Beginner rock climbing gear It certainly requires the least prep of all outdoor climbing methods, you'll just want to have your hands on all of the must-have gear from the last section, as well as: Aug 15, 2013 · As a basic all-round beginners rock climbing gear list, you should try and have as much of this kit as possible. As with many sports, the most expensive or high-performance rock climbing gear might not always be the best for beginners, it could actually be worse! You also don’t need to get everything at once – as your climbing style develops and you nut out your preferre d type of climbing your needs will change. Essentials. If you have never climbed before or want to upgrade from rental gear, this rock climbing gear list has all the beginner climbing essentials you need to start your journey into the vertical world. This info comes at the expense of lots of rope-stretching falls by our expert gear testers, who certainly aren't shy about taking the whip. Let’s look at our beginner rock climbing gear list with prices and add up the totals for each Active Vs. In addition to learning key rock climbing terms, familiarizing yourself with the following gear will help prepare you for a NOLS course. It certainly requires the least prep of all outdoor climbing methods, you'll just want to have your hands on all of the must-have gear from the last section, as well as: Finding the best climbing gear for beginners can be a challenge, but we’ve got you covered with these essential tips. Editor's Note: We updated this review on April 22, 2025, to ensure our pricing was correct for our shoe lineup. Dec 16, 2019 · The best rock climbing gear for beginners. This is bomber, save-your-ass gear that’ll get you started with trad climbing, but a word of caution: it’s only as good as the climber using it. Beginners often find this topic overwhelming so we’ve listed the basic essentials that every aspiring rock climber needs to get Mar 27, 2025 · There are two types of climbing most gyms offer: top roping and bouldering. S. Introduction to Basic Climbing Equipment. It’s also useful to have a belay certification when climbing outside, so that other more experienced climbers in your group don’t have to teach you how to do it. Bouldering typically features shorter walls and is done without ropes. Beginners often find this topic overwhelming so we’ve listed the basic essentials that every aspiring rock climber needs to get . Rock climbers are naturally drawn to the equipment. If you’re a beginner rock climber and learning the basics at an indoor gym, they'll provide the rock climbing gear for you. It can also be intimidating, given all of the gear and lingo that comes with it. Choosing the correct equipment can significantly im Jun 4, 2024 · Beginner’s Guide to Rock Climbing Gear: What You Need to Get Started. Learn the basics of indoor climbing equipment; Become a sought-after climbing partner that people can trust; Restrictions. Take a course Feb 28, 2024 · Benefits of Rock Climbing for Beginners. To learn basic climbing terms before you get started, check out our Rock Climbing Glossary. Jul 25, 2022 · Length Rope length has varied over the ages—and that variation is something you need to think about when purchasing a rope. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, this equipment list will help you prepare for your next mountain climbing adventure. But you should still call ahead of time to make sure. Rock Climbing Gear Packages! A great and cost effective way to get into climbing. It protects your head from falling rocks, ice, and other debris, as well as from impacts during falls. Bouldering (Indoors) Climbing shoes – Some climbers have a preference for ultra-tight shoes, but as a beginner, you should aim for comfort before performance. Jan 20, 2020 · Ok, so you’ve started to really love climbing. Aug 16, 2020 · To research the best climbing harnesses for beginners, we read reviews from Alpinist, Outdoor Gear Lab, Gear Institute, Weigh My Rack, Epic TV, Adventure Junkies, Splitter Choss, and Rock and Ice (see Sources). for a good pair of starter shoes I would recommend the LA sportiva tarantulace (90 bucks), they fit comfortably and break in easy they have laces which I liked because if felt more secure… beefy toe pads and good heal pad all around solid shoe Jan 16, 2020 · Well the great news when it comes to climbing is that unlike other sports, like mountain biking for example, rock climbing doesn’t force you to do a big financial outlay straight off the bat to get into the sport. For harness I used the black diamond momentum… got it at REI for 64 bucks. 5 Crag Classic. As a beginner, the right gear is indispensable for ensuring your safety and boosting your confidence as you navigate the climbing routes. Bouldering is an unroped form of rock climbing while top-rope, lead climbing, and speed climbing all require ropes. A harness typically consists of a waist belt and leg loops that are connected by a series of buckles and straps. 