What does a Klettersteig Equipment consist of?

 Klettersteigen is walking / climbing along a secured route. The Italian designation 'Via Ferrata' literally means 'iron road'. At the via ferrata you wear a climbing harness with a large cable. This cable is attached to the iron tools by two fuses (karabiners) throughout the route.

Via Ferrata equipment consists of at least:
You need at least basic equipment to safely do a Via Ferrata. Apart from the mountain boots with a good profile, the basic equipment consists of a climbing harness, a so-called ViaFerrata set (or absorber) and a helmet. In addition, it is recommended to wear special fingerless climbing gloves. Depending on the terrain, other materials may be required as a minimum (e.g. axes and crampons in snowfields, headlamps in tunnels, etc.).
As with every trip in the mountains, taking along a rescue blanket, first aid kit and a whistle is not an unnecessary luxury. Of course you also provide enough water and snacks.

Rent a complete via ferrata set

Climbing Harness
You must secure yourself on the passages where steel cables are mounted in the rock wall. To attach yourself to the steel cables, you must initially have a climbing harness. If the harness is used for both indoor and outdoor activities, or if climbing is involved in both hot and cold times of the year, it is ideal to have adjustable leg loops. The width of the leg loops can then be adjusted to the thickness of the clothing. If only used for Via Ferrata, a lightweight basic model may suffice.

If you go out with a large / heavy backpack, you can also opt for a combination of a seat belt with a loose chest belt, so that you can increase the attachment point. In the event of a fall with only a seat belt and a heavy backpack, there is a risk that you will end up hanging upside down.

Via Ferrata Set (Absorber)
The connection between the climbing harness and the steel cable is done with a special ViaFerrata set, which includes a shock absorber. Also called 'Klettersteigset', and these come in different types. The traditional V-shaped via ferrata sets are no longer used. Nowadays almost all sets are in Y-shape and using a band that has been stitched together many times. In the event of a fall, the stitching will slowly tear loose, breaking the fall.

Helmet
Via Ferrata's often run along steep rock walls, or even under overhangs. There is a danger of falling stones here, so a good climbing helmet is indispensable. A helmet also offers protection in the event of an uncontrolled fall. When purchasing a helmet, you should pay particular attention to a good fit… the lightest helmets are not necessarily the most durable in terms of lifespan.

Via Ferrata gloves
Gloves protect the hands when holding the steel cable, which sometimes has sharp frays. You also have more grip on the steel cable with the gloves. Most climbing gloves leave the fingertips free, allowing you to move more freely.

Carabiners
Specific carabiners are used on a via ferrata. These carabiners have an extra large opening to fit even the thickest cables and an adapted locking mechanism for easy disconnection and reconnection.
Klettersteig carabiners are usually made of steel rather than other alloys common in mountaineering, as steel is more resistant to abrasion caused by the iron belay cables

Good (mountain) shoes.
A shoe with a good profile is recommended

A rest sling / webbing with an HMS carabiner for extra attachment in locking positions also helps when resting.

CanyonZone Knowledge base Via Ferrata / Klettersteig: Go Back.