Looking for a new adventure? Get into the wild with outdoor movies. Movies with intense nature scenes can invoke that adventurous spirit and inspire us to explore new territory. Ever heard of the movie Cliffhanger with Sylvester Stallone?

In the movie Cliffhanger, Stallone’s character does some serious mountain climbing to evade the villains. He uses amazing rock climbing skills to leap from cliff to cliff with ease. I’m not saying you should be leaping cliffs here, but perhaps you could try a little rock climbing. Whether you’re normally the adventurous type or not, it could be interesting, as well as fun and exhilarating to learn a new skill such as rock climbing. The best bet for beginners is to take a class. Rock climbing is not a sport that you test out by yourself, and even if you’re skilled, you’ll still want to go in a group for safety purposes.

Just as in the movie, be sure you have the right gear. One thing that Stallone always has while rock climbing in Cliffhanger are trusty carabiners . Without carabiners, rock climbing would be quite dangerous, especially at the extremely high elevations Stallone faced in the movie. Key locking carabiners will help to secure a hold, making the climb safer. To get a good foothold, you also will want to wear the right footwear. Depending on the terrain, there will be a variety of choices. There are rock climbing shoes, as well as crampons.

Also needed, of course, will be a strong harness . Carabiners attach to these to secure the hold to the rocks. Other tools and accessories include an axe, a helmet, camming devices and gloves. The camming devices, along with the harness and carabiners, will help secure your position during climbing. Stability is very important in rock climbing.

Rock climbing can be quite an interesting to hobby to take on and is also a great way to exercise in a less mundane way than those daily workouts. Just remember to always be safe and follow the instructions of a professional. Also be sure to check with a doctor before starting or stopping any physical activities.

One of Canada’s most well-known mountain ranges is ready to put your hiking, climbing and survival skills to the test. The Canadian Rockies are the ultimate challenge for avid rock climbers. This mountain range boasts snow banks, icy turf, challenging trails and brutal temperatures year round. Some of the most developed climbing areas are right around Calgary, and you can head off to the Ghost River, Canmore or Lake Louise for your fair share of an amazing alpine adventure.

You’ll need a survival plan to trek along this challenging region like a pro, so make sure you’re well-prepared with the following basics for survival:

MIOX Purifier – It’s easy to forget about hydration when you’re battling cold temperatures and trekking through snowy territory, but you’ll need a reliable hydration pack to keep up with your water intake throughout the trip. Pick up the MIOX Purifier, a lightweight and versatile purifier that will clean up any untreated water in a snap.

Petzl Headlamp – A reliable headlamp will help you navigate those coves and caves on your trail and keep you on track as you head to the mountaintop. Just strap this headlamp in place as soon as the sun goes down so you can maintain good form throughout your evening’s climb. The Petzl headlamp has extra features such as red LED lighting for extra night vision benefits.

North Face Down Jacket – Layer up with fleece and down to trap in as much heat as possible on your outdoor adventure. The North Face Jacket is a compressible, down jacket with a soft hood and plenty of insulation power for those days and nights when temperatures drop. Just add a pair of mittens or gloves to your ensemble and you’ll be well-prepared for inclement weather.

The Canadian Rockies are a force to be reckoned with, a challenge that very few climbers undertake without practice, perseverance and – most importantly – a lot of courage. Brave the Rockies like a pro by packing the right gear and venture off to see some of the world’s most breathtaking sights and sounds.

Some of the most treacherous climbs in the United States are difficult, not only because of their pitch or rating, but because they are so crowded it takes all day to get a turn. This isn’t the case for Questa Dome in northern New Mexico, which is deserted most of the time but boasts a terrific challenge for the seasoned mountain climber.

Questa Dome towers to 500 feet and offers a total of six climbing routes, which would usually be sufficient to turn off any experienced climber. After all, there are plenty of treacherous climbs in the United States and throughout the world that offer excesses of 100 routes, which usually provides a more fulfilling trip.

However, Questa Dome is unique in that it offers traditional, classic climbing routes, which force climbers to work without the use of bolts. Each of the six routes is rated between a 5.11 and 5.13, which means that they are challenging even for experienced climbers. Plus, the view from the top of Questa Dome is not to be missed.

Furthermore, Questa Dome does not offer any convenient stopping places where climbers can rest. From bottom to top and back down again, it is a continuous climb that will test your endurance and leave you breathless – both from the climb and from the scenery.

The two original routes on Questa Dome are called “Question of Balance” and “Another Pretty Face.” Both of these are packed with crags, cracks, gouges and other complicated obstacles that require climbers to pull out a full arsenal of techniques. Indeed, Questa Dome is one of the few climbs in the U.S. that require so many different techniques without having to switch to a new route.

The approach to Questa Dome takes approximately 45 minutes and is a beautiful hike through New Mexico’s wilderness. Make sure to wear a pair of comfortable shoes (with your climbing shoes in your pack) such as the Adidas’ Terrex Swifts . You’ll want plenty of ankle support for climbing over rocky terrain, and these are breathable enough for the New Mexico heat.

Oh, I don’t recommend climbing Questa Dome if you suffer from arachnophobia. There are plenty of spiders in this region, including tarantulas that make their homes in the shelters of rocks along the approach to Questa Dome.

