Climbing Gear Maintenance Tips: Keep Your Gear in Top Shape

Climbing gear is your lifeline, so proper maintenance is essential for both safety and performance. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or climbing regularly, taking care of your equipment ensures it lasts longer and performs better. Let’s dive into some practical tips on how to care for and maintain your climbing shoes, harnesses, and other gear, so you can climb with confidence.

1. Climbing Shoes Maintenance

Cleaning

• Air them out: After each session, let your shoes air dry. This prevents moisture buildup and odor, keeping them fresher for longer.
• Hand wash when needed: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior and exterior of your shoes. If they need a deep clean, soak them in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the shoe's materials.
• Avoid the washing machine: The harsh cycles can degrade the rubber and fabric of your shoes.

Storage

• Avoid direct sunlight: Excessive heat and UV exposure can weaken the rubber and make the shoes lose their stickiness. Store them in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• Stuff with paper: If your shoes are wet, stuff them with newspaper to help absorb moisture and retain their shape.

When to Replace

• Check the rubber: If the sole or rand is wearing thin, particularly near the toes, it’s time to consider resoling or replacing the shoes. Evolv’s durable Trax SAS rubber ensures longer life, but even the best shoes need care over time.
• Fit and feel: If your shoes lose their snug fit or start stretching too much, they might not offer the same performance as before.

Evolv’s climbing shoes, featuring their proprietary Trax SAS rubber and VTR technology, offer long-lasting durability, making them a solid investment for climbers of all levels.

2. Harness Maintenance

Cleaning

• Hand wash only: Use mild soap and warm water to gently clean your harness. Avoid harsh detergents that could weaken the fabric and stitching.
• Dry thoroughly: After washing, hang your harness in a shady, ventilated area. Never dry it in direct sunlight or a dryer, as heat can compromise the material’s integrity.

Storage

• Cool and dry place: Store your harness in a cool, dry environment away from chemicals or direct sunlight. Avoid leaving it in a car or damp area, as moisture and heat can degrade the materials over time.
• Avoid sharp edges: Don’t store your harness in a way that could expose it to sharp objects that might fray the fabric.

When to Replace

• Fraying or cuts: Inspect the webbing for fraying, cuts, or excessive wear. Pay extra attention to the belay loop and tie-in points, as these areas experience the most stress.
• Fading: Faded webbing could indicate UV damage, which weakens the material.
• Wild Country durability: Wild Country harnesses are designed to withstand heavy use, but all harnesses should be replaced after about 5 years, or sooner if they show signs of wear.

3. Ropes and Slings Maintenance

Cleaning

• Hand wash with mild soap: Use lukewarm water and mild soap to clean your ropes. Avoid machine washing unless specifically permitted by the manufacturer.
• Dry properly: After washing, flake the rope out and let it air dry in a shady, ventilated area. Never use direct sunlight or a dryer.

Storage

• Avoid sunlight: UV rays weaken ropes over time, so store them in a cool, shaded area.
• Keep dry: Store ropes in a dry place to prevent mildew or moisture damage.

When to Replace

• Core shots or flat spots: If your rope has visible damage like a core shot (where the inner core is exposed) or flat spots, it should be retired immediately.
• Age: Even with no visible damage, ropes should be retired after 5-10 years depending on use, as they lose strength over time.

4. Other Gear Maintenance (Carabiners, Quickdraws, Belay Devices)

Cleaning

• Wipe down regularly: Use a dry cloth to wipe away dirt and chalk from your carabiners and belay devices. For deeper cleaning, use warm water and a mild soap. Make sure they are completely dry before storage.
• Avoid lubricants: Some climbers use lubricant on carabiners, but make sure it’s climbing-specific to avoid damaging the metal or leaving residues that attract dirt.

Storage

• Avoid moisture: Always store metal gear in a dry environment to prevent rust or corrosion.
• Keep away from chemicals: Gear should not be stored near chemicals like gasoline or cleaners, which could damage the metal or plastic components.

When to Replace

• Check for cracks or sharp edges: Examine your carabiners and belay devices regularly for cracks, sharp edges, or bent gates. Even minor damage can compromise the gear’s strength.
• Retire after significant falls: If any of your metal gear has been involved in a significant fall, inspect it carefully. If you’re unsure about its integrity, it’s better to replace it.

Wild Country’s harnesses are designed with reinforced materials and rigorous safety standards, making them reliable for all types of climbing

Conclusion

Maintaining your climbing gear is essential to ensure safety, performance, and longevity. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and timely replacement of worn-out equipment can save you from potential accidents and costly gear replacements. With high-quality products from brands like Wild Country and Evolv, you can climb with confidence, knowing your gear is built to endure. Visit the Boulder Planet Showroom to explore a range of durable gear and get expert advice on keeping your equipment in top shape.