Glossary of Climbing Terms - R

R

Rack

The set of equipment carried up a climb; also, the part of a harness (consisting of several plastic loops) where equipment is hung, ready to be used.

Rappel

The process by which a climber may descend on a fixed rope using a friction device. Also known as abseil or roping down.

RB

A removable bolt, similar in concept to a sliding nut, but shaped to fit into a drilled hole.

Rebolting

The replacement of bolts on an existing climb.

Redpoint

To complete while placing protection on a lead climb after making previous unsuccessful attempts, done without falling or resting on the rope (hangdogging). Also see clean and pinkpoint.

Rest step

Energy-saving technique where unweighted (uphill) leg is rested between each forward step, sometimes by "locking" knee of rear leg.

Retro-bolting

The addition of bolts to an existing climb which has already been ascended using natural protection.

Rodeo clipping

To clip in to the first piece of protection from the ground by swinging a loop of rope so that it is caught by a carabiner. This can only be done when the first piece of gear is already placed.

Roof

Horizontal overhang.

Rope

A basic item of climbing equipment that physically connects the climber to the belayer.

Rope gun

The most capable climber in the group. The person who can get the rope up there for the rest of us.

Rope jumping

Jumping from objects using rock climbing equipment.

Route

The path of a particular climb, or a predefined set of moves.

RP

A small nut, named after Roland Pauligk. Not certified for sale in Europe.

Runner

Made of nylon and nylon/blend materials, runners, also referred to as slings, are used by climbers for a multitude of purposes.

Runout

1. A lengthy distance between two points of protection which in some, but not all, cases might be perceived as frightening or dangerous. May also be used as an adjective to describe a route, or a section of a route.
2. A long portion of a route with minimal protection.

Rugosity

Hold sized area of rock that has rougher texture than its surroundings.

RURP

Acronym, stands for Realized Ultimate Reality Piton. Miniature, postage-stamp sized piton originally designed by Yvon Chouinard