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Climbing Articles

Buyer guides, beginner advice, crag habits and practical climbing resources for South African climbers.

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Useful Guides, Not Filler

This is the home for Rockit's articles. Each new guide will be added here so climbers can find practical advice before buying gear, heading outside, or planning a climbing day.

Latest Articles

Comparison guide

RAMA vs ATC Pilot vs Birdie

Compare Rockit's three assisted-braking belay devices by price, rope range, weight, braking style, best use and practical tradeoffs.

  • Stats table for all three devices
  • Best-value and best-use recommendations
  • Links to each individual deep dive
Compare the devices →
Rope systems

Single, Half and Twin Ropes Explained

A practical rope-system guide covering full/single ropes, half ropes, twin ropes, clipping technique, ratings, rappels and beginner buying advice.

  • Compare single, half and twin systems
  • Understand rope markings and ratings
  • Choose the right Rockit rope category
Read the rope guide →
Crag day checklist

Sport Crag Packing List

A full sport-crag day packing list covering climbing gear, crag comfort, emergency basics, No Trace items and a trad-crag addendum.

  • Sport crag master checklist
  • Comfort, weather and emergency gear
  • Trad rack and anchor addendum
Open the checklist →
Descender guide

Figure 8 Descenders and Variants

Understand classic figure 8s, rescue 8s, horned variants and when these simple friction devices still make sense.

Read the guide →
Belay device guide

Tube Belay Devices Explained

Learn how ATC-style devices, high-friction grooves, guide mode and alpine tube variants fit into belaying, rappelling and multi-pitch systems.

Read the guide →
Belay device guide

Black Diamond ATC Pilot Guide

A researched guide to the ATC Pilot, covering assisted braking, rope compatibility, carabiner choice, limitations and safe belay habits.

Read the guide →
Belay device guide

Singing Rock RAMA Guide

A practical guide to Rockit's preferred beginner belay device, covering enhanced braking, rope range, carabiner choice, inspection and safe belay habits.

Read the guide →
Belay device guide

Beal Birdie Guide

A practical guide to Beal's cam-assisted belay device, covering rope range, lowering, inspection and safe belay habits.

Read the guide →
Buyer guide

Best Beginner Climbing Gear in South Africa

A practical first-kit guide using products Rockit sells, including harnesses, helmets, ropes, quickdraws and the Rama as Rockit's preferred beginner belay device.

  • Best first harness, helmet and belay device
  • When to buy ropes and quickdraws
  • What beginners should leave for later
Read the article →
Outdoor skills

First Time on Rock

An extensive guide to moving from indoor climbing to real rock, covering planning, gear, partner checks, route reading, crag etiquette and first-day mistakes.

Read the guide →
Safety skills

Why Self-Rescue Techniques Matter

Why climbers should learn rope-system problem solving, what skills to practise first, and which Rockit gear supports self-rescue training.

Read the article →
Belay skills

Belaying Masterclass

A detailed guide to brake-hand discipline, lead belay slack, dynamic catches, lowering, device choice and common belay mistakes.

  • Brake hand and device habits
  • Lead belaying and fall catches
  • Rockit belay device guidance
Read the article →
Crag etiquette

Climbing With Your Dog at the Crag

How to decide whether your dog should come climbing, and how to protect access, wildlife, other climbers and your dog if they do.

Read the article →
Crag access

No Trace Climbing

Rockit's practical crag code for protecting access, reducing impact and leaving South African climbing areas better than you found them.

Read the guide →

Planned Articles

Harness Size Guide

How a harness should fit, what beginners get wrong, and when adjustable leg loops matter.

Helmet Size Guide

Measuring your head, choosing a climbing helmet and understanding fit before buying.

Quickdraw Length Guide

When to use 12 cm or 16 cm quickdraws, and how draw length affects rope drag.

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