First rack: Expensive but cheaper than years of psychotherapy

After receiving some kind of competent instruction (like being taught by a guide or a friend that’s really good), purchasing a harness, one locking carabiner and a belay device, climbers generally think about buying a rack.

A rack is the serious gear, the selection of stoppers, friends and carabiners carried by the lead climber and slung around the waist or over the shoulder. Expect to spend about $1,000.

What to buy:

* Eight to nine different sized wire stoppers or nuts (no real small ones).

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