5 days ago · The Bouldering Gear for Beginners- Wrap-Up. Feb 8, 2020 · Thankfully, you can buy rock climbing starter kits to jumpstart your newfound climbing addiction. For just starting out in the sport, we recommend finding a comfortable pair of climbing shoes (don’t be persuaded by the salesperson at your local gear shop to purchase painfully tight For a full article on trad gear see my gear guide to trad gear. Aug 5, 2022 · The best rock climbing gear for beginners, including climbing shoes, climbing harnesses, belay devices, climbing helmets, and climbing apparel, from brands like La Sportiva, Petzl, Black Diamond Apr 25, 2024 · Indoor Rock Climbing Gear. So you’ve caught the climbing bug, and now all you can think about is rock climbing. Jan 10, 2025 · But before you grab your first piece of rock climbing gear and head for the nearest boulder, let’s break down some essential skills every beginner should master. Need Help? Feb 9, 2020 · So you've finally tried your hand at rock climbing and it turns out you love it! The physical challenge, the social aspects, the problem solving, the feeling of defying gravity – you’ve been hooked by it all. As a beginner, you’ll want to begin with indoor climbing, bouldering, or top-rope climbing outdoors. Oct 1, 2019 · Scoop up this beginner-friendly gear and you’ll be ready to train all your focus on your next move. Rest assured, beginner climbing gear won’t cost you a fortune - and once you start building a collection of gear, it will last for years, as long as you take care of it. , you will need to have a belay certification due to insurance. Maybe you've seen pictures of climbers hanging from ropes hundreds of feet above the ground. it has nice padding and easy slider adjust. Something is awe-inspiring about rock climbing gear as it continues to evolve and become lightweight yet more robust, more colorful higher performing, and hyper-specialized. Most gyms have rental equipment which allows you to see if rock climbing is something you want Starter Packages consist of an introductory climbing + belay + safety lesson, plus all the gear and equipment needed; harness, shoes, chalk bag, belay device. Most rock climbing gear is transferable between different kinds of climbing. DiGiulian, the first North American woman to climb the “grade 9a, 5. Oct 15, 2024 · Rock climbing offers an exhilarating blend of physical challenge and mental fortitude, attracting countless enthusiasts each year. Rock climbing can be an exhilarating adventure into the vertical realm. Walls lined with technicolor shoes, endless arrays of ropes, and about 80 different kinds of metal bits and pieces with names like "grigri" and "ATC" that sound more like Pokémon than climbing gear. If you’re thinking of getting a harness for use in the gym, you should look for something comfortable and durable. What Gear Does A Beginner Rock Climber Need? Rock climbing calls for more gear than your average sport. Sep 20, 2023 · Learn how to sport climb with our guide. If you own or rent your rock climbing gear, you should always give it a thorough inspection. Bouldering only requires a few pieces of training gear. Must Have Indoor Rock Climbing Gear. Dec 2, 2021 · FYI: Lots of indoor rock climbing gyms let you rent essential gear like harnesses, helmets, chalk, and shoes. Feb 8, 2020 · You get a sweet new pair of indoor climbing shoes, and I get to eat food again. Depending on the style of climbing you pick out of the list above, you will need different gear. STATIC Traveler Chalk Bag Improve your grip and fight off sweaty palms with Metolius Super chalk and the stylish blanket-weave STATIC Traveler bag . Rock climbing offers a wide range of physical and mental benefits. However, it is crucial to have a pair of rock climbing shoes and some climbing chalk to start climbing indoors. Aug 6, 2024 · Here, you'll find a comprehensive selection of the best climbing equipment for beginners and improvers. Are you wondering how to get from first-time gumby to proficient expert as quickly as possible? That’s where we come in with our very best rock climbing tips for beginners. Rock shoes ($70 - $100) No other type of climbing gear has contributed to the progression of climbing more than the rock shoe. It takes a lot of research to familiarize yourself with the appropriate equipment. 