gear and Anchors: An Introduction This hands on, intro course will focus on basic principles, techniques and skills for using traditional climbing protection; cams, nuts, tricams, hexes, natural features, etc. If you need to add some new climbing protection to your rack, check out our comprehensive climbing nuts review and climbing cam review. However, building one takes time and needs to be tailored to your style. It requires thoughtful prioritization of essential trad gear, starting with a core selection of nuts, a few versatile cams, and an adequate supply of slings and carabiners. Find the best climbing hexes from Black Diamond, DMM, Metolius, Rock Empire, Wild Country. Good places to stand and place and fiddle with a hex are good places to break an ankle. If you don't want to deep dive into the gear rabbit hole, here is a summary of some of our favorite pieces of gear. May 1, 2022 · What Is Trad Climbing? Origin of Trad Climbing Notable Climbers (Now and Then) Historical Figures from Climbing's Golden Age Famous Climbers from the 2000s to Present Differences Between Trad and Sport Climbing Trad vs. How to place and judge trad climbing gear including Nuts, Hexes & Cams. Features User Manual Instruction manual_EN Decla Just like with any extreme sport, educating yourself about the sport of trad climbing is a great way to start. Jul 18, 2025 · Each hex is equipped with a durable galvanized steel cable for sling attachment and ease of handling. In essence, trad rock climbing embodies the essence of adventure and exploration, marrying the natural world with human ingenuity and determination. Ball nuts are a seldom used type of climbing gear which offer protection in thin cracks, filling the void where even the smallest cams are too big to fit. We used each while ascending wind-blown alpine Expert Advice / Climbing / Rock Climbing Lead Climbing: How to Place Trad Gear This article is part of our series: Intro to Trad Lead Climbing Learning to properly place protection is an essential skill as you progress as a trad climber. Make your own, play with curves and shapes and angles. Just like going from top roping to sport climbing, you will have to expand your repertoire of gear and techniques. If you’re talking about trad specific gear, I’d recommend first purchasing a nut tool. See full list on rei. Sep 27, 2025 · Conclusion: Your Rack, Your Adventure Building your first trad rack is a foundational and exciting step into a deeply rewarding climbing discipline. The biggest Trad climbing, also known as traditional climbing, is a style of rock climbing that involves using natural features of the rock such as cracks, crevices, and pillars for protection instead of relying on pre-placed bolts. But it also doesn't mean they are worth carrying for anyone that is climbing trad in 99. , which are inserted into cracks and crevices as they go. This adds a technical and mental aspect to the route. This is in contrast to sport climbing, where you rely on Apr 2, 2018 · Both, sport climbing and trad climbing are a form of lead climbing, which means the first climber to go up is not protected by a rope from above. Remember to check out our selection This 'hexes' article is part of the book - Trad Climbing Basics. Sport climbs ascend Roofs and Vertical walls. com May 31, 2020 · How to place and judge trad climbing gear including Nuts, Hexes & Cams. Audio tracks for some It's a pretty common concept in trad that something is better than nothing. Sport climbing is designed to push the athletic envelope of the sport. We tested each through a wide range of fissures, scar pins, parallel-sided cracks, around blocks, and the like. Climber leading a traditional climbing route, attempting to insert a nut for climbing protection. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. I have specifically been looking at hexes for the very purpose of using instead of big cams for alpine climbing and I think it's a totally solid plan, and in the event that I ever need to bail on large gear I would much rather leave a big hex than a #4 cam. Trad uses removable protection like cams, nuts, and Mar 11, 2021 · Obviously making the transition into trad climbing you are going to need a wider knowledge base to stay safe. Up until about a month ago I had to borrow other people's gear if I wanted to use cams. Anyone who wants to do traditional rock climbing needs a few things: Will it Whip??? Stacked Hex and Cam (Wild County)- unconventional trad climbing protection Jun 13, 2025 · Aid climbing flips that on its head: gear is essential for climbing up, as you weigh it directly. To be safe when trad climbing, the leader must focus on finding gear placements and then select the right piece of gear to fit. Terrain Features The following rock climbing terms deal with the physical features of rock. However, they do have advantages over cams in certain situations. Sports Climbing introduces bolted-in anchor points that make up the route whereas Trad Climbing anchors can be placed at any point deemed fitting as and when required by the climber. Jul 17, 2024 · This course combines instruction from what was previously two different classes: advanced anchors and the basics of traditional climbing. But even once you get it, you have to know how to use it. