Jumar is a term used in rock climbing to describe a mechanical ascender device that attaches to a rope and allows the user to ascend while climbing. The pronunciation of Jumar is /ˈdʒuːmɑːr/, with the "ju" being pronounced as the sound in "jewel," and the "mar" being pronounced as "ma" with a short "r" sound at the end. The spelling of Jumar is unique to the rock climbing community, and the word itself is derived from the French word "jumard," which means "crag-swinger."
Jumar refers to a mechanical device used in mountaineering and rock climbing for ascending a rope. It is a type of rope ascender that aids climbers in ascending steep slopes, traversing sheer cliffs, or ascending rope ladders.
The jumar consists of a metal frame with a handle, a camming mechanism, and toothed ascender bars. The device is attached to the climber's harness using a specialized sling or rope, and then connected to a rope running vertically up the climbing route. By exerting upward force on the handle, the climber causes the camming mechanism to grip the rope, allowing them to lift themselves up inch by inch.
Different types of jumars exist, such as the traditional mechanical jumars and more modern versions, often made from lightweight materials such as aluminum. These devices have been designed with safety features, such as anti-panic systems that prevent the climber from accidentally releasing the rope too quickly and falling.
Due to its effectiveness and convenience, the jumar has become an essential tool in many expedition scenarios, including spelunking, canyon exploration, and high-altitude mountaineering. Additionally, it is commonly used in rescue operations to access difficult-to-reach locations.
Overall, the jumar is a versatile and robust mechanical assistance device that offers climbers a reliable and efficient method for ascending ropes in challenging outdoor environments.
The word "jumar" comes from the French term "jumard", which itself was derived from the Occitan (a Romance language spoken in southern France) term "jumard" or "jumart". The Occitan word was originally used to describe a device similar to a rope clamp or ascender, which can be utilized in vertical climbing or mountaineering activities. Over time, "jumard" or "jumart" was adopted into the mountaineering and rock climbing jargon in various languages, including English, and the term "jumar" became a common noun to refer to this type of mechanical ascender.