Hot Climbing How-Tos « Climbing

How To: Big wall climb with a basic jumaring technique

This is part of the 'How To Big Wall Book' series on rock climbing. In this segment Chris McNamara demonstrates basic jumaring technique for rock climbing overhang or low angle terrain. This technique for over hanging terrain called jumaring is to reduce arm strain and ascending walls. He then shows you how to ascend a vertical or low angle terrain. This video is shot at El Capitan in California.

How To: Tie a Penborthy friction knot

Know your knots! Learn to tie a Penborthy friction knot with this free video guide. Tying a penborthy knot will vary depending on how much weight the knot will support but this video should give you a good sense of what it is you'll need to do. The knot is easy to tie provided, of course, you know how to go about making it. For an easy-to-follow, step-by-step overview of how to tie this useful climber's knot in a minute's time or less, watch this free video knot tyer's guide.

How To: Tie a Munter friction knot (or Munter hitch)

Know your knots! With this free video tutorial, you'll learn how to tie a Munter friction hitch. Munter friction knots are usually used for repelling, and you would need to know the exact ropes and hitches to use. The knot is easy to tie provided, of course, you know how to go about making it. For an easy-to-follow, step-by-step overview of how to tie this useful climber's knot in a minute's time or less, watch this free video knot tyer's guide.

How To: Tie a release hitch knot for mountain climbing

Learn how to tie a release-hitch knot! The release hitch knot was developed to overcome the shortcomings of the Prusik knot, making it perfect for rock and mountain climbers. For an easy-to-follow, step-by-step overview of how to tie this useful climber's knot in a minute's time or less, watch this free video knot tyer's guide.

How To: Walk on crampons in ice mountaineering

In this how-to video, you will learn the basics of walking in crampons in the North Cascades. Put on your crampons if you expect ice. If the snow is soft, you can kick-step in. Make sure you have two points of contact. Use your ice axe in the snow and then step and kick. Lift and place the ice axe in front of you and step and kick in. Keep on doing this. Another technique you can do is step side ways along with the axe. It is the same process except stepping sideways instead. Make sure all th...

How To: Exercise to get in shape for mountaineering

Ali Alami with Fit Climb demonstrates how to get in shape for mountaineering. You can do these exercises in a park or at home. Your core and lower body are important in mountaineering. First, find a wet, wood bench that is four to six inches off of the ground. Do step ups to work your quadriceps and glutes. Balance briefly on one leg and then bring the other leg up. You can also do side steps. Step downs help you get you used to gravity. Calf raises are also helpful. To strengthen your core u...

How To: Tie a strong water knot

Webbing is not only used in sports like rock climbing and caving, but it also comes in handy in camping and hiking. This video shows you how to tie two webbing ends together to make a loop that will not come off. A square knot does not work for webbing as it will slip through, therefore a water knot is used. Take 4 inches (10 cm) from one marked end and tie an overhand loop. Ensure that the webbing is not twisted. Slip the other end in the knot and trace the second end around the overhand kno...

How To: Tie a Prusik friction knot

In this Outdoor Recreation video tutorial you will learn how to tie a Prusik friction knot. In case someone has fallen into a crevasse or you want to get back on a rope, Pruisk knot is required. It is used to tie two ropes of different diameters. It basically puts a loop of cord around another rope. It is named after the Austrian mountaineer, Karl Prusik. For making the knot, take the fixed loop made on one rope and pass it around the other rope and back through the fixed loop itself. Then lo...

How To: Tie a one-handed bowline knot quickly

When climbing one of the most crucial knots to have in your arsenal is the Bowline Knot. But sometimes you may find yourself in a situation that requires you to tie one quickly. In this video you'll learn how to tie one quickly withn one hand so that way you can really leave yourself hanging!

How To: Use a two anchor system to set up a fixed rappel station for climbing

A fixed rappel station is an important part of climbing, and there are a lot of ways to make one. This video will show you how to use a two-anchor system with a redundant backup for maximum saftey. It also has a hip-seat rappel with a safety prusik.

How To: Make a Fast Rope for Climbing, including an eye splice

Generations of Americans have struggled to climb up normal ropes in gyms across the nation. If only they had this stuff. Fast rope is a thick braided rope that makes climbing a hell of a lot faster and easier. This video will show you how to make it in three parts: first making the rope itself, then making an eye splice for it, then whipping and fusing the end of the rope. This is great stuff to have for any serious climbing trip or survival situation.

How To: Tie a Prusik knot

Know your knots! With this free video tutorial, you'll learn how to tie a simple Prusik knot. The Prusik knot is perfect for mountain climbers, as it tightens when weight is applied and slides when the tensions is released. The knot is easy to tie provided, of course, you know how to go about making it. For an easy-to-follow, step-by-step overview of how to tie this useful fisherman's knot in a minute's time or less, watch this free video knot tyer's guide.

