This category focuses on equipment, gear, and accessories used in canyoneering. This sport involves traveling through canyons using various techniques, such as walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, rappelling, swimming, and rafting.
Although simply hiking down a canyon is sometimes called canyoneering, the term is more often associated with technical descents.
Given the diversity of strategies that may be necessary to complete a canyoning course, the essential gear covers a wide range of products, and this might also differ according to whether the activity is performed as a competitive sport or a recreational activity.
Helmets protect the head from falling rocks and impacts during descents. However, they should be lightweight, well-ventilated, and comfortable, so as not to be an impediment. Black Diamond, Edelrid, and Petzl produce helmets designed for canyoning.
Canyoning harnesses are designed to withstand wet conditions and provide comfort during long descents. They generally come with reinforced gear loops and quick-drying materials. Major manufacturers include Edelrid, Petzl, and Singing Rock.
Dynamic and static ropes are used in canyoning. Static ropes are preferred for rappelling due to their low stretch, while dynamic ropes are used for climbing sections. Beal, Edelrid, and Sterling Rope supply ropes used in canyoning.
Wetsuits might be used for thermal insulation and protection against abrasions in cold water canyons. Dry suits may be used to keep the body warm and dry in cold weather. Cressi, NRS, and O'Neill make wetsuits and dry suits.
Specialized canyoning shoes offer grip on wet and slippery surfaces. They also have durability and quick-drying properties. Adidas, Five Ten, La Sportiva, and Terrex produce shoes suitable for canyoning.
Descenders, such as figure-eight devices and specialized canyoning descenders, are used for controlled descents, while belay devices are used to secure climbers. Locking and non-locking carabiners are essential for securing ropes and gear. They need to be strong, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion. Black Diamond, DMM, Kong, and Petzl make descenders, belay devices, and carabiners.
Gloves protect hands from abrasions and provide a better grip on wet ropes and rocks. Black Diamond, NRS, and Sealskinz make ropes durable and quick-drying gloves suitable for canyoning.
Canyoning backpacks are designed to drain water quickly. They are made from durable, waterproof materials and often include gear loops and compartments for organizing equipment. Adventure Verticale, Canyoner, and Ortlieb product backpacks suitable for canyoning.
Other items that may be useful or necessary include first aid kits, whistles, waterproof containers for electronics, and emergency blankets, although these products aren't necessarily designed specifically for canyoneering.
Black Diamond Equipment is a Utah-based equipment manufacturer for climbing, skiing, and mountain sports. Edelrid is a German manufacturer specializing in producing equipment for mountain sports, climbing, and occupational therapy. Five Ten is a German manufacturer of mountain biking, climbing, and trail hiking shoes. Initially an American brand, its headquarters was moved to Germany after it was acquired by Adidas in 2011. Northwest River Supplies (NRS) is an Idaho company specializing in kayak gear, raft supplies, and other boating equipment, although it also produces rescue equipment, dry suits, gloves, and footwear. Petzl is a French manufacturer of climbing gear, caving gear, and work gear designed for working at heights.
These and other manufacturers and retailers that have a focus on producing or making available equipment, gear, and accessories for canyoning, are appropriate resources for this category, as are websites offering reviews and comparisons of canyoning products.
Recommended Resources
The web store, based in Springwood, New South Wales, Australia, features equipment for Australian canyoners. It includes various types of rope and cord, descenders, carabiners, personal anchor systems, retrievable anchors, helmets, gloves, prusiks, rigging tools, quickdraws, anchor materials, pull cord bags, books, knives, dry bags, kegs, and other items. Photos, descriptions, options, prices, and online purchases are enabled. Free shipping is offered within Australia on orders of $50 or more.
https://www.canyongear.com.au/
In business since early 2013, Canyon Zone carries materials for canyoning and caving, including products from Adidas, Adventure Vertical, Beal, Bestard, Edelweiss, Fitwell, Petzl, Rock Exotica, Rodcle, Sterling Rope, Vade Retro, and others. Its product category is sorted in several ways, and products may be purchased online. Other resources include an introduction and contacts for Canyon Zone, business orders, informational articles, pre-ordering, and special offers.
https://www.canyonzone.com/
Canyoning Equipment 4 You (CE4Y) offers a reasonably wide range of canyoning gear, including wetsuits, harnesses, riggings, anchors, ropes, rope measurement devices, packs, knives, whistles, books, and other canyoning items, which may be purchased online. Photographs, descriptions, and prices are provided on each product listing. A form is available for those interested in registering as a retailer or wholesaler. A brief introduction to the business is provided, with contacts.
https://www.canyoning-equipment.com/
Canyoneering is an informational resource for anyone interested in exploring canyons, particularly in Utah. The site features route descriptions, gear recommendations, trip reports, tutorials for canyoneers, and an online store. Its product catalog is organized by category: accessories, anchors, bolting, books, camera protection footwear, gift certificates, harnesses, helmets, packs, pothole escape, rappel devices, rope, rope bags, technical hardware, and water protection.
https://www.canyoneeringusa.com/store-product-categories
Focusing on canyoneering, Voy Out features canyoneering sites in Utah, including Capitol Reef, Moab, North Wash, St. George, and Zion. It also includes maps, approaches, parking information, and waypoints. Other resources include a gear list, permit information, and various outdoor articles. The website also offers outdoor gear, apparel, and other items. Its canyoneering gear includes descenders, carabiners, rope, harnesses, webbing, wetsuits, helmets, gloves, and branded merchandise.
https://www.voyout.com/
