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Traditional climbing, also called "trad", is a style of rock climbing in which routes are climbed from the bottom up, without using artificial aids to progress (just the climbers' hands and feet), and where nearly all protection is placed by the climbers as they ascend. It is a form of free climbing.
A common misconception of traditional climbing is that there cannot be any fixed protection bolts already in place on the route. This is not the case. Bolts in traditional climbing, however, are usually placed while on lead, rather than rappel, and only where absolutely necessary for safe passage.
Traditional climbing emphasizes the adventure aspect of rock climbing; as such it contrasts with sport climbing, which emphasizes the athletic aspect.
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