How To: Stop yourself with an ice axe in mountaineering

Ali Alami with Fit Climb demonstrates how to stop yourself using an ice axe when mountaineering. Arresting yourself is important if you or a partner on a rope team trip or fall when climbing. To practice hold your ice axe across your chest and slide down a hill on your backside. To arrest yourself roll to whatever side the pick is positioned on, digging the pick into the mountain and rolling your body completely on top of it. Keep your feet above the snow until you are almost at a stop and th...

How To: Abseil (decend) in rock climbing

In this Outdoor Recreation video tutorial you will learn how to abseil (decend) in rock climbing. You will need some friction device for this purpose. Earlier people used to wrap the rope around their body and used the body as the friction device. That is a painful process. In the modern method, a figure 8 friction plate is used. There should be no jewelry or other hanging material around the body that can get entangled with the figure 8 plate. Also check the harness is OK. Then carefully go ...

How To: Build a successful fire in the snow

In this outdoors how-to video from fitclimb.com we're shown how to make a fire in the snow. The first step is to find a good flat spot, or make a flat spot yourself. Next, we look for trees with dead branches and break those dead branches off for the wood. The key here is to be organized because you'll have to carry this wood back to your camp. Next, you want to make a platform for your fire to keep it from sinking down as the snow melts. Here, we're using the bark from a dead stump for a pla...

How To: Tie a common figure eight climbing knot

How to tie a Eight Figure Knot.

How To: Tie a bowline knot for climbing

A bowline knot is one of the most important knots in climbing. You need to make sure you tie it tight for your safety. Watch this tutorial before the next time you hit the hills, and stay safe.

How To: Prepare to rock climb

Rock climbing can be one of the most physical yet fun activities to get involved in. One thing not to overlook is preperation; it is a huge key in rock climbing or any other sport. This video will show you exactly how to prepare for a rock climbing excursion.

How To: Climb Mount Everest

Eeverst isn’t for armatures. If you have the ambition of climbing Mt. Everest you will have to do a lot of preparations including physical fitness work, travel arrangements, not to mention putting aside thousands of dollars to make your dream a reality.

How To: Choose rock climbing shoes

Dean Pflaumer shows you how to choose the correct climbing shoes. Follow these tips to make sure you choose the correct rock climbing shoe: The tighter the shoes are, the better you are going to climb. You will be able to choose between Velcro versus slip ons and lace ups. You need to be clear as to what type of climbing you are going to do, and then choose your shoes accordingly. All climbing shoes are made with a sticky rubber on the sole, while the rest of the shoe design varies from manuf...

How To: Climb a rope

It may have been tricky when you did it in gym class, but rope climbing is a great way to develop upper-body strength. Learn how to climb a rope. You will need a sturdy hanging rope, athletic clothes and athletic shoes. Tip: Wearing comfortable shoes and clothes will make climbing the rope easier.

How To: Rock climb for the first time

Learn the figure 8 knot to latch on a climbing harness. This is a simple knot that is like the sailing figure eight knot. It's used to go between your climbing harness and the top or lead climbing rope. This requires a latching or locking carabiner to afix the rope tied in a figure eight to your harness. This is a basic climbing skill. Rock climb for the first time - Part 1 of 3.

How To: Tie a figure eight knot for rock climbing

The figure of eight is commonly used to attach a rope to a climbing harness. Being able to tie a figure of eight knot properly is an essential climbing skill. If the climbing rope is attached incorrectly to the harness, the consequences could be fatal.

How To: Climb steep rock walls in rock climbing

Adopting a style that favours the body's stronger muscles is important when climbing. On steep rock, the most effective way to increase your performance may well be to change the way you climb.

How To: Warm up for safe rock climbing

An effective warm up is essential for climbing: you will climb better and are less likely to sustain an injury. With no warm up, performance is compromised, fatigue comes quickly, and injuries are more likely. All together: Not Good!

How To: Bounce test while lead rock climbing big walls

This is part of the How To Big Wall Book. In this segment Chris McNamara demonstrates bounce testing when leading. Bounce testing is important because it gives you a margin of safety with placements. You can confidently climb and move faster for the better climb. You can bounce test with your feet.

How To: Lead and move up the piece during big wall rock climbs

This is part of the How To Big Wall Book. In this segment Chris McNamara demonstrates how to move up the piece when leading as he sends El Capitan. This is import for safe and effective climbing. This will be combined with jumaring techniques for traversing and lead climbing.

How To: Rack and clean big wall rock climbing gear

This is part of the How To Big Wall Book. In this segment Chris McNamara demonstrates basic racking when cleaning. This rock climbing technique is important for safe and effective big wall rock climbing. He is climbing El Capitan in this video. You should clean gear in a certain way to make sure you don't break or climb with unsafe carabiners or harnesses.

