Some years ago, I was sea-cliff climbing at Gogarth in north Wales. My second was on a tricky overhanging pitch, and he was really struggling. We couldn’t communicate because of the background noise from the sea, and I couldn’t lower him back down as the tide was coming in. My only option was to escape the system using a prusik loop, climb down the rope using a prusik loop, build another belay and haul my second up to it using – you’ve guessed it – a prusik loop.

I remember going to buy my first pieces of climbing kit. I saved up my money and went to the shop. I felt excitement about the prospect of owning my own gear, but also bewilderment, because I wasn't sure how to get the best kit on my limited budget.