c. Protection. This is the generic term used to describe a piece of equipment, natural or artificial, that is used to construct an anchor. Protection, along with a climber, belayer, and climbing rope, forms the lifeline of the climbing team. The rope connects two climbers, and the protection connects them to the rock or ice. The two types of artificial protection are traditional (removable) and fixed (usually permanent) (Figures 5-1 and 5-2).