Are you ready to climb outside? Rock Climbing is one of the best outdoor activities for anyone looking to get a taste of adventure! Whether you started climbing in the gym first or this is going to be your first time climbing outside this list contains the basic essentials that you will need! If it is your first time going outdoors it is highly recommended that you look into hiring a guide for your trip. Quality climbing guides will not only already have all of the climbing gear you will need, but will also be able to teach you the skills you need to learn to climb safely. This is just a general list of gear that is recommended for each tyoe of climbing trip, different areas may require specific or slightly different gear lists. Look into each area and consult a guide for more specific information. This list is broken into three parts for each type of climbing that you might be doing: Bouldering, Sport Climbing, and Traditional Climbing. We have made it easy and listed the essential climbing gear that you will need to each type.
Bouldering:
- Rock Climbing Shoes
- Approach Shoes
- 15-20L Day Pack
- Crash Pads (# of pads may vary)
- Area Guide Book
- Chalk Bucket or Bag
- Brush
- Water
- Headlamp (Floodlights if night climbing)
- Food and Snacks
- Sun Protection (sunscreen, hat, etc.)
- Warmup equipment (hang board, bands, etc.)
- Tape
- Skin Care (lotion, split cream, etc.)
- Extra Layers
Sport Climbing:
- 30-40L Pack
- Climbing Shoes
- Approach Shoes
- Chalk Bag
- Harness
- Rope (2x the length of the tallest climb min.)
- Climbing Helmet
- Belay Device (ATC, Gri Gri, Etc.)
- 3rd Hand
- Belay Gloves
- Belay Glasses
- Quick Draws (minimum 6, area dependent)
- Stick Clip
- PAS or double length runner
- Locking Carabiners (Minimum 3)
- Tape
- Food and Snacks
- Water
- Headlamp
- Guide Book
- Sun Protection (Sunscreen, Hat, Etc.)
- Warmup Equipment (Hang Board, Bands, etc.)
- Skin Care (Lotion, Split Cream, Etc.)
- Extra Layers
- First Aid Kit
Trad Climbing
- 30-40L Pack (and an 8-15L if multi-pitching)
- Climbing Shoes
- Approach Shoes
- Chalk Bag
- Harness
- Rope (2x the length of the tallest climb min.)
- Climbing Helmet
- Belay Device (ATC, Gri Gri, Etc.)
- 3rd Hand
- Cams and Nuts (area specific, but generally .4-3 and #1-10)
- Nut tool
- Belay Gloves
- Belay Glasses
- Runners/Alpine Draws/Slings
- Stick Clip
- PAS or double length runner
- Locking Carabiners (Usually 4-6)
- Non Locking Carabiners (Usually 6-10)
- Tape
- Food and Snacks
- Water
- Headlamp
- Guide Book
- Sun Protection (Sunscreen, Hat, Etc.)
- Warmup Equipment (Hang Board, Bands, etc.)
- Skin Care (Lotion, Split Cream, Etc.)
- Extra Layers
- First Aid Kit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Do beginners need climbing shoes? Climbing shoes are not required, but they are designed with sticky rubber soles that greatly helps. Climbers of all levels use them. For beginners its recommended to start with a flat soled shoe thats fits tightly, but comfortably, without socks. If you are rock climbing outside you will need to purchase your own shoes or climb with a guide who provides them.
Do I need chalk to climb? Most climbers choose to climb with chalk because it increases friction with the rock and also helps to protect their skin. That being said there are some climbers who choose not to use it for various reasons. It is highly recommended, but not a requirement.
Do I need to be super fit and strong to start climbing? Climbing is for people of all fitness levels! It can be much easier to start climbing than you think. That being said knowing your climbing ability is an important part of recreating safely. If you are new to climbing it is highly recommended that you hire a qualified guide, not only will they provide all the equipment you need, but they will also be able to help you select routes that are within your ability so that you will have the most fun possible!
All this gear is super expensive! Do I really need all of it? If you are ready to start climbing outside on your own, yes. If you want to try climbing without having to commit to purchasing all the expensive equipment, hire a rock climbing guide! Quality guides like ours will ave all the equipment you need for an outing.
How do I know if a Climbing “Guide” is qualified? This is a great question! Strong climbers are often associated with being highly skilled with the technical aspects of climbing, but this is often far from the truth. Even if you do find someone who is proficient, they might not be excellent instructors or qualified to handle the risk management and emergency situations that could possibly occur while climbing outside. If you are looking for a “guide” look for a certification from the AMGA (American Mountain Guide Association) as they are industry leaders in terms of producing high quality and highly qualified Instructors and Guides.
Looking For a Qualified Guide for your next trip?
No need to look any further. All of our guides are AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructors who excel at climbing, instructing, and client care.
Looking to Learn to Climb Outdoors?
Here are some of our available outdoor rock climbing courses!