How to properly equip yourself for a via ferrata
More than gear - your life insurance.
Every year, beginners show up at the foot of a via ferrata with gear rented in a rush, without really knowing what each piece actually does for them - just "the full kit", ticked off like an administrative checkbox. The problem is that some pieces of this equipment allow for no improvisation whatsoever, while others, presented as optional, genuinely change the comfort and safety of an entire outing. Understanding what each piece is for prevents unpleasant surprises - and sometimes serious accidents.
Mandatory equipment
Via ferrata requires specific technical gear. None of these items are optional.
Harness
Harness certified to EN 12277 (type C). Must be correctly fitted and in good condition. Replace every 10 years or after a major fall.
Helmet
Climbing or mountaineering helmet certified to EN 12492. Protects against rockfall and impact in case of a fall.
Via ferrata lanyard
Y-shaped lanyard with two energy absorbers, certified to EN 958. Always stay clipped to the cable - never remove both carabiners at the same time.
Gloves
Via ferrata or climbing gloves. Protect the hands when sliding along cables and improve grip.
Suitable footwear
Hiking boots with stiff soles or climbing shoes. Essential for good grip on rock.
Water and food
Minimum 1.5 L of water per person depending on duration. The effort involved in via ferrata is intense and dehydration can occur quickly.
The common assumptions that cause problems
"A sling or a regular climbing lanyard will do in a pinch" - false, and this is the real trap. The lanyard tolerates no improvisation. A via ferrata lanyard is Y-shaped, with two energy absorbers certified to EN 958, designed to dissipate the shock of a fall onto a fixed cable. A regular sling, a climbing lanyard without an absorber, or worse an improvised quickdraw, absorbs nothing: even a short fall can transmit a force to the body far greater than what these systems are meant to handle, with the risk of serious injury.
"Gloves are just for comfort" - in reality, they protect the hands when sliding along the cable and noticeably improve grip, particularly on wet sections or in cold weather.
"My hiking shoes will be enough" - it mostly depends on the sole. On a via ferrata, you often walk and climb over jagged rock or metal rungs whose condition - more or less good depending on age - varies a lot from one route to another. A stiff-soled shoe offers far more reliable grip in these conditions than a soft trainer, which deforms and loses the precise contact you need on a narrow or worn hold.
The zipline - equipment of its own
Some Swiss via ferratas include a zipline - and this is equipment that isn't always included in a basic kit. You need a dedicated pulley (around 5 CHF extra when renting, 70 to 100 CHF new), but never on its own: it must always be paired with a certified carabiner and a short safety sling. If the route you're aiming for has a zipline, check before you leave that your rented or purchased kit actually includes one - that isn't always automatic.
Warning : some via ferratas already have a fixed pulley installed on site, sometimes a braked pulley specifically designed for that zipline. In that case, it's that pulley you must use - not your own - for safety reasons: it's calibrated for the exact speed, length and incline of the installation. Check the via ferrata's info sheet or ask on site before setting off.
The short safety sling (cow's tail), useful even without a zipline
The cow's tail - a short safety sling, separate from the main lanyard - lets you anchor to the cable at a specific point to take a break mid-route, without relying solely on the lanyard. Useful for catching your breath on an exposed section, letting a faster group pass, or simply steadying yourself long enough for a sip of water. Expect to pay between 10 and 20 CHF new - a modest investment for a real gain in comfort and safety.
What's often forgotten: water and food
Bring a minimum of 1.5 litres of water per person depending on the duration of the outing. The effort involved in via ferrata is intense - far more than a regular hike of equivalent length - and dehydration can set in faster than you'd expect, especially in full sun on an exposed wall.
Buy or rent?
You're trying out the activity - renting is made for exactly that: expect between 15 and 25 CHF per day for a full kit (harness, helmet, lanyard), available at most tourist offices and sports shops near via ferrata sites in Switzerland.
You plan to practise regularly - buying quickly becomes the more sensible option: a new entry-level kit costs close to 200 CHF. Expect around 400 CHF or more for a higher-end kit. The kit includes mandatory equipment, not necessarily the ideal setup for a seasoned via ferrata practitioner - the cow's tail and the pulley, for example, are often sold separately.
After a fall, it's essential to have your gear inspected - especially the lanyard - and replace it if necessary. A lanyard whose absorber has already been triggered is barely more useful than a plain rope: it must be replaced, even if nothing looks visibly damaged. Also check the lifespan of all your equipment according to the manufacturer's recommendations, printed in the instructions or engraved on the gear itself.
You now know what each piece of your gear actually does - and why the lanyard or your footwear leave no room for improvisation. All that's left is to understand what a grade really tells you about a route's difficulty.
Understand via ferrata grading