| Climbing gaffs are attachments you put on your | | | | not on the brand name but on what works best |
| shoes or boots to support you and enable you to | | | | for you and what will enable you to perform the |
| climb trees, electricity or telephone poles, | | | | task at hand to your best ability. Take into |
| mountains and other tall structures. They can be | | | | consideration the comfort, durability and safety |
| made of steel, titanium, or carbon fiber. Steel is | | | | features of the climbing spike including the |
| the most common material used but if you want | | | | ergonomic design and the workmanship or |
| light weight and sturdy spikes you can opt for the | | | | meticulous construction of the gear. |
| more expensive carbon fiber climbing spikes. | | | | Tree climbing is very famous and it's even |
| Several parts of this climbing gear are the gaffs, | | | | considered as a sport in European countries. It's a |
| spikes, tightening straps, leather pads, protective | | | | very dangerous sport so having durable and |
| sheaths, to name a few. The gaffs, also called | | | | reliable climbing spikes is a must. Climbing trees |
| spurs, are the hooks you use to climb trees, | | | | can also be a way of making a living by becoming |
| these are the main supporting steel frames | | | | a telephone pole repairman or an 'arborist' who is |
| where you attach the spikes, and the spike itself | | | | a specialist in the cultivation and care of trees. |
| is part of it. The spikes can be of different sizes | | | | Arborists usually climb trees to prune them or to |
| and shapes which is interchangeable depending on | | | | prevent the spread of pests. If you're into |
| your needs. | | | | mountain climbing, climbing spikes can help you get |
| There are two tightening straps: one for your calf | | | | better footing and leverage when you hoist |
| and one for your ankle to secure the gear close | | | | yourself up using the cables. Climbing spikes used |
| to your body. Leather pads allow more even | | | | in mountain climbing are also known as crampons |
| distribution of pressure and forces on your legs | | | | which are suited for punching holes through |
| and ankles to prevent bruises or other injuries and | | | | ice-laden mountains. Ninja climbing spikes otherwise |
| at the same time providing comfort to the user. | | | | known as Ashiko, is another type which have also |
| Protective sheaths are used around the spikes to | | | | been used for climbing trees and at the same |
| provide some safety measure to prevent injuries | | | | time harnessed as weapons for combat in the old |
| or accidental slips. Some climbing spikes have allen | | | | days i Japan. |
| keys which allow the metal frame to become | | | | If you're interested in climbing over great heights |
| adjustable. | | | | and conquering your fears, climbing spikes along |
| Some common brands of gaffs are Buckingham, | | | | with other safety gears can help you achieve |
| Spider and Bashlin, Klein, Weaver, Climb Right, and | | | | that. Remember that with the right tools, |
| Wolf claw. Safety is always a top priority and | | | | technique, and training, you can achieve your |
| finding the right climbing spike for you depends | | | | goals. |