BMC technical advice booklets

Posted by Daniel Middleton on 12/10/2018
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Want to know more about the equipment used for climbing and mountaineering? Our range of advice guides are full of useful information for experienced climbers and novices alike. We cover the different types and uses of equipment, the standards they must adhere to and detail essential care and maintenance tips.

Bolts - a climbers guide

Learn how to assess the safety of bolts and lower-off's when sport climbing outside with this handy guide.

Download the bolt guide here

Passive protection - a guide for climbers and mountaineers

Essential gear for traditional rock climbing. Everything you need to kow about nuts, micro nuts, hexentrics and camming nuts.

Download the passive protection guide

Hi-res version for printing

Harnesses - a guide for climbers and mountaineers

Fall off and dangle in comfort, whilst carrying all the kit you need by wearing the right harness. Read all about them here.

Download the harness booklet here

Ropes - a guide for climbers and mountaineers

Confused between half, double and twin ropes? Unsure when to retire your trusty sport rope? So were we, until we read this handy ropes guide!

Download the ropes booklet here

Helmets - a guide for climbers and mountaineers

We've come a long way since the heavy fibreglass hell of old school helmets. Help decide on the best helmet for you, and learn how to look after it and when it should be retired.

Download the helmet guide here

Care and Maintenance guide

This handy booklet discusses how to care for your climbing and mountaineering equipment, and when to throw gear away. It is made up of 11 brief chapters with key advice - such as causes of degradation and discard criteria - on the full range of technical equipment from karabiners to ascenders.

Download the care and maintenance guide here

Crampons and Ice Axes

The Crampons and Ice Axes booklet looks at the range of crampons available for different types of boot, and their suitability for different mountain activities. It also discusses ice axes, and the differences between axes for walking, mountaineering and technical climbing. The booklet does not cover winter climbing or walking techniques. 

BUY: the Crampons and Ice Axes booklet from the BMC shop

WATCH our Climbing gear care and maintenance playlist on BMC TV

Watch this and many more gear videos on BMC TV.


Courses for indoor climbers making their first moves onto rock

Who are they for?

These courses are ideal for novice climbing club members, students, parents and individuals who may have had the odd taster of climbing outdoors and wish to gain key safety skills at an excellent price. They may also be a good precursor for people contemplating the Single Pitch Award training. You should already know how to put on a harness and belay. These courses are for people aged 18 or older.

Under 18?: Check out our rock climbing courses for climbers aged 11-17 

What do the courses cover?

A variety of topics will be covered during the day as well as offering a fun taster to outdoor climbing. Topics may include:

  • Types of trad climbing equipment
  • Placing good protection
  • Building good belays
  • Using guidebooks
  • Seconding/top roping 

FIND OUT MORE: Ready to Rock Courses 2022

FIND OUT MORE: Women Ready To Rock Courses 2022

FIND OUT MORE: Outdoor Sport Climbing Courses for 11-17 year olds

FIND OUT MORE: Outdoor Trad Courses for 11-17 year olds


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3
06/06/2012
when i clicked on the free download for the care and maintenance booklet, i got sent to the shop to buy it but there was no sign of the free download.
Anonymous User
17/11/2016
I am a novice, and need to know some terms names. What is the device used on ropes to pull one up the rope [like within a tall tree] to get from the ground up without actually climbing branches or rock. I have seen this device on documentarys used by researchers going up a large Sequoia tree

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