How To: Big wall rock climb with proper back up knots

This is part of the How To Big Wall Book. In this segment Chris McNamara demonstrates how to use back up knots when jumaring. This is a technique video for summitting or sending problems on big walls outdoors. The knots are crucial for safe and effective rock climbing technique. When you are following in traversing terrain so that you are attached to the rope at more than one or two points. He is climbing El Capitan in this video.

How To: Big wall rock climb with a basic ascender setup

This is part of the How To Big Wall Book. In This segment Chris McNamara demonstrates how to set up ascenders before jumaring. This is an important rock climbing technique when climbing big walls outdoors.

How To: Tie the Figure 8, or Flemish, Bend (Rope Join) knot

Learn how to tie the Figure Eight, or Flemish, Bend (Rope Join) Knot for climbing. The animated knot tying tutorial is the best you'll find. With this knot tying how to, you can tie the Figure Eight, or Flemish, Bend (Rope Join) Knot fast or slow, or pause it at every step along the way. Learn to tie knots for your next climbing trip. Tie the Figure 8, or Flemish, Bend (Rope Join) knot.

How To: Tie a Figure 8 Follow Through knot for climbing

Learn how to tie the Figure Eight Follow Through Knot for climbing. The animated knot tying tutorial is the best you'll find. With this knot tying how to, you can tie the Figure Eight Follow Through Knot fast or slow, or pause it at every step along the way. Learn to tie knots for your next climbing trip. Tie a Figure 8 Follow Through knot for climbing.

How To: Tie a Double Figure Eight Loop knot aka Bunny Ears

Learn how to tie the Double Figure Eight Loop Knot (aka Bunny Ears) for climbing. The animated knot tying tutorial is the best you'll find. With this knot tying how to, you can tie the Double Figure Eight Loop Knot fast or slow, or pause it at every step along the way. Learn to tie knots for your next climbing trip. Tie a Double Figure Eight Loop knot aka Bunny Ears.

How To: Tie the Double Fisherman's Bend Knot for climbing

Learn how to tie the Double Fisherman's Bend Knot for climbing. The animated knot tying tutorial is the best you'll find. With this knot tying how to, you can tie the Double Fisherman's Bend Knot fast or slow, or pause it at every step along the way. Learn to tie knots for your next climbing trip. Tie the Double Fisherman's Bend Knot for climbing.

How To: Tie the Munter Mule knot with a knot tying animation

Learn how to tie the Munter Mule Combination Knot for climbing. This animated knot tying tutorial is the best you'll find. With this knot tying how to, you can tie the Munter Mule Combination Knot fast or slow, or pause it at every step along the way. Learn to tie knots for your next climbing trip. Tie the Munter Mule knot with a knot tying animation.

How To: Tie the Alpine Butterfly Knot (or Lineman's Knot)

Learn how to tie the Alpine Butterfly Knot for climbing. The animated knot tying tutorial is the best you'll find. With this knot tying how to, you can tie the Alpine Butterfly Knot fast or slow, or pause it at every step along the way. Learn to tie knots for your next climbing trip. Tie the Alpine Butterfly Knot (or Lineman's Knot).

How To: Tie the One Handed Bowline Knot for climbing

Learn how to tie the One Handed Bowline Knot for climbing. The animated knot tying tutorial is the best you'll find. With this knot tying how to, you can tie the One Handed Bowline Knot fast or slow, or pause it at every step along the way. Learn to tie knots for your next climbing trip. Tie the One Handed Bowline Knot for climbing.

How To: Tie the Prusik Knot or Triple Sliding Hitch Knot

Learn how to tie the Prusik Knot or Triple Sliding Hitch Knot for climbing. The animated knot tying tutorial is the best you'll find. With this knot tying how to, you can tie the Prusik Knot or Triple Sliding Hitch Knot fast or slow, or pause it at every step along the way. Learn to tie knots for your next climbing trip. Tie the Prusik Knot or Triple Sliding Hitch Knot.

How To: Tie the Klemheist Knot with a knot tying animation

Learn how to tie the Klemheist Knot for climbing. This animated knot tying tutorial is the best you'll find. With this knot tying how to, you can tie the Klemheist Knot fast or slow, or pause it at every step along the way. Learn to tie knots for your next climbing trip. Tie the Klemheist Knot with a knot tying animation.

How To: Tie the Girth Hitch knot with a knot tying animation

Learn how to tie the Girth Hitch Knot for climbing. This animated knot tying tutorial is the best you'll find. With this knot tying how to, you can tie the Girth Hitch Knot fast or slow, or pause it at every step along the way. Learn to tie knots for your next climbing trip. Tie the Girth Hitch knot with a knot tying animation.