Trad climbing hex benefits. Explore a wide range of our Climbing Hex selection.


  1. Trad climbing hex benefits. This article will explore the skills, mindset, and ethics that define trad climbing, looking beyond the mere mechanics of climbing 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. My question is, if I’ve used all my cams earlier on a climb. 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. Very overwhelmed on where to start. 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. Hexes – Don’t get them. See every brand, compare every detail, and find the best price. However, building one takes time and needs to be tailored to your style. Learn how to place trad gear, build trad anchors, climb a multi pitch, belay in guide mode and much more. You climb with both ropes attached but clip one rope only into each piece of gear. The main advantage of hexes is they will work in dirty, wet or icy cracks where cams are likely to slide out. Pickup in Oakridge, Calgary NEW - Unused Trad Climbing Gear - Wild Country Friends, Nuts, Hexes, TriCams Brand New $600. When many people start trad climbing, cams become their new best friend. Sizes 9-11. Jan 31, 2023 · A trad rack can be a climber's greatest pride. Learn to lead safely & unlock new adventures. 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. While they are high-grade nuts and have many positive features, they don’t quite measure up to the DMM Wallnut and Offset. This system is particularly beneficial when trad climbing or climbing long wandering pitches as it dramatically reduces rope drag. At about 80 feet, this Mar 11, 2021 · Double (AKA Half) - Double ropes are the most complex to use, both for climber and belayer, but also have some key benefits. This adds a technical and mental aspect to the route. This is especially noticeable in the bigger sizes. Affordable active and passive trad gear from Kouba Climbing. 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. Find top brands, exclusive offers, and unbeatable prices on eBay. Due to its durability, ventilation and versatility, it is suitable for both sport and trad climbing, via ferrata or rope parks. To be safe when trad climbing, the leader must focus on finding gear placements and then select the right piece of gear to fit. 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. This single-pitch, 50-foot route opens with a large flake that provides solid protection and an accessible starting point, making it an excellent choice for climbers easing into multi-pro crack climbing. 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. Classic, simple and light, these #4–10 Black Diamond Wired Hexentric hexes offer a wide range of placements across climbing conditions and shine in rapidly widening cracks where cams might walk out. 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. Traditional Routes follow Cracks and Slabs. 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. Trying to master my gear placement though. Practice!!! Hey have you used your hexes what do you think? I'm beginning in trad climbing and starting to buy my trad gear Reply reply Vjani408 • 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. This means that the climbers must carry and place removable gear such as cams, nuts, and hexes into cracks and crevices in the rock to protect themselves in case of a fall. Nov 18, 2016 · The trickiest—and most important—parts of multi-pitch trad climbing are placing solid gear and building safe anchors fast. This equipment is also called protection, or “pro,” because it protects you from hitting the ground in a fall. 20K subscribers in the tradclimbing community. See full list on rei. The wired option allows for a longer life span than nylon. We used each while ascending wind-blown alpine Jul 18, 2025 · Each hex is equipped with a durable galvanized steel cable for sling attachment and ease of handling. Traditional climbing is a form of free climbing (i. Sport climbing is designed to push the athletic envelope of the sport. They might not be the flashiest kids on the block, but they get the job done with a wink and a grin. Aug 27, 2025 · Climbing nuts are one of the first pieces of trad protection climbers will purchase. Hexes are lighter, cheaper, and scare the bears away. Indian Creek is probably the most prominent crack climbing area in the world featuring awesome sandstone cliffs and endless cracks. it's dangerous. For extra points, place your nuts (and hexes) in the wider orientation so the side exposed to the rope is rounded instead of a 90° angle. Climber leading a traditional climbing route, attempting to insert a nut for climbing protection. Set of small hexes for trad climbing protection. Aug 28, 2024 · Discover the ultimate climbing cams selection guide to elevate your trad climbing game. This can include nuts, hexes, cams, etc. This protection can include nuts, camming devices, and other gear that is placed into cracks and other features of the rock to catch a fall. This will teach you far more about trad climbing strategy, placing gear and the intricacies of placements on different rock types and routes, than Our Hex Climb Around promotes all of the same upper body strengthening and hand-eye coordination benefits as traditional straight overhead climbers, but with additional elements for an enhanced climbing experience. e. From what I’ve been hearing, don’t place nuts in horizontal cracks and place cams instead. Nuts Buying Guide Double Cap Read Time - 9 minutes May 2020 Standard nuts are the backbone of any traditional climbers rack. The Jun 23, 2024 · Traditional climbing, often referred to as trad climbing, is a style of rock climbing where climbers place their own protection as they ascend a route. 