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! May 21, 2020 · Here, we will give a short list of trad climbing essentials, and then offer our simplified buyers guide to traditional rock climbing gear. This climbing equipment, often called “protection” or “pro,” serves as temporary climbing protection and is then removed by the second climber, ideally leaving no trace on their ascent. Unlike sport climbing, which uses permanently anchored bolts, trad climbing requires a greater understanding of climbing techniques and safety practices. The Rockcentrics are brilliantly light, easy to use, offering plenty of placement options and come with a color coordinated Dyneema sling that helps keep them firmly wedged once placed. Nuts Buying Guide Double Cap Read Time - 9 minutes May 2020 Standard nuts are the backbone of any traditional climbers rack. To start, you need When trad climbing, the leader must place their own gear in the rock. Learn to trad climb. Jun 30, 2024 · Trad climbing, or traditional climbing, is a type of rock climbing that relies on removable protective gear called trad gear. it's dangerous. Learning the proper placement and removal techniques for these pieces of gear Hexes are a type of nut, a hollow eccentric hexagonal prism with tapered ends, usually threaded with webbing, a swaged cable, or a cord used as protection device in traditional climbing. Oct 31, 2024 · Our climbing experts have been testing the best climbing nuts and stoppers for over 10 years and over 15 different sets. Go hog wild buddy. Hexes are an old type of climbing protection that are seldom seen on climber's racks since the introduction of cams. Oct 25, 2022 · Unless you are free soloing, your climbing will involve some kind of system to protect you from long falls and serious injury. I started climbing trad in the 90s, but didn't buy my first cam until 2014. While they are high-grade nuts and have many positive features, they don’t quite measure up to the DMM Wallnut and Offset. But if you’re new to trad climbing, how do you make sure that you’re getting the best climbing nuts? With climbing experience, you build your own personal preference. Explore trad climbing gear and protection for your trad rack including nuts, cams, hexes and abalaks ready for your next mountain adventure or chilled day at the crag. Aug 8, 2022 · With no moving parts (hence, “passive protection”), nuts are inexpensive, lightweight, and sturdy. Trad climbing requires a lot of gear, and it can be quite confusing knowing exactly what you need and what you should buy. A combination of the best ideas behind the trusty old Hexentric with Rock geometry. The trad rack you need will vary from one climb to another and most definitely from person to person as each has their own way and preference when it comes to climbing. Oct 28, 2016 · From cams to nuts to hexes, learn the basics of trad gear with tips for buying your first rack. Here’s how it works. See every brand, compare every detail, and find the best price. May 19, 2023 · Check out our picks in our best climbing harness review. The obvious place to start is stoppers. Familiarize yourself with the gear so you actually know what you need before you go to the nearest REI and . Trad Climbing Gear > Ball Nuts This 'ball nuts' article is part of the book - Trad Climbing Basics. If you have your own CNC machine might as well make cams and tri cams too. Instead of clipping bolts, you are looking for natural features, cracks, or constrictions to place traditional climbing equipment […] 51 votes, 73 comments. Master the 5 Pillars of bomber placements and get our printable pocket card for the crag. Your expert, step-by-step guide to ultimate safety. Sep 9, 2023 · How dangerous is trad climbing? To understand the dangers of trad climbing, it is important to familiarize oneself with the traditional climbing gear and techniques involved. Over the course of two days, you will learn about all different kinds of rock protection (cams, nuts, hexes, and more), when and where to place them, how to evaluate the safety of pieces you place, techniques for leading efficiently, and the principles of building a safe trad gear anchor. c Jan 22, 2010 · When I first started trad climbing all I could afford were nuts, hexes, and tricams. Feb 20, 2021 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. There are three main types of protection you can use: Active Protection: refers to devices that rely on mechanical Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Psychi Rock Climbing Key Nut Remover Tool for Trad Gear Cam Bolt Wires Pro Hex at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products! Jun 15, 2025 · Explore the gear, techniques, routes, and culture that set traditional (trad) climbing apart from sport climbing. 