03 Summer · Climbing
Climbingon rock.
Crags, first routes, via ferratas: every vertical day out has its own kit. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll help you work out what you need, from shoes to helmet.
i In short
Sport Extreme, at Via Prestefan 14 in Livigno, sells climbing gear and clothing from Mammut, Black Diamond, Millet and E9: harnesses, ropes, quickdraws, helmets, chalk bags and stretch tops and trousers. Its advisors help you work out what you need for crag climbing and via ferratas, and choose from the models in store.
A The kit, piece by piece
What matters,
piece by piece.
Scroll: for every piece of kit we tell you what to look for in this sport, and which brands you'll find in store.
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Helmet
Certified to EN 12492: it protects you from falling stones and from knocks against the wall, at the crag too. Light and ventilated, it should be adjusted to stay put when you look up.
Brands: Black Diamond · Mammut
Top
Stretch fabric that doesn't ride up when you reach and dries quickly. Flat seams don't rub under the harness waist belt.
Brands: E9 · Millet · Mammut
Harness
At the crag, freedom of movement counts: a padded but slim waist belt, four gear loops for quickdraws and a belay loop. Tie the figure-eight follow-through through both tie-in points, not through the belay loop.
Brands: Black Diamond · Mammut
Chalk bag
Chalk dries the sweat on your fingers and improves your grip. The bag sits on a belt behind your back, wide enough for your hand, with a drawcord to close it.
Brands: Black Diamond · Mammut
Quickdraws
Two karabiners joined by a sling: the straight-gate one clips the bolt, the bent-gate one takes the rope. At the crag you'll usually need about a dozen.
Brands: Black Diamond · Mammut
Rope
A single dynamic rope, certified to EN 892: it stretches and absorbs the energy of a fall. For the crag, 9.5 to 10 mm balances durability and weight; it must be at least twice the length of the route.
Brands: Mammut · Black Diamond
Trousers
Stretchy and abrasion-resistant on rock, with a roomy crotch for high steps. A narrow or drawcord cuff lets you see your footholds.
Brands: E9 · Millet
Climbing shoes
Downturned velcro shoes like these focus power on the toe: they're for small footholds and overhangs. To start, choose a flatter, comfortable model you can keep on for longer.
All of this,
at Via Prestefan 14.
Come and try it on: we put together the right kit for you, piece by piece.
Call the shop→B Summer
How to choose
- Climbing shoesFlat and comfortable to start, downturned for small holds and overhangs: snug, never painful.
Flat shoes are comfortable and suit beginners and long routes; downturned, asymmetric shoes focus power on the toe, for small holds and overhangs. They should be snug but not painful: leather stretches a little with use, synthetic hardly at all.
- HarnessA light sit harness with four gear loops; young children need a full-body one.
At the crag a light sit harness, certified to EN 12277, with four gear loops is all you need. Adjustable leg loops let you wear it over light or bulky clothing. Young children use a full-body harness, because their centre of gravity is higher.
- RopeA single dynamic EN 892 rope, at least twice the route: usually 60 or 70 m.
Crag climbing uses a single dynamic rope, EN 892. A diameter of 9.5 to 10 mm balances durability and weight; under 9.5 mm it's lighter but wears faster. The usual length is 60 or 70 m: at least twice the route, to lower the climber to the ground.
- HelmetA certified climbing helmet that sits firmly: a ski helmet won't do.
A climbing helmet certified to EN 12492 protects you from falling stones and from knocks against the wall. Foam helmets are lighter, while hard-shell models stand up better to knocks and scratches. A ski helmet follows a different standard and won't do.
D In Livigno
Climbing in Livigno
Livigno sits at 1,816 m: even in summer the rock is cool in the morning, and afternoon storms build quickly. Livigno's mountain guides run rock climbing courses: if it's your first time, start there. To find a crag and routes that suit your level, ask us in store.
E Quick advice
What are you planning?
Our advice
F In store
We start from your plans
Tell us where you want to climb and at what level: we'll help you work out what you need and choose between Mammut, Black Diamond, Millet and E9. The advice is for your climbing, whatever the brand. And in Livigno's duty-free zone, there's no VAT.
G Frequently asked questions
Good to
know.
Which climbing shoes should a beginner choose?
As a beginner, choose flat, comfortable shoes with velcro or laces that you can keep on for a while. They should be snug, with your toes slightly bent, but not painful. Downturned, asymmetric shoes come later, for small holds and overhangs.
Do I need a helmet at the crag?
Yes, you need a helmet at the crag too: stones can fall on their own or be knocked off by climbers above you, and in a fall it protects you from hitting the wall. It should be certified to EN 12492 and adjusted to stay put. The belayer at the foot of the wall wears one too.
How long should a climbing rope be?
A climbing rope must be at least twice the length of the route, so you can lower the climber to the ground: at many crags 60 or 70 m is enough. Always tie a knot in the end of the rope, so it can't slip through the belay device if the route is longer than expected.
What do I need for a via ferrata?
For a via ferrata you need a climbing helmet, a harness and a via ferrata set with an energy absorber certified to EN 958; gloves protect your hands on the cable. On your feet, shoes with grippy, fairly stiff soles. Every set states a minimum and maximum user weight. If it's your first time, go with a guide, and stay off the route if storms are forecast.
How often should I replace my harness and rope?
Replace a harness or rope at the end of the lifespan the manufacturer gives, or sooner if it's damaged. A sheath worn through to the core, frayed webbing, contact with acids or solvents and very hard falls are all reasons to retire it. Store them dry, away from sunlight and chemicals.
Come and
see us.
Every day 09:00–12:30 · 14:00–19:30
Via Prestefan 14 · 23041 Livigno · 1.816 m