Essential Rock Climbing Gear for Beginners
Rock climbing has taken me to some of the wildest and most beautiful places, from the granite walls of Yosemite Valley to the sketchy towers in the Utah desert. It’s taken me years to get comfortable with the gear and develop systems that work seamlessly, whether I’m scaling a tricky pitch or preparing for a multi-day ascent. Here’s a guide to all the essential gear you’ll need for rock climbing, especially if you’re a beginner.
Climbing Shoes
Let’s start with climbing shoes, the foundation of a climber’s gear. There are three main types of climbing shoes: neutral, moderate, and aggressive. Neutral shoes are great for beginners and all-day wear, offering a relaxed fit. Moderate shoes have a slightly downturned shape but not as much as aggressive shoes, which are more ideal for overhanging routes and precision climbing.
Picking the right pair was a game changer for me. Your first pair should fit snugly but not painfully tight. It’s common to think that tighter is better, but this can lead to discomfort and injuries. As you progress, you might opt for more specialized shoes designed for specific types of climbing.
Material wise, I gravitated towards synthetic. Most climbing shoes are made from leather or synthetic materials. Leather shoes stretch over time, so size them tighter initially. Synthetic shoes maintain their shape better and have minimal stretch which is why it’s my top choice.
Climbing Rope
Then, there’s the rope, our lifeline. Dynamic ropes and static ropes are the two main types to choose from. The former has the ability to stretch under load and absorb more energy during a fall, making them indispensable for lead climbing. Static ropes, on the other hand, have minimal stretch and are used for rappelling, ascending, and hauling gear. They should never be used for lead climbing due to their lack of shock absorption.
A 60-meter dynamic rope is a good all-around choice, but some climbers prefer 70 meters for longer routes. The diameter typically ranges from 9.5 mm to 10.2 mm for beginners, offering a balance between durability and ease of handling. Thinner ropes are lighter and have less rope drag but require more skill to manage.
A Reliable Harness
A reliable harness is next. It connects me to the rope, acting as a vital safety link and a repository for my gear. Adjustability in leg loops and a comfortably padded waist belt were non-negotiable features for me. Basic harnesses are fine for gym and sport climbing, but if you plan to do trad or alpine climbing, look for harnesses with extra gear loops for carrying additional equipment.
Belay Device
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Speaking of safety, the belay device is a key piece of my climbing kit. If you’re just getting started, a simple tubular device should be enough to teach you the fundamentals of belaying securely. As your climbs become more complex, you should look into an assisted braking device for extra security, especially on long sport routes where fatigue can set in.
Some belay devices offer additional features like auto-block mode for belaying a second climber from above. Consider what features are important for the type of climbing you’ll be doing.
Carabiners
Carabiners and quickdraws link everything together. I have a mix of locking and non-locking carabiners—locking for critical connections like anchoring and belaying, and non-locking for quickdraws used to clip into protection.
Standard quickdraws consist of two non-locking carabiners connected by a short piece of webbing. One carabiner clips to the bolt, and the other clips the rope. Look for durable and lightweight options. The second option is alpine draws; they are made with longer, extendable slings, they provide more versatility and reduce rope drag on wandering routes. These are particularly useful for trad and alpine climbing.
Protection
For traditional climbing, protection devices like cams and nuts are the building blocks of safety. My trad rack is tailored to the typical crack sizes I encounter, with nuts that fit a range of cracks. Spring-loaded camming devices fit into parallel cracks; they’re more expensive than nuts but indispensable for trad climbing.
Two alternative forms of passive protection are hexes and tricams, useful in specific situations and often used to supplement nuts and cams.
Helmet
Don’t forget the helmet. Every climb underscores its value, protecting against falling debris and cushioning the occasional bump against the rock. Look for helmets with good ventilation, especially for warm-weather climbing and adjustable straps for a secure fit. A comfortable helmet is more likely to be worn consistently. A good climbing helmet should fit snugly without being too tight.
Chalk and Chalk Bag
Chalk and a chalk bag are small but essential. You can find chalk in many different forms. Loose chalk is the most common and easy to use while liquid chalk is less messy and provides a good base layer. If you have loose chalk, your chalk bag should have a secure closure to prevent spills and a waist strap or clip to attach it to your harness. I prefer bags with additional pockets for small items that I want to keep within easy reach.
Double Checks and Communication
Before every climb, double-check your gear with your partner. Ensure helmets are fastened, harnesses are secure, and ropes are correctly tied. Good communication is key. Use commands like “On belay?” “Belay is on,” and “Climbing” to ensure everyone is on the same page.
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