Climbing & Mountaineering Fitting Guide
From harnesses to crampons, correct fit is essential for safety. Climbing and mountaineering are dangerous sports — renters must have the skills, training, and experience to use this gear properly.
Harnesses
Fit details
- Waist belt should fit above hip bones, never on the waist.
- Leg loops snug but allow free movement; adjustable models fit over bulky layers.
- Gear loops should not slide around when loaded.
Safety notes
- Double-check all buckles are threaded and doubled back before use.
- Retire harness if webbing is frayed, stitching is damaged, or age exceeds manufacturer lifespan (typically 5–10 years).
⚠️ Never tie in above the belay loop or gear loops — they are not load-rated.
Climbing Shoes
Fit options
- Beginner/comfort fit: same size or ½ size down from street shoes.
- Performance fit: 1–2 sizes down, tight but not painful.
- Aggressive fit: curled toes, used only for short, technical climbs.
Safety notes
- Ill-fitting shoes can cause injury (toe/foot strain).
- Not suitable for approach hikes — always bring supportive footwear for the trail in.
Helmets
Fit details
- Dial-adjust or strap systems should keep helmet stable even without chin strap.
- Chin strap snug; buckle under chin, not throat.
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Safety notes
- Protects against falling rock, ice, and head impacts.
- Replace any helmet after a major impact, even if no cracks are visible.
- Retire helmets every 5–10 years depending on material (check manufacturer guidance)
Crampons
Fit details
- Center bar length must match boot sole length — no overhang.
- Test on boots before trip — straps and bails should close securely.
Safety notes
- Wrong crampon type = serious risk of binding failure.
- Anti-balling plates recommended to prevent snow buildup underfoot.
- Always carry a small tool for field adjustments.
⚠️ Renters must confirm boot compatibility. StompGear cannot guarantee fit across all boot/crampon models.
Ice Axes
Fit details
- Mountaineering axe length = grip at side, spike at ankle height.
- Shorter technical axes = precision for steep ice/mixed routes.
Safety notes
- Axes must be leashed or secured to prevent dropping in exposed terrain.
- Know how to perform a self-arrest before using.
⚠️ Improper axe use can result in severe injury or death. Training is mandatory.
Ropes & Hardware
Ropes
- Single ropes (9–10.5 mm): most versatile.
- Half/twin ropes: alpine/ice, reduce rope drag, allow long rappels.
- Static ropes: hauling/rappelling only, never for lead climbing.
Carabiners & protection
- Screwgate or auto-locking carabiners required for belay/rappel.
- Inspect for sharp edges, gate misalignment, or cracks.
- Belay devices must match rope diameter range.
Safety notes
- Retire ropes after significant falls, sheath damage, or age (typically 5–10 years max).
- Retire carabiners/webbing after deformation, cracks, or heavy wear.
Alpine Safety Gear
Avalanche safety
- Beacon, probe, and shovel required in avalanche terrain.
- ⚠️ Minimum training: AST 1 (Avalanche Skills Training Level 1) → https://avalanche.ca/training
- More advanced: AST 2 for complex terrain.
Glacier travel & crevasse rescue
- Harness, rope, prusiks/ascenders, pulleys, ice screws, pickets.
- Each climber must know:
- Knots: figure-8, clove hitch, prusik, autoblock.
- Systems: haul setups (3:1 Z-pulley, 6:1 systems).
- Self-rescue: ascending rope, escaping crevasse.
- ⚠️ Training: Renters should complete a Crevasse Rescue Course with a certified guide or alpine school before attempting glacier travel.
👉 Example course providers:
- Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (https://www.acmg.ca)
- Alpine Club of Canada (https://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca)
Other alpine essentials
- Helmet (ice/rock fall hazard).
- Extra layers + bivy gear for emergencies.
- Maps, GPS, and navigation skills — cell service often unreliable.
⚠️ StompGear does not provide training. Renters must seek professional instruction before using technical gear in avalanche or glacier terrain.
Safety & Responsibility
- Always inspect gear before use (webbing, stitching, buckles, straps, carabiners, crampons, helmets).
- Retire gear that shows any signs of damage.
- Never exceed manufacturer life span, even if gear "looks fine."
- Training is essential: use gear only within your experience level and formal instruction.
- Climbing and mountaineering carry a risk of serious injury or death.
⚖️ Disclaimer: StompGear provides fit guidelines for education only. Renters are responsible for checking manufacturer instructions, ensuring compatibility, and having the necessary training. StompGear assumes no responsibility for accidents, injuries, or fatalities arising from the use or misuse of this equipment.