Via ferratas require courage. We move on steep rocky terrain and consciously seek the thrill of the vertical and the thrill of looking down into the depths. Nevertheless, we can be safe in this extreme environment - one key to this is our equipment. It must be complete and intact and meet modern standards.
Safety equipment on via ferratas is straightforward: a harness, via ferrata set, rockfall helmet, via ferrata gloves and suitable shoes are the five items you must always have with you.
The harness
Nothing works without a harness! The "hip belt" is standard today. So-called "combination harnesses", consisting of a seat and chest harness, can be useful for children or overweight people. In any case, the belt must fit snugly against the body, but must not restrict freedom of movement. Padding ensures a comfortable seat when the belt is fully loaded - e.g. when resting.
Nothing works without a belt. A combined chest and seat harness should be used for children, photo: Alpsolut, Austrian Alpine Club
The via ferrata set
The via ferrata set is the heart of our equipment and is specially designed for fall loads on via ferrata routes. Two "load arms" with special via ferrata carabiners establish the connection to the wire rope and ensure that we are also secured when we are harnessed. In the event of a fall, the carabiners and load arms transfer the force to the "shock absorber", which "tears open" in a controlled manner under a defined load and thus enables a dynamic braking effect.
The via ferrata set is a special piece of equipment for via ferratas that slows down a possible fall, photo: Alpsolut, Austrian Alpine Club
The helmet
A helmet is standard! It protects you from falling rocks - a risk that always exists on via ferratas. Helmets can also serve as impact protection.
Via ferrata gloves
Via ferrata gloves prevent injuries caused by protruding rope strands and chafing of the hands. They also improve grip on the rope - an advantage that should not be underestimated when it comes to saving energy and increasing the feeling of safety.
A helmet is indispensable on every via ferrata; via ferrata gloves prevent injuries to the hands, photo: Alpsolut, Austrian Alpine Club
The shoes
The right via ferrata shoe is a compromise between a hiking shoe and a climbing shoe. So-called "approach shoes" are ideal for most via ferratas: they offer the foot support and protection, have the necessary stiffness and a sole that is also suitable for climbing.
Lightweight approach shoes are generally best suited for via ferrata, photo: Alpsolut, Austrian Alpine Club
What else you need
What else should be in your rucksack? A cell phone and a first aid kit in any case. Also sun protection, sufficient fluids and food. If the via ferrata leads into alpine terrain, a bivouac sack, headlamp and, of course, functional clothing against wind and cold.
For longer, alpine tours, the appropriate clothing should also be in your rucksack to avoid freezing at the summit, Photo: Alpsolut, Österreichischer Alpenverein
What else should you consider on a via ferrata? Take a look at the article and video "Via ferrata: everything you need to know".