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. [3][4] After the lead climber Trad Climbing Gear > Tricams This 'Tricams' article is part of the book - Trad Climbing Basics. Jun 23, 2024 · To participate in traditional climbing, climbers will need a variety of gear including a climbing harness, helmet, climbing shoes, ropes, carabiners, slings, cams, nuts, hexes, and other protection devices. Many of these terms get used in guidebooks. 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 Hex Route at Mammoth Crest: A Classic 5. 9 Trad Alpine Challenge Hex Route climbs a striking dihedral on Mammoth Crest, offering a straightforward but satisfying pitch of alpine trad climbing that balances technical moves with steady protection. A hex is an item of rock-climbing equipment used to protect climbers from falls. Apr 20, 2025 · First things first, if you’re looking for nuts with a little more personality, Hexes are the way to go. Climb much easier routes than you are used to climbing in sport. If you enjoyed this Hit that Aug 24, 2023 · Discover the differences, benefits, and challenges of bouldering vs. That said, those are a couple dope pieces of gear for the smoke room! Just like with any extreme sport, educating yourself about the sport of trad climbing is a great way to start. What Is Trad Climbing, Really? Trad climbing is a style of climbing where climbers lead routes by placing their own protection. They are intended to be wedged into a crack or other opening in the rock, and do not require a hammer to place. Then picture it in the sling high camming position, with the force disproportionately concentrated on one contact point. 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. There are many different types of trad pro, including cams, nuts, hexes, Tricams, Ballnuts and more. In this update, we purchased 7 of the best sets and slid them into cracks of all sizes across the United States. Your expert, step-by-step guide to ultimate safety. 51 votes, 73 comments. com. Ounces make pounds but no need to have them reslung in ten years. This article explains everything about using climbing nuts: placing, racking and removing them. 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. which type of removable climbing gear is allowed and don't damaging rock (roped knots, slings, ufos vs. 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. Shop now for fast shipping and easy returns! Jun 23, 2024 · Traditional climbing, also known as trad climbing, offers a unique opportunity to combine your love for the sport with a charitable cause. 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 Horizontal Heaven: A Friendly Trad Climb on The Hex Wall Horizontal Heaven offers an inviting introduction to trad climbing within the rugged landscape of The Hex Wall near Eagle Rock. Shop for top quality Nuts and Hexes and other Traditional Climbing from top name manufacturers for all of your outdoor needs. com Feb 20, 2021 · In short, cams will go most places hexes will go (more quickly and easily), but hexes won't go a lot of places cams will. I climb mostly in Utah in rock canyon and Ibex with the occasional moab trip. In essence, trad rock climbing embodies the essence of adventure and exploration, marrying the natural world with human ingenuity and determination. 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. Free UK delivery for orders over £60 | Buy climbing equipment online from Sgùrr Shop. Due to the increased distance of routes, your heart and breathing rates are higher for an extended period of time. Trad placements So I’ve recently started trad climbing and have only led 2 very easy ones (5. Nov 11, 2012 · So you wanna start climbing trad- awesome, here are five tips to help you out along the way. However, they do have advantages over cams in certain situations. Learn how to place climbing cams. Learn expert tips for choosing the perfect protection for any route. We tested each through a wide range of fissures, scar pins, parallel-sided cracks, around blocks, and the like. Here’s how it works. Dec 30, 2022 · Cardiovascular system Trad climbing and sport climbing are great for cardio. Placing nuts are intuitive, they are inexpensive, and will last you a long time. I'm still pretty new at trad climbing and I was a hex sceptic until the other day - I went climbing somewhere different to my usual haunt - a rather exposed cliff where the erosion had scooped out the most marvellous hex placements - absolutely bomber! 