Weather

Descending in Thunderstorm

Common Climbing Dangers

Always bring a headlamp. A headlamp weighs almost nothing and can make the complete difference in the middle of an epic. I recommend carrying it on any climb over two pitches. A water proof jacket and warm clothes are also essential. When you are climbing a route, watch out for potential escape routes and develop a retreat plan. Trees and large blocks offer excellent retreat points where you will not loose very much gear (some webbing) if you are forced to bail.

Lightening is a real issue while climbing. Try to always retreat prior to a storm. If you find yourself in the middle of a lightening storm, safety retreat. Do not try to go faster than you are accustomed to rappelling. There is a greater chance of you injuring yourself by making a mistake due to hurrying, than being struck by lightening. If you are under a full rope length from the ground and a storm hits you can tie a single fixed line (use a figure eight on a bite at the top) to the anchor and rappel the single line to the base of the climb (then ascend the line after the weather has stabilized to retrieve your gear).

Related Pages

• Bail
• Danger
• GPS
• Multipitch
• Rock Climbing
• Self Rescue