Essential Rock Climbing Gear for Beginners: Importance of High-Quality Gear

Have you recently discovered the joys and excitement of rock climbing?

The world has become hooked on rock climbing and now you have too. If you’re serious about spending time on the stones, you need to get the right gear.

Are you tired of borrowing your friend’s ill-fitting climbing shoes and the climbing centers over-used ropes?

It’s time to get your own essential rock climbing gear for beginners.

There are so many items on the market, it’s difficult to know what’s essential and what can wait until you’re a pro.

That’s why we’ve put together this simple guide to help you get started. Let’s take a look at the essential rock climbing gear for beginners you need.

1. Climbing Shoes

Climbing shoes are the first purchase any aspiring rock climber needs to make. Don’t mistakenly think you can get by on trainers or by borrowing your friend’s oversized shoes.

Climbing shoes need to fit tightly to your feet for maximum grip. And remember, no socks. The tightness of the shoes may be uncomfortable and even hurt a little at first, but you’ll notice the difference when you’re climbing.

Climbing shoes have rubber soles that provide greater stability and steady you on the rocks. There are many different styles to choose from, from velcro straps, slip-ons, and the classic lace-ups. While there is no right or wrong style, for bouldering and shorter climbs, velcro, and slip-ons allow you to stop and start easier.

2. Chalk

The second item on our list of essential rock climbing gear for beginners is chalk. Not the same stuff that you teacher would use on the blackboard. This is climbing chalk, or magnesium carbonate for the science buffs.

Climbing chalk allows you to hold onto the rock better. The drying qualities of the chalk combine with the moisture in your skin to give you a better grip. It really makes a difference to your climb.

Climbing chalk is cheap to buy for only a few dollars. And it’s available in the form of loose chalk, block chalk, and chalk balls. We suggest you buy it in bulk to save money in the long run.

3. Chalk Bag

But where do you keep the chalk? That’s where the chalk bag comes in.

They are available in a bunch of different designs, colors, and fabrics. They’ll all do the same job. This is only the item on this list that you’re free to make a fashion statement, the rest are strictly technical items.

But make sure it includes a good quality waist belt with a buckle to fasten around your waist. There needs to be a drawstring on the bag so you can close it when you’re not using it and the chalk doesn’t fall out.

4. Carabiners

Once you’ve got chalk, a chalk bag and a pair of climbing shoes you’re ready to go boundaring or indoor wall climbing. But if you want to use ropes and get outdoors you’ll need to get carabiners too.

Carabiners, also known as biners, are aluminum metal loops with a gate to allow your rope to pass through the middle of it. When you close the gate, you have a closed loop that provides you with a secure rope.

They are available from between a few dollars and up to $20-30 dollars. The cheap carabiners are still safe but they don’t always have the same features as the expensive range.

5. Climbing Harness

The next item is a climbing harness. The harness goes around your waist and legs to support you when you’re on the rope. They include a metal buckle for safety.

They also include a loop so that you can attach belay device and other climbing gear. They are amazingly durable, lightweight and thin.

Although there are many discount harnesses out there, it’s worth shopping around and getting a good quality and brand new climbing harness. It needs to be comfortable because you may be sitting in it for extended periods of time.

For a good quality climbing harness you should expect to pay at least $60. But you won’t regret spending extra for greater comfort and safety.

6. Belay Device

A belay device allows you to control the rope movements for your climbing partner. If you lock it off, you prevent the friction needed to stop the rope moving to catch the other climber.

There are two main styles of belay device; tubular and assisted braking. Many beginners climb for sometime before purchasing their own belay device. But you’ll find that after a while you’ll need to get your own.

7. Rope

The rope is definitely another essential item of rock climbing gear for beginners. The rope can save your life. Ropes are made from polymers that have been stretched to produce thin fibers.

There are many different types of climbing rope available. This includes many different sizes and diameters. You may also want to consider a dry-treated rope.

As a beginner, the best option is a 60 meter, 9.5-10.5 mm and dry-treated rope. The 60-meter length gives you that bit extra for certain routes.

Essential Rock Climbing Gear for Beginners

The list items you need for rock climbing gear could be endless. But with these 7 essential items, you’ll have a basic climbing kit to get you started.

With this rock climbing gear for beginners, you’re ready to explore the vertical world of rock climbing.

Whether you’re going climbing every day or just now and then, it’s essential to have the right gear for climbing.

If you have more questions about how to find high-quality rock climbing gear for beginners, get in touch with us today.