Gear corner
🎒 Getting equipped for via ferrata
The right gear, used properly, is the basis of via ferrata safety. Here are the essentials by topic. In all cases, the manufacturer's instructions and the sign at the start of the route take precedence; if in doubt, ask a guide or a specialist shop.
🧭 Getting started with via ferrata
- The compulsory minimum: a helmet, a harness and a via ferrata kit (lanyard) with energy absorber, meeting the EN 958 standard.
- Choose a route that suits your level: the grade (F, PD, AD, D, TD, ED) gives the difficulty; length and commitment matter too.
- Several grading scales exist and roughly correspond (table below). A route can have harder sections: the grade gives the hardest one.
- Always at least one carabiner clipped to the cable; never move both at once.
- Only one person between two cable anchors, and keep your distance from the person in front.
- Check the weather: no via ferrata in stormy weather, and beware of wet rock and cables.
| France | Germany, Austria, Switzerland (Hüsler) | Camptocamp | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|
| F · Easy | A | K1 | Beginners, accompanied children |
| PD · Fairly easy | B | K2 | Fit beginners |
| AD · Fairly hard | C | K3 | Some experience, strong arms |
| D · Hard | D | K4 | Regular climbers, vertical sections |
| TD · Very hard | E | K5 | Experienced, overhangs and leaning sections |
| ED · Extremely hard | F | K6 | Very experienced, very physical |
🔗 The via ferrata kit (lanyards and absorber)
- A via ferrata kit is designed for a fall on the cable: the absorber tears to soften the shock. After a fall, it must not be used again.
- A climbing lanyard or sling is no substitute for a via ferrata kit: without an absorber, the shock can be dangerous.
- The kit attaches to the harness belay loop according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Textile gear ages: check the manufacturing date and the lifespan given by the manufacturer, and watch for safety recalls.
- To rest on a section, use a separate rest lanyard, not the via ferrata kit under tension.
🪂 Zip line: how to get equipped
- You need a pulley suited to zip lines, used according to the manufacturer's instructions; via ferrata zip lines can't be done with the via ferrata kit alone.
- The pulley connects to the harness with a dedicated lanyard or sling; the route sign often states the recommended gear (for example a Trac or Speed type pulley at the Échelles de la Mort).
- Short pulley lanyard: about 50 cm, 60 cm maximum. Any longer and the pulley is out of reach: if you stop before the end (wind, lack of momentum), you can no longer pull yourself along the cable or free yourself. With your arm outstretched, you must always be able to reach your pulley.
- Don't clip one carabiner onto another to attach the pulley: use the carabiner specified by the pulley manufacturer.
- Always keep your kit carabiners clipped to the safety line as instructed at the start of the zip line.
- Most via ferrata zip lines are optional: if you don't have the gear, take the exit before the zip line.
🔒 Carabiners and connectors
- The carabiners on a via ferrata kit are specific auto-locking connectors (marked K), easy to open with one hand.
- A carabiner works along its major axis: avoid it being loaded crosswise or against an edge.
- Belay carabiners (rope, anchors) do not replace those of the via ferrata kit.
⛑️ Helmet, harness, shoes and bag
- A helmet is essential: rockfall is possible even on an easy route.
- The harness must be properly adjusted: waist belt above the hips, leg loops snug.
- Approach or hiking shoes with grippy soles; via ferrata gloves protect your hands from the cable.
- A small, light, well-closed bag for water, a warm layer, the first-aid kit and a charged phone.
🪢 Roping up children
- Many via ferratas state a minimum height (for example 1.50 m at the Échelles de la Mort): below that, anchors may be too far apart for a child.
- For a child or someone not at ease, belaying with a dynamic rope in addition to the kit is strongly recommended.
- Roping up requires mastering a few knots (figure of eight, clove hitch…): learn them with a professional before using them on a via ferrata.
Advice for guidance only: the manufacturer's instructions and the instructions posted at the start of each route take precedence.