Climbing bones, hooks, climbing friendies - essential items of equipment
of every climberClimbing, as a sport and a form of recreation, has undergone a huge evolution over the last decades. The beginnings of climbing were characterised by modest safety equipment, which was often created by hand by the climbers themselves. Thanks to advances in technology and the quest for greater safety, specialised tools such as bones, hooks and friendlies have emerged and have become an integral part of every climber's equipment.
In the Sportano shop, you will find professional climbing bones, hooks and friends from renowned brands such as Climbing Technology, Wild Country and Black Diamond.Climbing bones - characteristics and usesClimbing bones, also sometimes referred to as wedges, are one of the most traditional and basic safety devices in climbing. Their history can be traced back to the early days of climbing, when climbers sought simple and effective methods of establishing belay points in hard-to-reach areas.
Bones are made of metal, usually aluminium or steel, and are shaped like wedges of various sizes. They are inserted into rock crevices in such a way that the wider part of the bone faces the climber to ensure stability during loading. Because the bones are available in different sizes, the climber can choose the right one for a particular crevice, providing a secure anchor point for the rope.
Bones are extremely useful in rocky areas with natural crevasses and have the advantage of not leaving permanent marks on the rock, which is important from an ecological and conservation point of view for the natural climbing environment.
Although they appear to be simple tools, using them effectively requires experience. The climber must learn to accurately assess which size bone will be best for a particular crack, as well as how to place and remove them correctly. The correct placement of the bone is key to its effectiveness, which is why climbers often spend hours training and perfecting these skills.Hooks: from traditional models to modern innovationsClimbing hooks play a key role in a climber's belay, especially in difficult and technical areas. From the simple, handmade models used by climbing pioneers to the high-tech solutions available today, hooks have undergone a long and fascinating evolution.
The first hooks were simple in design and usually made from a solid piece of metal. These traditional models were inserted into niches or on protruding rock features, offering anchor points for the rope. Many climbers made them themselves, adapting the shape and size to the specific needs and conditions of the rock.
However, with the development of technology and the growing interest in climbing, there has been a need to create more advanced and specialised hooks. Today's models are often equipped with spring-loaded mechanisms that allow the hooks to be put on and taken off more quickly and easily. This allows the climber to secure themselves in multiple locations in a short space of time, making climbing safer and more efficient.
Technological innovations have also extended to the materials used to make hooks. Today's hooks are often made from lightweight metal alloys, such as aluminium or titanium, which offer excellent strength with minimal weight. In addition, the use of computer technology in design has made it possible to create hooks with optimal shapes and sizes that are perfectly suited to a wide variety of climbing conditions.
Climbing hooks are a perfect example of how the combination of tradition and modernity can lead to the creation of extremely effective and reliable tools. Thanks to them, climbers can enjoy their passion to the fullest, confident that their equipment will keep them safe every step of the way.Friendy: mechanism and advantages for use in difficult placesFriendy is a revolutionary invention in the climbing world that has changed the way climbers think about securing themselves in hard-to-reach places. Thanks to their unique mechanism and adaptive shape, friendas have become indispensable equipment for climbers all over the world.
The friend mechanism is based on a set of spring plates that can expand and contract in response to pressure. When the climber places the friend in a crevice in the rock, this mechanism allows the friend to adjust to the width of the rock. When the friend is released, the plates return to their original position, keeping the friend firmly anchored in the crevice and providing a secure belay point.
The advantages of using friends in difficult places are numerous. First and foremost, they make it possible to secure oneself in places where traditional hooks and bones would be ineffective. Irregularly shaped crevasses or crevasses of varying widths pose no problem for friendies. In addition, thanks to their mechanism, friendies are easy to handle, which is crucial when every second is precious.
Another important advantage of friends is their versatility. They are available in a variety of sizes, from very small ones designed for narrow crevasses to large models that can cope with wide spaces. This allows the climber to adapt the equipment to the specific conditions encountered on the route.
Using friendlies in difficult areas not only increases the safety of the climb, but also gives the climber confidence. Knowing that you can trust your equipment at all times allows you to concentrate on your climbing technique and enjoy the climb to the full. At the end of the day, friendies are not only advanced equipment, but also a partner you can rely on in any situation.Comparing and choosing the right equipment depending on the type of rockChoosing the right climbing equipment largely depends on the type of rock you plan to climb. Different types of rock present different challenges and need a specific approach in terms of belaying.
In limestone rocks, you will often find deep and regular fissures that are ideal for securing with climbing bones. Limestone is also relatively strong, making belay points solid and reliable. However, in some limestone areas, particularly where the rock is more crumbly, friendes may be more suitable as they spread the pressure over a larger area of rock, reducing the risk of damage.
Sandstone rocks are far more friable and porous. In these conditions, traditional hooks may not be effective because the rock surface is not strong enough to hold the hook in place under pressure. For sandstone, friendes and bones offer a better option as they spread the pressure over a larger area.
Gneisses and shales are characterised by thin layers and fissures, making them ideal for small to medium-sized friendies. With this rock, bones can be less effective unless the fissures are large enough.
Granite, on the other hand, offers a wide range of belay possibilities. Its strong, crystalline structure is ideal for hooks, but it copes equally well with bones and friends. In many granite climbing areas, both natural belay points and those equipped with fixed anchor points can be used.
When choosing the right climbing equipment, it is also worth considering the climber's experience and ability. Some people may feel more comfortable using a certain type of equipment, regardless of the type of rock. The final decision should be based on a sound analysis of conditions, individual preferences and, of course, common sense.
Collapse the description