For climbing definitions used within this web site and the world of climbing please select a letter from below.
HACE - High Altitude Cerebral Edema – a severe condition related to AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) where fluid is collected in the brain causing drowsiness, blurred vision and if not treated, death. See: http://www.thebmc.co.uk/world/mm/mm1.htm
Hand jam - n./v. Using your hand to gain purchase in a crack by twisting the hand, squeezing or spreading the palm, pulling the thumb down, making a fist, stacking both hands, etc. . .
Hand Traverse - n. Horizontally climbing (traversing) features or holds using the hands only – Also known as a Campus Traverse due to the act of only using the hands as with a Campus Board.
Hang - v. Common usage: 'Bill ran up to hang draws on that 5.12". A more experienced climber may climb a route to place quickdraws for other climbers of lesser abilities. Or simply to hang from a handhold.
Hang Dog - vb./n. to repeatedly rest on the rope while climbing.
Hanging Belay - n. A belay stance where the climbers must hang from the anchor rather than sit or stand on a ledge. These tend to be uncomfortable and more time consuming because the climber must hang in the harness, and it is harder to keep gear organized when freedom of movement is restricted. If a ledge is available, climbers will try to end a pitch there to avoid a hanging belay.
HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Edema – Like HACE it is an acute condition under the heading of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) where fluid collects in the lungs causing difficulty in breathing when at rest or constant coughing as though suffering from a chest infection. Due to altitude and should be considered serious. Often lowering altitude by 500 to 1000m will prevent further complications as will the use of Oxygen masks. See: http://www.thebmc.co.uk/world/mm/mm1.htm
Harness - n. Device the climber wears that attaches the climber to the rope so that in the event of a fall, the climber is held by the rope. (See belay.) Modern harnesses include leg loops and a waist band secured by a buckle system. They are designed to withstand far more impact force than they should ever be subjected to in use.
Haul Bag - n. Large and sturdy bag used to carry gear up a big wall climb. Generally cylindrical in shape with a minimal number of straps to avoid snagging on the rock face as it is hauled up at each pitch.
Head Lamp - n. A modified torch which can be worn on the forehead or attached to a climbing helmet to offer light whilst leaving the hands free to climb. Petzl are a renowned manufacturer of Head Lamps.
Heave - vb. The “I’m not going to bin this f***ing climb” attitude when close to the end of the route. The Spur on towards the finish. “I thought I was going to bail but I took a breath and heaved the last section.”
Heel hook - n./vb. a climbing technique involving the use of a heel to pull down like a third arm.
Heel toe lock - n/vb. a climbing technique involving the wedging of a foot lengthwise in a constriction
Helmet - n. Protection for the head from falling gear or rocks.
Hexcentric - n. Commonly reffered to as a Hex; a hexagonal shaped metal piece of protection. Allows for passive protection when placed one way and camming action when placed another.
Hidden Hold - n. A hold that is out of sight until a climber is very near it. Usually just passed an overhang where the climber would have to pull off a difficult or tiring move to find the hold. Hidden holds are often hard to see even at close range and many climbers will climb past one without seeing it. Often separates good climbers from novices.
Highball - n. American expression for a very high boulder problem, often with a hard landing. In Britain such a high boulder problem would be considered “a bit of a bastard.” A high boulder problem with a sandy or otherwise soft landing may not be considered a highball.
Hike - v. To pull of a route or part of a route in excellent style. Usage: "I was struggling halfway up the ascent then I took a rest and hiked it."
Hold - n. Any feature of the rock which affords the climber a place to grip with hands or feet – hence Hand Hold or Foot Hold. Also, for indoor use; small or large plastic molded climbing grips.
Hook - n. Small 'r' shaped piece of metal used as protection on ledges and small holes when aid climbing. Requires a fair amount of skill to place and weight efficiently.
Hueco - n. a large indented pocket in the rock. From Hueco Tanks, a popular climbing area with many such features.
