Look after your gear, climb more

Expert gear tips from Plas y Brenin mountain guides

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July 19, 2026 3:28am EDT

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Gear tips from mountain guides

Plas y Brenin is one of the UK's most respected outdoor institutions. Set amongst the rugged scenery of Eryri National Park, their instructors and guides are the best in the business. Across the summer, we're sharing some of their wisdom directly with you, no transport required.

Guides & inspiration

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Prolong the use of your rope

Think about using a rope bag or a big tarp so the rope isn't in the mud. If your rope does get muddy, make sure you give it a good wash, especially if you've been climbing on sea cliffs or near the coast.

You've got to think about where you're going to store it. Make sure it's not next to UV light or any extreme heat, especially when drying, so avoid radiators and hot cars. Keep your rope coiled nice and loose, or even uncoiled in a bucket, to avoid stressing the rope.
- Emma, Winter Mountaineering Instructor

When to retire your harness

Give a general, all-round look at your harness. The belay loop gets a lot of wear, so make sure you give it a proper physical inspection. Touch it with your hands, you're looking for any abrasion, furry areas, signs of wear and tear.

Also, look at the gear loops. If they're starting to look a bit tatty, then you've got to start thinking there could be more damage on other parts of the harness.

As we live in Britain, harnesses can get wet, so check any metal adjustment buckles for corrosion.

If you're not sure, it's probably best to get a new one. If you've got any doubt, it's not worth it.
- Emma, Winter Mountaineering Instructor

PYB tip: salt & harnesses

Especially if you're climbing somewhere like Gogarth, the salty conditions definitely have an impact on your harness.

If you are climbing on sea cliffs, give your harness a rinse in fresh, clean water after climbing. Then allow it to dry naturally, not too close to a radiator or fire.
- Paul, Mountain Guide