5 days ago · Rounding out our women's climbing gear reviews is Jane Jackson, bringing her experience as a professional mountain guide who has worked in Yosemite, the Tetons, and parts of Alaska. These climbing packages offer great value and bundle the worlds best brands of rock shoes, climbing harness, chalk bag and chalk. But you should still call ahead Apr 4, 2025 · We took to our local sport crags, famous multi-pitch destinations, and the big mountains to conduct our side-by-side tests. Harnesses for Indoor Climbing. com for their tips on dealing with notoriously Finding the best climbing gear for beginners can be a challenge, but we’ve got you covered with these essential tips. Outdoor Bouldering: Basic Starting Equipment. Apr 7, 2024 · Here’s a recommended list of rock climbing equipment for beginners: climbing shoes for good grip, a comfortable harness, a sturdy helmet, a belay device, and a chalk bag for grip assistance. Apr 13, 2018 · Rock Climbing Gear For Beginners. NOTE: Please choose carefully - Do to its critical nature Person Protection Equipment (PPE) is not returnable. Step 1: Understand Climbing Disciplines. This is everything you need to get top-roping, provided that the top rope is already set up. These four climbing whiz kids, in addition to nearly 10 other experts ranging from professional to hobbyist climbers, researched and tested these award-winning Apr 4, 2025 · We took to our local sport crags, famous multi-pitch destinations, and the big mountains to conduct our side-by-side tests. Climbing Helmet. Outdoor bouldering is a great first step into sending real rock. Each discipline of climbing necessitates a different set of gear. You can choose to boulder, top rope or both! Apr 22, 2025 · Climbing runs deep in GearLab's roots, and we've tested a lot of climbing gear over the years. Feb 9, 2025 · A climbing gym is a friendly place and you can learn a lot from the other climbers and employees there. Participants must be 14 years or older. Everyone’s climbing journey is different, though, so get the gear that’s right for your own personal goals and style. Apr 4, 2025 · A solid harness with great features for any kind of rock climbing: A high-performing rock climbing harness at an excellent price point: Lightweight and mobile for hard sends, this harness is surprisingly comfortable for working sport climbs as well: A light and comfortable harness for single or multi-pitch sport climbing Jan 25, 2023 · There are a lot of reasons to love rock climbing. By method / June 4, 2024 . For all types of climbing, however, a beginner will need a pair of climbing shoes. Jun 6, 2017 · The Best Climbing Gear for Beginners From the shoes to the harness to the chalk, here are a few tested basics to get you on the rock Published: Jun 6, 2017 Feb 1, 2022 · Belay Certification . I find it a bit silly because bouldering is one of many types of rock climbing! Indoor rock climbing is comprised of both unroped and roped climbing. Many public recreation centers, colleges, and REI stores have free-standing pinnacles or walls for beginners to try their rock climbing techniques. Here at Rock climbing has a wide range of possibilities, and each necessitates a different type of gear. Rock Climbing shoes: Specialized footwear designed to provide grip on rock surfaces. Mar 16, 2016 · Unlike aid climbing, free climbing is characterized by making upward progress relying only on the natural features of the rock—using ropes and equipment only to protect a fall and provide a belay. To belay in rock climbing gyms in the U. This versatile Most folks become indoor climbers by joining a climbing gym. A climbing helmet is an essential piece of equipment for any mountain climber. 14d”, recognized as one of the hardest sport climbs achieved by a female, shares her top tips for an upward indoor rock climbing experience. Top roping is what most people think climbing is: a tall wall with holds to get you to the top. Jul 29, 2022 · Guided excursions come with all the gear you will need and allow you to get comfortable with proper climbing gear use. Indoor Climbing: For lots of people, starting at a climbing gym is a great idea. You’ve bought a climbing gym membership, but now you need your first pair of indoor climbing shoes! Arguably, climbing shoes may be the most important gear in a climber’s quiver. Sep 8, 2021 · It can be daunting to get started in the climbing gear world, so we put together a list of what gear you’ll want to buy, when, and why. If you’re just trying out climbing for the first time, you might want to rent some gear from the climbing gym. Jul 12, 2017 · Gear. Jun 21, 2024 · Our expert rock climbing gear list covers the 7 essential bits of gear to get started, as well as 5 more purchases you'll need to make once you start getting more serious. Typical indoor climbing gear includes a pair of climbing shoes, a harness (for rope climbing), and a chalk Dec 14, 2023 · What You’ll Need for Rock Climbing. While many provide equipment, you’ll eventually want to buy rock climbing gear of your own. It might seem like this rock climbing gear list for beginners involves a pretty hefty outlay of money and it is an investment, for