As a good safety habit, climbing equipment should be inspected regularly.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only before use
• D. Never

Answer: (A)

Regularly inspecting climbing equipment is essential because gear can wear out or be damaged through use, handling, and exposure even when it looks fine at a glance. A routine check helps you spot frayed rope strands, worn stitching, damaged harness straps, bent or cracked carabiners, worn quickdraws, or signs of corrosion before they fail on a climb. This habit reduces the risk of gear failure, supports retirement or replacement according to manufacturer guidelines, and helps extend gear life. It goes beyond a quick pre-climb glance by prompting ongoing care and more thorough reviews over time.