Glossary of Climbing Terms

Mantel

A move used to surmount a ledge or feature in the rock in the absence of any useful holds directly above. It involves pushing down on a ledge or feature instead of pulling down. In ice climbing, a mantel is done by moving the hands from the shaft to the top of the ice tool and pushing down on the head of the tool.

Mantle

The external covering of a climbing rope. Climbing ropes use kernmantle construction consisting of a kern (or core) for strength and an external sheath called the mantle.

Match: To use one hold for two limbs, or to swap limbs on a particular hold.
Moat: A crevasse that forms where the glacier pulls away from a rock formation.
Mono: (French monodoigt "single finger") A climbing hold, typically a pocket or hueco, that only has enough room for one finger.
Mountain rescue: The search and rescue activities that occur in a mountainous environment, although the term sometimes also applies to search and rescue in other wilderness environments. Also see rescue doctrine.
Move: Application of a specific climbing technique to progress on a climb.
Moving together: Method of climbing – used on easy Alpine ground – in which two or more climbers climb at the same time with running belays between them and fixed belays not being used. Similar to simulclimbing, a technique for steeper terrain.
Multi-pitch climbing: Climbing on routes that are too long for a single belay rope.
Munter hitch: A simple hitch that is often used for belaying without a mechanical belay device. Otherwise known as an Italian hitch or a Friction hitch.