Via Ferrata equipment
What via ferrata equipment do you need?
Via ferrata is an outdoor activity combining hiking and climbing. It allows to explore the mountains in a different way without being a seasoned climber. It involves progressing on a rock wall, of varying steepness, equipped with dedicated fixtures that can be grabbed with the hand, be used as foot holds and anchor points to secure yourself. Routes can go through very easy sections or parts requiring serious commitment as the steepness can induce a sensation of void, sometimes intense. To enjoy via ferrata in the best conditions, it is required to have the specific gear, which may remind of climbing and mountaineering equipment. The required equipment generally consists of a helmet to protect yourself from rocks that may fall, a climbing harness, a via ferrata lanyard composed of an energy absorber and 2 carabiners, hiking boots, a pair of gloves, a backpack, etc.
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What does via ferrata equipment consist of and how to start with the right gear?
The minimal technical equipment required for embarking on a via ferrata includes a harness, a double lanyard with automatic safety carabiners, and a helmet. With this gear, you can traverse simple via ferratas. It is also highly recommended to complement your equipment with a climbing cowstails, also known as a climbing lanyard. This lanyard allows you to attach to any fixed point on the via ferrata and take a rest.
If the route includes a zip line, you should then complete your via ferrata kit with a via ferrata pulley which allows you to roll along the cable and glide to the other side of the chasm.
Of course, do not forget your standard mountain gear, namely a good pair of via ferrata shoes and a backpack with a hydration reservoir, as taking out a water bottle while suspended is not easy. Also, bring sunscreen and a windbreaker as it is often chilly at the summit.
Which helmet should you choose for via ferrata?
Any climbing helmet will be perfectly suitable for via ferrata. These CE EN 12492 certified climbing helmets are reinforced on top to withstand falling rocks from other climbers or animals and are generously ventilated to prevent overheating in summer. It is crucial to choose a helmet that fits your size. Most helmets now feature a size adjustment system with a small dial at the back, allowing for a perfect fit according to your head circumference.
All about the via ferrata shock absorber lanyard:
The via ferrata lanyard consists of a small pouch containing the shock absorber and two elastic arms equipped with an auto-locking via ferrata carabiner.
The shock absorber is made of a webbing folded and usually stitched multiple times on itself. In the event of a fall, the lanyard deploys and slows the fall by gradually breaking all its stitches. Adding the elastic effect of the lanyards themselves provides good energy absorption.
How to secure yourself in case of a problem?
On long via ferrata routes or in overhanging physical sections, or even to take photos, it is important to be able to attach yourself to a rung. This action is called ‘securing oneself’. Once secured, you can release your hands and relax. However, it is not possible to use the two via ferrata lanyards, which are designed to deploy in case of abnormal load to absorb a potential fall.
Therefore, it is generally advisable to opt for a climbing lanyard, also known as a climbing cowstail. Made of a dynamic rope strand, this climbing lanyard is attached to the harness loop with a lark's head knot and is completed with a carabiner at its end. Warning: at no time can or should this lanyard replace the via ferrata shock absorber lanyards! The climbing lanyard is a supplementary lanyard. It would break in case of a fall. It is strictly forbidden to secure yourself with this type of lanyard on a via ferrata!
To secure yourself with a climbing lanyard, simply pass the carabiner through a closed fixed point like a ladder rung or a metal anchor point on the lifeline. Then, lock the carabiner to be perfectly secured.
Certain models of via ferrata lanyards of the latest generation now feature an additional attachment point between the two elastic arms that allows securing with a carabiner. However, the short length available is often not as practical.
Do you need a specific harness?
To enjoy via ferrata, it is sufficient to invest in a standard climbing harness. This harness has a front loop that allows you to attach your shock absorber with a lark's head knot. This type of harness also allows for attaching a climbing rope in the case of a via corda. It is important to choose the right size harness. A harness that is too small would be uncomfortable or even unwearable, and a harness that is too large would be dangerous as it would not sufficiently wrap around the hips.
The via ferrata kit: a great solution for purchasing your gear at the best price!
Climbing equipment manufacturers now offer complete via ferrata kits that include the harness, helmet, and shock absorber with its lanyards and safety carabiners. These via ferrata kits are generally offered at very attractive prices.
Don't forget the tandem speed pulley and its carabiner for zip line crossings
On some via ferratas, you may encounter zip lines. These sections are crossed using a pulley that rolls along the cable. For this, the pulleys generally used are Petzl tandem speed pulleys. To use these pulleys, you will absolutely need a climbing cowstail. This cowstail will clip under the pulley. The via ferrata lanyards then only serve to secure the pulley by also taking the cable. Do not hesitate to ask one of our salespeople for advice if you have any doubts about using any of the via ferrata equipment!