20K subscribers in the tradclimbing community. There are various types of climbing hexes available in many different brands, colours, shapes and sizes. Sep 23, 2024 · What is Trad Climbing? Traditional climbing, or trad climbing for short, is a type of rock climbing that requires a unique blend of physical and mental skill. Due to its durability, ventilation and versatility, it is suitable for both sport and trad climbing, via ferrata or rope parks. What are the 3 Types of Protection in Trad Climbing? Trad climbing: short for traditional climbing, it’s a style of rock climbing where climbers place their own protection, such as cams, nuts, and other devices, into natural features of the rock to protect against falls. Nov 18, 2016 · The trickiest—and most important—parts of multi-pitch trad climbing are placing solid gear and building safe anchors fast. That said, nuts in a horizontal can be really solid, but of course the crack has to be undulating just like in a vertical placement. Once I started climbing on gear routes that physically challenged my climbing ability the rapid placement of a cam became welcome [1]. - YouTube. Just because you watched a YouTube video, saw an Instagram photo and bought some cams Get the best deals for Trad Climbing Hexes at eBay. Jul 10, 2024 · What is trad climbing? We consider what separates trad from other climbing disciplines, along with where you can do it and what equipment is needed When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Many of these terms get used in guidebooks. Nov 14, 2019 · Trad and Sport are forms of both Free Climbing and Lead Climbing Trad Climbing is an older style of climbing, focusing on adventure. What do you like about hexes? What are your favorite hexes? What features do you look for? I am interested in them and want to learn from people with experience (and no one I know is into them or uses them). Learn how to tell if you've been cursed or hexed, or if you're just having a string of bad luck. Jul 6, 2020 · Trad Climbing Short for traditional climbing, this involves lead and second climbers that place protection along the route and clean once a top rope is anchored. com. So almost all major climbing brands started as some guys DIYing. May 17, 2024 · What you really need to know, and buy, to start trad climbing. Jan 24, 2023 · Trad climbing involves a wide array of gear, including nuts, hexes, cams, Big Bros, and more, to ensure climbers stay safe. Dec 1, 2024 · Set of seven hexes serve as passive protection for trad climbing Unique hexagonal design allows four different crack configurations This set also includes Black Diamond's OvalWire Carabiner Item #BLD00N6 Apr 10, 2020 · The aim is to get maximum surface area contact between the side of the nut/hex/cam-lobes and the side of the crack its placed in. Learn the skills to stay safe and have confidence when climbing. If you are climbing grade 13/14/15 the hexes as well as the cams will be an expensive investment, where you can but a full set of WC rocks (or similar) for the price of a cam or two. Instead, the rope flows over them, pushed to the surface of the crack by the unmoving mass of metal. This can include nuts, hexes, cams, etc. Tricams work in a similar way to hexes; they can be placed in 'passive' mode like a nut, and also in 'active' mode. e. Aid Climbing Trad Climbing Terminology Cam (or Camming Device) Gear Placements Hex Nut Offwidth Pitch Pro Rack Runout Sharp End Tricam Trad Climbing Grades and Difficulty Learn the key differences between sport rock climbing and trad climbing—from gear to safety, difficulty, and risk. This versatility is a key advantage in trad climbing, where crack dimensions can vary significantly. Sep 27, 2025 · Traditional climbing, or “ trad climbing,” is a discipline where the lead climber places removable protection into the rock as they ascend, which is later removed by the follower. Learn how to place trad gear, build trad anchors, climb a multi pitch, belay in guide mode and much more. We give you lots of tips on how NOT to use cams and a few tips on how to do it. That said, those are a couple dope pieces of gear for the smoke room! Sep 27, 2025 · Traditional (trad) climbing is a style of rock climbing where the lead climber places all protective gear into natural features of the rock as they ascend. Dec 15, 2017 · This e-book will teach you how to: - Place cams, nuts and other trad climbing gear - Build trad anchors - Use different belay methods (including guide mode) - Equalize and extend gear effectively - Understand forces on climbing gear - Abseil safely (including using a prusik knot) - Climb with half ropes - Test rock quality - Prepare for your first trad lead Plus much more. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. If you're lucky, you have a wonderful teacher that is patient and excited to show you the ropes. Friends (cams) were a diy by ray Jardin Nuts (stoppers) originally just nuts from machining with some cord through them. 3 lectures, 3 field days Prereq is Intermediate Feb 25, 2021 · Hexes and cams would revolutionize trad climbing around the world, removing the necessity to hammer pitons into the wall and potentially cause damage to the rock face. Jan 31, 2023 · A trad rack can be a climber's greatest pride. Here's what you need to know. May 29, 2020 · New to trad climbing? Our Beginner's Guide to Trad Climbing breaks down everything you need to know to get started trad climbing today. Climbing nuts—and hexes, tricams, and other offshoots—only work if they’re placed correctly. 4bxa xyl74 ecdjefh nur sda oxyiqgy dd hl5 9f5gi ht6pbv