Via Ferrata Equipment

What equipment do I need for a Via Ferrata?

Okay, now I will tell you, what you exactly need to do a Via Ferrata. The Minimum and the Maximum. I will go into details. Some information might not know everybody, but it could be of importance.

I will divide it into three parts: 1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and 2. Additional Equipment and 3. Common Equipment (also necessary for normal hiking tours)

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

You need at least three things: A harness, a via ferrata energy absorbing system and last but definetly not least a climbing helmet.

Harness

There are no special Via Ferrata harnesses. You can use the same ones like for rock climbing and you can choose between one for your waist or a full-body one. The one for the waist is more comfortable, but you have to know, in case of a fall there is the risk of falling upside down. I especially recommend to use a complete full-body harness for kids. But never use just a chest harness alone!!!

Climbing harness

Via Ferrata Energy Absorbing System (Via Ferrata Set)

In case of a fall there are a lot forces operating to a body. Much more than a normal fall in rock or sport climbing. So there is a special equipment needed to absorb this energy. Not using this may cause serious to lethal injuries!!! I maybe will do a blogpost about physics in my blog next time.

The energy absorbing system insists two lanyards with special carabiners and the energy absorbing system itself. Never build something like this for yourself!!! In the past there were systems, you could build for yourself, but comprehensive studies tells us, they are not really safe.

Please buy systems like this:

Via Ferrata Energy Absorbing System

Via Ferrata Energy Absorbing System

A short view how the absorbing works you can see in this pictures;

Via Ferrata Energy Absorbing System open

Via Ferrata Energy Absorbing System open

In one of my next posts I will explain how to rope up correctly.

Climbing Helmet

Well, if you are a tough guy you can do a Via Ferrata without a harness and a Via Ferrata set. Pretty cool, but in this case, please be really experienced and please take care of others!!!

And so, the most important kind of equipment is the helmet. Why?

In alpine areas is always the danger of rockfall. It could be natural, 

caused by chamois or even from the guy above you , which is not sure of step.

Please make sure to use always a climbing helmet and nothing else:

Climbing Helmet

Climbing Helmet

In Europe there is a DIN EN Norm for climbing helmets. If you are going to get one in Europe make sure there is the EN Norm 12492 inside (I don't know, if there there is also an ISO norm or anything similar for other countries yet, but I will figure out).

Climbing helmet with DIN EN Norm 12492

Also very important is the date of expiry. Yes, a climbing helmet do have this. Most climbing helmets have a date of expiry after 5 years. Inside the helmet you should find the manufactoring date. 5 years later you should change your helmet. Always remember, it is your life!!!

Climbing helmet date of expiry

2. Additional Equipment

As additional equipment I recommend Via Ferrata gloves and a sling for resting. If you are familiar in proper handling with rope protection, you can also use a 65 ft (20m) climbing rope for extra protection of children or weaker mountaineers. It might also be good in case of a climb-down for Abseiling. 

Rest sling

Sometimes, especially in more difficult Via Ferratas you should rest. Therefore you can create a rest sling. I recommend to use a HMS carabiner and a sling. 

Rest sling with HMS carabiner

If you like to rest you just hook it additionially to your Via Ferrata Set into the steel cables and you can shake out your hands and sit comfortably in your harness.

Via Ferrata gloves

You can do a Via Ferrata without gloves, but I highly recommend to use them. They protect you from injuries from the steel cable and you also have more grip during climbing up.

Via Ferrata gloves

3. Common Equipment

Mountains are great, awesome and amazing. But they are also dangerous and the weather can change very fast. So you always have to expect the unexpected and be prepared. Therefore you should put some things into your backpack. Here is a short table of the most important things for a mountain tour (Summer):

1. Enough food and drinks (67 oz (2l) are recommended)

2. Winter clothes, rainjacket, windbreaker, winter gloves, beanie

3. First Aid Kit

4. A bivvy bag

5. A mobile/cellular phone

6. Maps of your target area (hard-copy)

7. A headlight (plus spare batteries)

8. Sunblock

9. A Topo of your Via Ferrata target

In the following I will explain some of the parts in the list, which needs additional information.

First Aid Kit

Small injuries can always happen. So it is good to have it with you. You don't need a special First Aid Kit, a cheap outdoor First Aid Kit is sufficient. You only should add one or two space blankets, if it is not included.

First Aid Kit

Space blanket

Bivvy bag or Bivouac Sack

You should plan your tour correctly, so that you don't really need this. But it can always happen, that you get into trouble without your fault. So, if you have to stay in the mountain overnight for whatever the reason is, a bivvy bag could safe your life. It protects you against wetness and frostbite.

Bivvy bag or bivouac sack

Headlight

You also should take a headlight with you. Same reason like the bivvy bag. For whatever reason you could get into darkness. There are several headlights available, very expensive ones with 3000 lumen or more, but a cheap LED headlight is entirely sufficient.

Headlight

Why do I need a hard-copied map, if I do have a cellular phone?

That's easy. You should use your cellular phone only for emergency calls and save the energy.

And for orientation you should use a hard-copied map like the following example:

Alpine Map

Topos

For most of the climbing routes and Via Ferratas in the Alps you can find a Topo. They are pretty good to plan your tours and evaluate the difficulties. 

In my next blogpost I will you give you detailled information about.

Hiking boots

It should be clear, that you have to use suitable shoes for your trip. That means at least hiking boots or special boots for mountaineering or Via Ferratas. I am not an expert to say, which are the best. Therefore you should ask a retailer.

Okay, I hope this was helpful. In my next post I will talk about Gradings and Topos.