sure. Passive Trad Climbing Protection Active Protection. Ask around to see what beginner rock climbing gear they recommend! We’ve also aggregated a list of the best climbing gear to simplify your gear search. Sep 30, 2024 · Looking for your first pair of rock climbing shoes? We tested 30 top-rated climbing shoes in the gym, crag, and bouldering to find the best rock climbing shoes for beginners and mid-level climbers, with winners from La Sportiva, Five Ten, Black Diamond and Evolv Dec 30, 2023 · Over time, continue advancing your knowledge, skills and gear while staying grounded in the basics learned as a fresh-faced indoor rock climbing beginner! Conclusion Indoor rock climbing delivers an incredible full-body workout unlike any other gym activity. Top-roping in the gym is great but you want more adventure… Well this mini bundle of climbing gear including a belay device, safety sling and two locking carabiners opens doors. It can seem like there are a lot of climbing essentials, but you don’t need to go all out right at the start. Walk into any climbing gear shop and you might feel like you've entered a hardware store on another planet. rock climbing. Rock Climbing Shoes Sep 29, 2023 · For a more extensive list, check out A Beginner's Guide to Rock Climbing Terms. We describe the basics of lead climbing, clipping bolts, anchor building, and eventually sport climbing outside on real rock. Let's get into it. Jan 18, 2020 · To help with your buying decision, see our articles on the best rock climbing shoes for beginners and best overall rock climbing shoes (aimed more toward intermediate to advanced climbers). The Gear packages listed here covers sport climbing, trad climbing, and bouldering. We also asked the experts at Backcountry. Manufacturers put together climbing sets to make it easier on the beginners. We’ve put together a rock climbing guide to make it as easy as possible for newbies like you to get started. Nov 14, 2014 · For that kind of faith, it goes without saying that you need reliable equipment, the kind that’ll save your life when you miss a hold and take a whipper from 100+ feet in the air. Our comprehensive reviews cover the best belay devices and climbing ropes, along with our top picks in women's harnesses. Welcome to the world of rock climbing, where the thrill of a Aug 7, 2024 · Rock climbing gear for beginners Kai Burkhardt/CNN Underscored. Also known as active pro, this protective gear uses moving parts to wedge itself into cracks and other various crevices. 5. Many of these reviews are focused on gear for folks that have been climbing for a while, so we used our own judgment to find harnesses Climbing kits, the ideal introduction for beginners. Register Online! IMPORTANT: Climbers under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a liability waiver. After your lesson, stay for a climbing session with full access to all climbing areas + fitness equipment. If you’re looking for beginner indoor climbing shoes, you can find our recommendations here. It helps improve strength, flexibility, and balance as you navigate the various holds and positions on the rock. Trust us; these are not merely suggestions—they're stepping stones toward becoming one of those awe-inspiring climbers you see conquering towering cliffs and mind-bending routes. The ropes of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, were generally 50 meters long, which means that most single pitch routes from those eras maxed out at 25-meters (80 feet). Mar 25, 2023 · I am always getting asked to compare bouldering vs. Feb 23, 2020 · Cost is one of the primary concerns for beginners getting into rock climbing. Written by Tom Ward. Rock climbing has a broad range of disciplines, with each requiring differing types of gear and training. One of those reasons is the gear. Wedge yourself between a rock and a hard place in style (if not comfort) with our pick of the best rock climbing gear going. These items are fundamental for new climbers to start learning the sport. Our favorite rock climbing rope is the Mammut 9. Climbing also engages your entire body, from your core muscles to your fingertips, providing a full-body workout. In fact, to start your rock climbing gear supply you only need to outlay as much as a standard mountain biking helmet to get you Nov 28, 2021 · The following lists summarize the gear and equipment you’ll need for the various rock climbing methods described in this article. Feb 21, 2023 · A rock climbing harness is an essential piece of equipment for climbers as it helps to secure them to the rope system and prevent falls. If you want to get into rock climbing or indoor climbing, you will find yourself faced with the problem of choosing the right equipment. rrdgue ihgxym xnzqt hxok nbcu owhctt unszuzee papq agn zdeaeu fygaplcg akhgut efd buph pqweius