Topo (climbing)
Encyclopedia
Topo in climbing
is a term which refers to the graphical representation (sketch drawing or a photograph with routes depicted) of a climbing route.
It is also used for a climbing guidebook
of a crag
or climbing area in which most routes are described graphically by such topos.
Individual topo gives the approximate shape of the route, the important rock formations close to the route and details of the grade
and protection of each section of the climb. Topo guides usually also include the length of the climbs, where exactly each climb starts, and how to get to the area of the climbs. It will usually specify if a climb is a sport climb
(with fixed protection) or a trad climb
(traditional, e.g. needing gear to install protection during climb).
Climbing
Climbing is the activity of using one's hands and feet to ascend a steep object. It is done both for recreation and professionally, as part of activities such as maintenance of a structure, or military operations.Climbing activities include:* Bouldering: Ascending boulders or small...
is a term which refers to the graphical representation (sketch drawing or a photograph with routes depicted) of a climbing route.
It is also used for a climbing guidebook
Climbing guidebook
Climbing guidebooks are used by rock climbers to find the location of climbing routes at crags or on mountains. Guidebooks also offer condensed information about local restaurants, bars and camping areas; often include sections on geology and local climbing history; and may contain many pictures to...
of a crag
Cliff
In geography and geology, a cliff is a significant vertical, or near vertical, rock exposure. Cliffs are formed as erosion landforms due to the processes of erosion and weathering that produce them. Cliffs are common on coasts, in mountainous areas, escarpments and along rivers. Cliffs are usually...
or climbing area in which most routes are described graphically by such topos.
Individual topo gives the approximate shape of the route, the important rock formations close to the route and details of the grade
Grade (climbing)
In rock climbing, mountaineering and other climbing disciplines, climbers give a climbing grade to a route that concisely describes the difficulty and danger of climbing the route...
and protection of each section of the climb. Topo guides usually also include the length of the climbs, where exactly each climb starts, and how to get to the area of the climbs. It will usually specify if a climb is a sport climb
Sport climbing
Sport climbing is a form of rock climbing that relies on permanent anchors fixed to the rock, and possibly bolts, for protection,...
(with fixed protection) or a trad climb
Traditional climbing
Traditional climbing, or trad climbing, is a style of rock climbing in which a climber or group of climbers places all gear required to protect against falls , and removes it when a passage is complete...
(traditional, e.g. needing gear to install protection during climb).