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Can climbing equipment get wet?

Original Post
Sam Striano · · Sublimity, OR · Joined Apr 2018 · Points: 0

Might be a stupid question, but can climbing gear get wet?

Like carabieners, wire nuts, cams, etc?

I am sure you would want to get them dry before storage. Do you have to lube cams?

How do you clean dirty gear? A damp rag always seemed like a good way to clean most anything.

T C · · Bozeman, MT · Joined Feb 2017 · Points: 1,238

they can get wet, just think ice climbing, I would definitely dry it before storage unless you like the smell of death on your gear.

Robert Hall · · North Conway, NH · Joined Aug 2013 · Points: 28,893

Ain't no stupid questions talking about stuff your life may depend upon.

YES - all can get wet

If it's just wet with water (snow /ice / rain ) just let it dry.  Help along with a dry towel.  Rope should be uncoiled and draped over something so air can circulate.  

If it's wet with mud and grime, hose off the solid stuff (biners, cams, and wire nuts) then treat as above.  Rope - wash per instructions on commercial "rope wash" or just clean with water or mild soap in a big tub (10 gallon plastic storage box available at "big box stores" works OK), then treat as above.

Lubing cams - ONLY if sticky and then ONLY with a "dry lube".  (Does Metollius sell a commercial "bottling" ??)  Don't use stuff like "WD-40", it picks up more grime.  Before I go to lubing them I immerse them in a cup with Odorless Mineral Spirits ("OMS") activating them several times, then rinse in a cup of "Rubbing Alcohol", then water and let dry.  While I don't think it does any harm (on the basis fo 50+ years of being a chemist and climbing) I don't let any nylon webbing touch the OMS or the Alcohol.  If they are still sticky after this, then try the dry lube.

Brock Jones · · Provo, UT · Joined Aug 2017 · Points: 35

When drying out ropes make sure you don’t set them in the sun. Just drape it over something so it can air dry somewhere.

webdog · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 0

It’s one time use equipment only, also don’t expose to sunlight. Cloudy dry days are the best

Ted Pinson · · Chicago, IL · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 252

The gear is meant for climbing mountains.  How long did you think about this one? :p

Creed Archibald · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Apr 2012 · Points: 1,026

If your gear gets wet, you need to retire it. Send it to me for disposal, harharhar. 

David K · · The Road, Sometimes Chattan… · Joined Jan 2017 · Points: 424

The route I climbed this past Sunday morning went up a dihedral that was a waterfall.

JohnnyG · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 10
Brock Jones wrote: When drying out ropes make sure you don’t set them in the sun. Just drape it over something so it can air dry somewhere.

Is it ok if my ropes are in the sun while I climb? 

I'm getting a little nervous because one time I got caught in a rainstorm while climbing. Then the sun came out and we inadvertently dried our ropes in the sun. I was happy at the time, but looking back this seems like really bad luck.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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