What is Traditional Climbing?

Traditional climbing foregoes the use of permanent climbing protection. Permanent climbing protection includes the use of bolts and pitons. A bolt is a large metal rod that is placed into a hole that is drilled into the face of the cliff. A metal ring is placed onto the bolt so that a climber can clip a carabiner into it to clip their rope in. A piton is a large metal spike that is hammered into cracks in the mountain that has a ring on it. Traditional climbing uses non-permanent protection, avoiding damage to the face of the rock. Non-permanent protection includes the use of cams and nuts. These devices are placed into cracks and use friction to stay in place and keep a climber from falling. Permanent protection is just as its name suggests; it is permanent. Even if you pull out the bolt or piton there is a gaping hole left that scars the face of the rock.Non-permanent protection does not harm the rock.