The evolution of climbing gear as the sport evolves in intensity and popularity gives insight into how intentionally scientists can develop technology - down to the arrangement of the atoms - to continuously meet our ever demanding and changing needs.
Introduction
Rock climbing perfectly paints the picture of materials adapting to the needs of the user - from evolving shoes, to evolving rope, to evolving pitons - the polymers, nylons, and metal making up this equipment over the years evolved to meet the demands of each specific climbing generation. From the Golden Age (1953-1973) where climbers relied heavily on ropes and pitons to “cheat” their way up the walls, to the Stone Masters (1973-1980) who popularized free climbing and relied on high friction shoes and chalk to keep them on the wall, to the Stone Monkeys (1980-current) who are exploring new climbing territories like free solo climbs with parachutes, each generation pushed the boundaries of climbing, and the materials used to make the equipment had to keep up [2].
The Golden Age
Climbers relied heavily on ropes and pitons to "cheat" their way up the wall
Stone Masters
Popularized free climbing and relied on high friction shoes and chalk to keep them on the wall
Stone Monkeys
Exploring new territories like free solo climbs with parachutes