Basic Trad Skills Archives - VDiff Climbing

Attaching to the Anchor > Slings, Daisy Chains and Common Mistakes

VDiff — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 09:00:29 +0000

Attaching to the Anchor – Slings, Daisy Chains and Common Mistakes The Top Shelf To free up space at the central point, you can clip in to the ‘top shelf’ of the cordelette. This is...

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The Mule Overhand Knot > How To Tie-Off a Belay Device

VDiff — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

The Mule Overhand Knot: How to Tie-Off a Belay Device When belaying with a standard belay device, you obviously can’t let go of the rope. But sometimes it’s really useful to have both hands free....

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How To Be a Better Belayer

VDiff — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 04:00:32 +0000

How to Be a Better Belayer Just as people pick up ‘bad habits’ after they pass their driving test, climbers often get lazy with belaying once they have learnt the basics. Here are some tips...

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Abseiling > How To Extend a Belay Device

VDiff — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 03:00:56 +0000

Extending a belay device can be a lifesaver on tricky multi-pitch abseils. This article explains how to extend a belay device.

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How To Abseil (Rappel)

VDiff — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 02:00:43 +0000

Abseiling (or rappelling) is a technique used to descend climbing ropes. This article explains how to attach yourself to the anchor, and abseil with an ATC.

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How To Belay In Guide Mode

VDiff — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 01:00:02 +0000

How to Belay in Guide Mode Guide Mode is an auto-blocking belay technique. It is a safe way for the leader to bring up the follower. Do not use this method for lead belaying. The...

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Crack Climbing > How To Make Tape Gloves

VDiff — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 00:00:16 +0000

Crack Climbing: How to Make Tape Gloves Tape gloves protect your hands when crack climbing. There are many different ways to make tape gloves. The method described below provides a durable glove which protects well,...

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Crack Climbing Technique

VDiff — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 23:00:02 +0000

Crack Climbing Technique Cracks are often very striking lines. It’s no surprise that many classic routes follow crack systems. Some climbs have short crack sections which offer the security of a solid jam and the...

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Fall Factors and kN Ratings: What They Actually Mean

VDiff — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 22:00:21 +0000

Fall Factors and kN Ratings: What They Actually Mean kN ratings are shown on all your climbing gear: nuts, cams, slings and carabiners. kN stands for kilo Newtons. 1kN is about 100kg (220lbs for the Americans)....

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Multi-Pitch Trad Climbing

VDiff — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 21:00:31 +0000

Multi-Pitch Trad Climbing A multi-pitch route is one that is split into two or more pitches. This may be because it is longer than your rope. Or it could be a wandering route that would...

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