Trad climbing, short for traditional climbing, is a style of rock climbing where climbers place their own protective gear into the rock as they ascend. This gear, such as cams and nuts, is used to safeguard against falls, allowing climbers to tackle routes without fixed anchors. In contrast to sport climbing, which relies on pre-placed bolts, trad climbing emphasizes self-sufficiency and route finding. Climbers must assess the rock's features and choose appropriate gear placements, making it a skillful and adventurous form of climbing that often takes place in natural settings like mountains and crags.