So you wanna be a rock climbing superstar? Rock climbing will put your survival skills to the test when you head off to your overnight stay on those rocky hills, so rounding up the right gear is the first step to success. Whether you’re trekking your route in Fort William or staking your claim to territory in the New River Gorge, here are some of the basics you’ll need to survive the wilderness like a pro:

1. A water bottle-friendly pack. Stock up on H2O with a backpack that does double duty as a water bottle holder. The Keen Morrison collection is a convenient and durable choice. It’s a pack made with 10 percent recycled aluminum hardware and a hollow core that keeps everything cool and well protected from the elements. The water bottle holder is within easy reach, so you can stash your stock of water for a few days’ worth of climbing and hiking.

2. High performance goggles. When you’re battling the sun, rain, wind and even snow on that adventurous climb, make sure you’re protecting those eyes with a pair of quality goggles. The Anon Figment shades are made with a scratch-resistant coating and anti-fogging lenses that make it easier to battle the elements during your challenge.

3. Precision climbing shoes. You’ll need some durable heels with extra traction and superior flexibility for maximum support, and there’s no slipping and sliding to be had when you’re wearing a Five Ten like the Anasazi Verde. These shoes are designed with a precision fit and rubber outsoles for maximum durability. Just make sure they’re extra snug so you can maneuver up those rocky trails with ease.

4. Cushioned socks. Whether you’re heading out on a brisk morning or venturing into a climbing event in the hot afternoon sun, a pair of cushioned socks that whip away moisture will keep you on your toes and safe for the climb. Pick up a pair of Wigmwam Pack Horse Socks that cradle and support your feet on even the steepest slope.

5. Bionic jacket. Whether you’re hitting the Rockies or trekking around Fort William, a bionic jacket will keep that wicked wind at bay and give you a chance to brave the harsh weather – in style, of course. The North Face bionic jacket gives you a loose and comfortable fit with plenty of wind-blocking properties for extra protection.

If a mountaineering or a cliff-climbing course is penciled into your calendar this year, you’ll need to plan ahead with the basic gear and supplies. Rock climbing is a great way to experience the great outdoors from a fresh perspective; whether you’re climbing the Rockies or taking a trip across the Grand Canyon, be prepared for breathtaking views and a total body workout as you reach new heights. Make sure your trip is safe and enjoyable with these rock climbing necessities:

1. Carabiners

You’ll need a sturdy set of carabiners to keep your ropes and pulleys working at their full potential. Look for wire gate, lightweight carabiners that reduce ‘gate lash’ and make it easy to change out ropes and coordinate pulleys on your climb.

2. Rock climbing shoes

The necessary footwear for a rock climbing adventure is a far cry from the standard hiking boot or cross-country trekking shoe. A pair of quality rock climbing shoes can either be lace-up or Velcro style, and you’ll get the most out of your climb with a pair of leather uppers designed with flexible soles. They’re also designed with extra grips on the base, and are super lightweight for better performance.

3. Climbing harnesses

Making sure you have the best-fitting harness can help you stay comfortable and well-protected during even the most challenging climbs. The right harness will help distribute your weight evenly without pinching or cinching your skin as the pressure increases; look for extra features such as vents in the waistbelt and flexible plastic inserts for extra spine and muscle support.

4. Climbing helmet

Protect yourself from falling rocks and boulders, and keep that scalp as dry as possible with a well-fitting helmet. Helmets designed with air vents and an adjustable strap can offer the best fitting, and these are also a lightweight accessory. Look for helmets with detachable headlamps or clips to hold a lamp in place for adventures at sunset that lead into the night.

5. Camming device

As you make your way up the steepest climbs and challenging rock formations, you’ll need the right holding device to keep you on course. Camming devices made with an interlocking design can make each move smooth and flexible. Look for lightweight camming devices made with stainless steel for maximum durability and versatility.

In the last post, I mentioned some of the fun ways parents and schools are promoting physical fitness in kids. One of those creative and innovative exercise options is an artificial rock climbing wall. I wanted to add more on that physical fitness option in particular because I feel it’s a really great choice.

Since kids are constantly growing, their muscles need to be strong. Rock climbing helps build those muscles because the child is holding up the entire body with the arms and legs and even the abdominals. Adding a rock climbing wall to a child’s physical routine has many benefits. Not only that, but it’s like a game to kids. In fact, many games can be invented to use with one or it can be used without games. Either way, the kids still find it fun and it’s still a great workout.

One game I think is fun is having the kids race to the top, following safety rules, of course. Once they get up there, have them race back down. Kids seem to never get tired of racing. This race is not one most of the kids do everyday, so the kids seem to take to it right away because it’s so different. This can be played on mini-sized rock climbing walls located at parks or even on the giant ones found in rock climbing gyms.

Another fun thing to do is to place flags on various points of the rock wall. Use lightweight flags and something that is easy for the kids to pull off because of safety issues. Choose a different color for each kid. The goal is for each kid to collect all of their flags. This can be a contest with a winner or just a fun activity. Either way, the kids will get some fun, as well as a great workout. For a more challenging game on the larger rock climbing walls, mix the flags up all across and around the rock wall.

If your child’s school does not have a rock climbing wall or is not visiting one, suggest one to the gym or physical education teacher, principal, and other staff. Most schools are at least open to suggestions. Even if the schools cannot build one, they may be near one that will be easy access to the students either during or after school. Also, if the school cannot or will not give access to a rock climbing gym, for whatever reason, remember that parents can also take the kids to the rock climbing gyms. Since artificial rock climbing is growing more popular, they are fairly easy to find. Whether your child does this at school or on your time, be sure to have access to the right gear, such as hiking boots and climbing equipment. The artificial rock climbing gyms will likely have everything your child needs. But, if you decide to put one in your own backyard, be aware of the safety rules and equipment required to protect your child.