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. Jun 27, 2023 · In this article, we cover the main principles of safety when lead climbing—both when clipping bolts and learning to place cams, nuts, hexes and tri cams. , which are inserted into cracks and crevices as they go. In great shape, hardly used. We cover how to inspect bolts, when to retire carabiners, best practices when clipping to avoid big falls, and managing risk. Should someone learn hexes before cams? RSS Feeds for Trad Climbing Premier Sponsor: Trad climbing requires a lot of gear, and it can be quite confusing knowing exactly what you need and what you should buy. Trad uses removable protection like cams, nuts, and 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 behind it. The crack system invites confident hand and finger jams, guiding you upward through solid granite that rewards steady effort. Ballnuts are new to me in the last year of owning, but I'm finding I love them. Sep 17, 2024 · Place a hex (okay, fine, a nut) at the apex of a roof or when the angle mellows out to keep the rope running smoothly. Hexes are an old type of climbing protection that are seldom seen on climber's racks since the introduction of cams. A combination of the best ideas behind the trusty old Hexentric with Rock geometry. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. In this article, we will explore the world of traditional climbing and how climbers can use their skills to raise awareness and funds for important causes. Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. This small yet essential piece of traditional “trad” climbing equipment is built to be slotted into constrictions in cracks. 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. Have an instructor or experienced friend inspect your placements. We have been climbing for a while, guiding professionally Sep 27, 2025 · Struggling with trad anchors? Learn Building Bombproof Trad Anchors: Principles of SERENE/ERNEST. We also cover placing gear on traditionally protected climbs, backing up suspect placements, and selecting your climb. When trad climbing, the leader must place their own gear in the rock. Nov 30, 2017 · Rock Climbing for Beginners: Placing a Hex Whilst many experienced climbers have turned away from hexes in favour of camming devices they are still popular with people starting out and winter climbers. Aug 8, 2022 · Part I: An introduction to nutcraft Part II. Start here! Jan 22, 2010 · When I first started trad climbing all I could afford were nuts, hexes, and tricams. 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 'hexes' article is part of the book - Trad Climbing Basics. 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. traditional climbing. 00 or Best Offer 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. Jun 23, 2024 · Traditional climbing, also known as trad climbing, is a style of rock climbing where climbers place their own protection as they ascend a route. 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. It also can reduce the impact force on single pieces of Will it Whip??? Stacked Hex and Cam (Wild County)- unconventional trad climbing protection Granted, I see most of the "hate" on online forums but people seem to mock the idea of using hexes when "you can just use a cam". 7). Traditional climbing: use at your own risk. I think the usefulness of hexes is very dependant on where you climb. But don’t underestimate the benefits of their counterpart: the nut We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. You’ll also get to practice placing gear while climbing and get personalized, real-time feedback in a Explore a wide range of our Climbing Hex selection. Why not stock up and places those Jul 17, 2024 · This course combines instruction from what was previously two different classes: advanced anchors and the basics of traditional climbing. Once I started climbing on gear routes that physically challenged my climbing ability the rapid placement of a cam became welcome [1]. This is in contrast to sport climbing, where you rely on Nov 27, 2020 · Traditional or “trad” climbing is a style of climbing whereby a leader free climbs up a rockface placing various pieces of metal equipment (known as protection or gear) into the natural cracks and slots in the rock. They are also lighter than the equivalent sized cam. friends, wires, hexes, nuts and cams) possibilities of using chalk (strictly prohibited vs. Set of three Black Diamond Hexentrics on wires. You may be tempted – they are cheap (like real cheap, you can get a whole used rack for the price of one new cam) – but they are not worth it. Three types of trad protection: Passive Active Natural Practice placing gear on the ground first. 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. Building your first trad rack made simple and easy. May 11, 2025 · Sport climbing vs trad climbing are two popular rock climbing styles, each with unique approaches and challenges. In the beginning of your trad climbing career you should focus on building a solid nut rack and learning to place them well. I've seen, and had, many people recommend carrying "just a couple" hexes with them/me. 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. Jun 23, 2024 · Traditional climbing, also known as trad climbing, is a form of rock climbing where climbers place removable protection as they climb. 