The Tools of the Trade
Central to drytooling are the tools used by climbers. These typically include:
Ice Tools: Ice tools are used instead of hands for gaining purchase on the rock surface. They feature a curved pick for hooking onto small features and cracks in the rock.
Crampons: Crampons are metal spikes that attach to the climber's boots, providing traction on icy or rocky surfaces. We don’t use crampons in the gym at The Scratch Pad though, just rock shoes.
Gloves: Climbers often wear specialized gloves to protect their hands while using ice axes and to provide grip on the tools.
Drytooling Holds
Indoor drytooling walls feature a variety of specialized holds designed to replicate the challenges of outdoor rock surfaces. Some of these holds are made of metal, or have metal inserts that can be used with the steel picks of the ice tools. There is a wide variety of drytooling specific holds which allows for a variety of moves and challenges. From tiny metal edges, side pulls, floating underclings, stein pulls, and sometimes even logs and hanging features, with drytooling the options are endless. Climbers must adapt their approach to each hold, utilizing the unique features of the wall to make progress.
At the Scratch Pad we use colored backer boards for all drytooling specific holds to protect the wall and mark the routes.
Safety Considerations
As with any climbing activity, safety is paramount in drytooling. Climbers must ensure they have the appropriate skills, experience, and equipment before attempting challenging routes. Additionally, drytooling often takes place on mixed terrain where rock and ice are present, requiring careful assessment of conditions and route selection. The Scratch Pad provides a venue with controlled conditions which makes it a great place to train and practice. Of course we take safety seriously here and required protective measures like helmets and gloves.
Exploring the World of Drytooling
Drytooling is an exhilarating and dynamic form of climbing that combines elements of rock climbing and ice climbing. While traditionally practiced outdoors on natural rock formations, drytooling has also found a home indoors, where climbers can experience the thrill of drytooling in a controlled environment. Drytooling in an indoor setting allows climbers to train and dial in their strength and technique. It's also a very fun way to climb, allowing for very dynamic movement and the use of seemingly impossible holds.
Indoor Drytooling
Indoor drytooling takes the excitement of the sport and brings it into a controlled environment. Climbing gyms equipped with specialized drytooling walls feature artificial rock surfaces designed to mimic the challenges of outdoor terrain. Climbers can practice their techniques and hone their skills in a safe and accessible setting.
Some of the Techniques
Drytooling requires a combination of strength, balance, and precision. Climbers utilize a variety of techniques to ascend challenging terrain:
Hooking: Hooking involves using the curved picks of the ice axes to grip onto small edges, cracks, or features in the rock.
Torquing: Torquing is a technique where climbers use the leverage of their ice axes in cracks to create tension and stability.
Steinpulling: Steinpulling involves inserting the pick of the ice axe upside down into a horizontal crack or feature and pulling downward to generate upward movement.
Fig-Four and Fig-Nine: These are advanced techniques where climbers hook one leg over the opposite arm or tool to increase reach and stability.
The Community and Culture
Drytooling has a dedicated community of climbers who are passionate about the sport, both indoors and out. Competitions and events are held worldwide, where climbers test their skills on challenging routes and showcase their prowess. Whether climbing on natural rock formations or indoor drytooling walls, the culture of drytooling is one of camaraderie, support, and mutual respect.
Whether scaling vertical ice formations in the great outdoors or conquering artificial rock walls indoors, drytooling offers a thrilling and rewarding challenge for climbers of all levels. With its unique blend of rock and ice climbing techniques, it provides an opportunity for climbers to push their limits, test their mettle, and experience the exhilaration of ascending vertical landscapes. Whether you're seeking adventure in the wild or the controlled environment of a climbing gym, drytooling invites you to embark on an unforgettable journey of exploration and discovery.