Bouldering mat

A thick mat used to soften landings or to cover objects that would be hazardous in the event of a fall. They typically consist of a 2-6 inch thick foam section covered with a robust fabric covering. Many brands have integral handles and may easily fold into a reasonable dimension for carrying. Also known by the term crash pad or sketch pad.


Chalk


Gymnasts' chalk is a powder that improves grip by absorbing sweat. It is primarily magnesium carbonate but often with added magnesium sulfate which acts as a drying agent.

For environmental reasons, the use of chalk is controversial in some areas. In areas where rain is infrequent (or under overhangs on any cliff) bold and unsightly chalk marks can build up on popular routes. In places where rain is more common, the chalk residue can form thick deposits. As a result, chalk coloured to match various rock types and biodegradable alternatives are now becoming available.


Chalk bag
Chalk Bags with chalk ball

These are hand-sized fabric bags for holding climbers' chalk. They are usually attached to the back of a waist belt for easy access during a climb.

The powdered chalk may be loose in the bag, or, increasingly, a chalk sock, or chalk ball, is filled with the chalk and this is placed into the chalk bag. Chalk socks are pouches made from a porous material that allows some chalk dust to be excreted when squeezed or rubbed.


POF / Resin

POF or Resin is sometimes used in bouldering. It is principally used to increase friction between the climber's shoes and the rock by providing a slightly stickier surface. It is made of dried tree resin in the form of a powder, and is sometimes mixed with chalk. The powder is usually bound inside a cloth with suitable cord, forming a ball at one end and a free cloth at the other. The resin may then be applied by tapping the resin ball on the rock. Excess is removed by whipping the rock with the free cloth. It is considered cheating in many areas and its use frowned upon due to the build up it can leave on the rock.


Nut tool

A small, but vital, piece of equipment, also known as a nut key. It is made from a flat piece of sheet steel, about 20 cm long, with a hook at one end and the other end shaped into a handle. It is used to extract, from cracks in the rock, nuts which can not be extracted by hand, especially when the nut has supported a climber's weight or arrested a fall. It may need to be hammered (possibly using a stone) in order to shift a particularly stubborn nut. Some models also have a pair of hooks at the handle end, which can be used to pull the trigger of a deeply-seated camming device.


Rope bag

A bag with a tarp, specially designed for storing and protecting climbing rope, usually unfoldable to provide a flat piece of material to place the rope on. However, when conditions are very wet, a large plastic bag such as a garbage bag is often used.


Standards

There are two major standards bodies for certifying the safety and reliability of climbing equipment:
CEN (European Committee for Standardisation)
UIAA (International Federation of Mountaineering Associations)

Any products sold in Europe must, by law, be certified to the relevant standards. There is no such requirement in many other countries, although most manufacturers voluntarily follow UIAA or CEN standards.