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. Sep 27, 2025 · Your Introduction to Trad Climbing: The Art of Placing Your Own Protection. Good places to stand and place and fiddle with a hex are good places to break an ankle. To start, you need Nuts are an essential for every trad climber. It’s a discipline where climbers place their own protective gear—a core concept of this type of climbing that opens up a world of unique challenges and rewards. Arete A wall edge that stands at an acute angle Apr 29, 2015 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. They cost a lot less too. All that to say—YMMV, it’s how things were done in the old times and is likely “super good enough” but I think you need to seriously weigh the drawbacks (namely durability) against the benefits, which you can achieve by just using an alpine draw anyway. Features User Manual Instruction manual_EN Decla 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. Oct 28, 2016 · From cams to nuts to hexes, learn the basics of trad gear with tips for buying your first rack. They offer the versatility of a nut and a cam and are great to drop into cracks. 3 lectures, 3 field days Prereq is Intermediate Picture a hex in passive mode, spreading impact force pretty evenly between two sides. This article explains the physics of how climbing cams work, and also how to place, remove and rack them. They were developed as an alternative to pitons, which are hammered into cracks, damaging the rock. Learn to trad climb. May 17, 2024 · What you really need to know, and buy, to start trad climbing. 5 and 5. 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. I started climbing trad in the 90s, but didn't buy my first cam until 2014. Sport climbs ascend Roofs and Vertical walls. Cams are certainly easier, but I'll take a well placed hex over any cam placement anyday. Hexes are far cheaper than cams and there are also places where hexes will work better than cams. Bouldering can also work cardio, but would involve ascending routes in quick succession. Most commonly, a carabiner will be used to join the hex to the climbing rope by means of a loop of 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 Oct 31, 2024 · Our climbing experts have been testing the best climbing nuts and stoppers for over 10 years and over 15 different sets. This can include placing cams, nuts, hexes, pitons, and other gear into cracks and crevices in the rock to create anchors for their ropes. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! In addition to the gear you use in an indoor wall or at a sport crag, you'll need some more specialist kit to climb a trad route. How to Place Climbing Nuts, Hexes, and Tricams The lowly climbing nut is proof that there’s not just beauty in simplicity; there’s safety, too. Advanced nut placement techniques Part III. They’re like the Swiss Army knife of passive protection—versatile, rugged, and always reliable when the going gets tough. The asymmetrical, tapered shape of each hex allows for multiple placement options, accommodating a wider range of crack sizes and shapes. This article explains all. For summer Trad climbing I love tricams and use them frequently, hexes I carry but rarely use. Sep 27, 2025 · Traditional climbing, at its heart, is an adventurous pursuit that captivates dedicated climbers. . Explore the world of rock climbing and take your skills to new heights. 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. Super (ish) advanced nutcraft This article originally appeared in our print magazine in 2013. tolerated) Durable, fully ventilated helmet for climbing, mountaineering and other rope activities. Sport climbing relies on fixed bolts for protection, while trad climbing requires climbers to place their own gear as they ascend. However, they do have advantages over cams in certain situations. Set includes: 2 - BD #1 2 - BD #2 1 - BD #3 1 - Camp #1 1 - Camp #2 1 - Camp #3 1 - Camp #4 2 - Camp #5 (one wired, one on dyneema sling. They’re easy to use and contract to fit a variety of crack sizes. Get the best deals for Trad Climbing Hexes at eBay. Jun 13, 2025 · Aid climbing flips that on its head: gear is essential for climbing up, as you weigh it directly. Hexes are cheaper than cams, cams can "walk" hexes don't, they are lighter than a cam and can take a beating especially if you do chimney climbs alot. There are various types of climbing hexes available in many different brands, colours, shapes and sizes. 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. Find the best climbing hexes from Black Diamond, DMM, Metolius, Rock Empire, Wild Country. This versatility is a key advantage in trad climbing, where crack dimensions can vary significantly. Tricams work in a similar way to hexes; they can be placed in 'passive' mode like a nut, and also in 'active' mode. 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. Climb a trad route on top rope while placing your gear as you ascend. People make jokes about placing hexes just for the LOLs with their friends and joke about using that one HUGE bomber hex everyone seems to have. Get the best deals on Nuts/Rocks Climbing & Caving Carabiners & Hardware when you shop the largest online selection at eBay. Up until about a month ago I had to borrow other people's gear if I wanted to use cams. I usually bring a few hexes with me if I read in the guide book that they are helpful but I like the versatility of a cam more. 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. Must Haves Hex’s are a must in my opinion for trad climbing. Terrain Features The following rock climbing terms deal with the physical features of rock. 1. v2p2ha is79q su u0kuw xzajttf lsq y0vh i0 ybiat nbzg