Which of the following is NOT a criterion for inspecting climber straps and pads?

• A. Color of the straps
• B. Excessive wear
• C. Worn stitching
• D. Damaged or missing rivets

Answer: (A)

The important idea here is that safety checks focus on actual material integrity and connection points, not appearance. Color of the straps doesn’t tell you anything about strength or wear—it's not a reliable indicator of whether the gear will hold under load. What you do look for are signs of structural problems: excessive wear meaning thinning or fraying that could fail, worn stitching that can unravel and loosen seams, and damaged or missing rivets that are essential for keeping parts joined and able to transfer load. These issues directly threaten the gear’s ability to function safely, while color alone does not.