Here are the best videos that benefit the Kansas City climbing community.  Take a quick look ESPECIALLY if you are brand new to hiking, climbing, or camping.

I don’t claim to be an expert at anything.  These are the strategies that I use.  I’ve taken what I’ve learned from my own experiences and from talking to dozens of my fellow climbers; and put together these videos.  You will come to discover that some of the best members of your climbing community are always learning new ideas and tips – and improving themselves – and they ultimately share their best-practice ideas.

My way is not necessarily better than another way.  Take what you want.  Skip what doesn’t work for you.  And you can share your best tips in the comments here or on the YouTube videos.

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No Loose Chalk

Do you ever see signs posted in your gym that say, “NO LOOSE CHALK.”  What that means is they do no want you to pour your climbing chalk into your chalk bag while at the gym.  Your gym wants you to use a chalk ball.

The employees of your climbing gym have plenty of responsibilities – like keeping you safe (and the new climbers safe) giving beta, fixing spinners, getting your friends some rental gear, etc.  The last thing you want those employees spending time on is cleaning up your chalk spill. 

How To Fill Your Chalk Ball The Quick and Easy Way (3:45)

Finger Injuries…Noooooooo!!!

You’ve got to try Voodoo Flossing on your fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders.  It works on sore forearms and sore calves.  I’ve heard stories of seriously sprained ankles healing in a day or two.  Sure, I am not a doctor; and yes, every body is different.  But the stories I keep hearing give me great pause: “Is this really a tool that everyone should experiment with…”

Here’s How to Voodoo Floss Your Fingers (2:15)

How much did your tent cost?  How much did your sleeping bag cost?

Yeah, those are quite the investment.  And just like all of your climbing gear, you can perform some very simple maintenance on your soft gear (tents, sleeping bags, etc.) to help extend their life.

Here’s How to Store Your Expensive Sleeping Bag (1:09)

Here’s How to Store Your Tent For The Winter (1:45)

Bathroom.  Yes, we have to talk about pooping in the woods.

Depending on where you are going, (ha ha, get it: “going”) you will have to know the rules for managing your waste.  Some climbing places have full facilities – like they have at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch.  Some other climbing destinations only have pit toilets – like at Sam’s Throne.  And some places you are going to have to dig a hole to do your stuff.

Pro Tip:  If you have to dig a hole; dig it at least as deep as your trowel is long.

Here is How I Build My Ultimate Poop / Toilet Kit. (2:25)

If you are a part of the Kansas City climbing community or any other climbing community, thank you for watching.  Please share your tips and ideas in the comment section here or on YouTube.

Enjoy your next adventure!

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Read more about other hiking, climbing, and camping tools and ideas in HCRBeta’s Gear Category. 

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Jason Clements is the founder of and writer for HCRBeta, Hike Climb Relax:  How to…  Jason has served as the President of the Kansas City Climbing Club.  He lives in Shawnee, Kansas and also runs the cell phone recycling company, Cells for Cells, which recycles cell phones to raise money for families battling cancer.  You can follow Jason on Facebook or on Twitter @jasonclements.