Best beginner climbing gear Mammut Crag Classic 9. Apr 4, 2025 · The leg loops and waist belt are super comfortable while climbing, walking around the crag, or belaying your partner on their project. Jeremy Rellosa. Sean McNally Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, this equipment list will help you prepare for your next mountain climbing adventure. Top roping is what most people think climbing is: a tall wall with holds to get you to the top. The Jay is a fantastic beginner harness, featuring easy adjustments of the waist belt and the waist padding. Apr 27, 2022 · Complete and in-depth guides to the best climbing shoes. Written by Tom Ward. As for liquid chalk, it’s not ideal for either type of Feb 8, 2020 · If you’re looking for beginner indoor climbing shoes, you can find our recommendations here. Comfortable, lightweight, durable, and affordable, the Black Diamond Momentum checks Jun 21, 2024 · Once you get ropes and more gear, you’ll want a climbing specific rope bag (Image credit: Jordan Siemens) Chances are you’ll need to hike to the crag with your gear so you’ll want a good backpack. Edelrid Swift Eco Dry 8. Chalk bag & climbing chalk; Harness; Belay device & locking carabiner; Helmet; Once you’ve been climbing for a little while. Spur Climbing Kits contain just the spurs, harness, and wire-core flipline - the essential gear for climbing a tree on spur. Choosing the correct equipment can significantly im Dec 16, 2019 · The best rock climbing gear for beginners. Beginner Rock Climbing Gear List Apr 4, 2025 · Over the past decade, our climbing experts tested over 40 different climbing ropes, with the 13 best models on the market in our current review. Luckily the brand also makes the Tarantulace, which features the Apr 27, 2022 · Complete and in-depth guides to the best climbing shoes. Outdoor athletes the world over trust Scarpa to provide the best gear. The Black Diamond Momentum Harness is the ultimate beginner climbing harness. The rock climbing gear list for beginners includes climbing shoes, a harness, belay device, helmet, rope, carabiners, quickdraws, chalk, chalk bags, crash pads, climbing clothes, a climbing pack, an anchor kit, a hangboard, and other small accessories that fill the gaps. The go-to types of chalk for climbing are powder, solid, or liquid. Another couple thoughts: Inspect your ropes and gear frequently, cannot emphasize this enough!! Learning from others is, obviously, great. Feb 21, 2023 · To assist beginners, I have compiled a list of the essential equipment needed to start climbing outdoors independently. Within each section, I offer my beginner-friendly recommendations, as well as a few alternative options that provide distinct advantages. Climbing pack; Basic accessories such as climbing tape and a climbing brush; Later on, as needed. You need them to get on the wall and stay there safely. It combines good comfort and features at an attractive price. The Jay’s strengths begin with well-placed and spacious gear loops. Bouldering typically features shorter walls and is done without ropes. May 13, 2021 · We’ve field tested plenty of climbing shoes. S. Jan 6, 2021 · Price: Backcountry $56. Mar 27, 2025 · There are two types of climbing most gyms offer: top roping and bouldering. For our beginner recommendations, check out our guide to the best beginner climbing shoes. If you’re just trying out climbing for the first time, you might want to rent some gear from the climbing gym. Climbing Shoes: Choose shoes that fit snugly and provide excellent traction on the rock surface. but the % of this industry that are total hacks is just astounding, do not blindly "be a groundie, because then you're going to be a great climber!1!" because people advocate that online, I was a groundie for a summer the better part of a decade ago and Aug 7, 2024 · Rock climbing gear for beginners Kai Burkhardt/CNN Underscored It can seem like there are a lot of climbing essentials , but you don’t need to go all out right at the start. 95 – Moosejaw $56. Whether you’re looking to top rope indoors, learn to lead, or start on your first routes outdoors – we have you covered. The 3D mesh padding is extremely breathable, and also extends over the edge of the waist belt for extra comfort when you’re hanging on the wall or belaying your partner while they’re working a hard climb. We’ll cover all the beginner’s bouldering gear essentials to the best of 2024 that you need to get started. By Tom Ward 8 min read Published on 05/28/2025 · 3:50 PM UTC Feb 8, 2020 · That’s why these climbing harness packages have all of the starter gear to get you climbing in the gym, the mountains, or out at the crag. If you’re learning to crack climb or if you find that you need some extra protection on your fingers, you can utilize climbing finger tape. Importance: Recommended Invest in Good Quality Climbing Gear. Climbing shoes; Highly recommended. Important Specs; 3. Black Diamond Momentum Harness Package. Our rope climbing package features the Tenaya Tanta climbing shoe (known for its perfect balance of comfort and performance), Black Diamond's versatile Momentum harness, a custom Movement chalk bag, and a Midnight Lightning chalk sock. We took to our local sport crags, famous multi-pitch destinations, and the big mountains to conduct our side-by-side tests. Powder is by far the most common, easiest to apply, and best for top roping. 5: Best Beginner Climbing Rope. Harness: Opt for a harness that is comfortable and properly fits your body. 95 – Black Diamond $56. We’ve pulled together our top suggestions for the best climbing ropes for beginners, along with your essential buying guide so you know exactly what to look for when purchasing your first rope. Sep 17, 2024 · Importance: Extra equipment after you’ve been climbing for a while Price: $5-15. Here are the best deals on the essentials. —the Tarantulace is a comfort-first shoe with an unlined leather upper, a mildly asymmetric shape, a stiff last, and a relatively roomy toe-box. Most rock climbing gear is transferable between different kinds of climbing. 2 Climbing Rope: Best Workhorse Rope. Comparisons and reviews on beginner rock boots, performance sport climbing shoes for intense hard pitches, trad shoes for off-widths and crack climbing, and indoor gym competition rock shoes. Cutting feet is just another chance to show off your climbing shoes. Our comprehensive reviews cover the best belay devices and climbing ropes , along with our top picks in women's harnesses . Apr 22, 2025 · Climbing runs deep in GearLab's roots, and we've tested a lot of climbing gear over the years. If you start out at a gym or climb with a guide, necessary equipment is usually provided. Nov 14, 2024 · An entry-level shoe seen on beginners and intermediate climbers alike, the La Sportiva Finale ($130) is not only an amazing bang for your buck but an extremely well-made shoe for all-day climbing In this video I break down what gear your really need to start climbing. Oct 1, 2020 · Well climbing friends, we have the answers you are searching for. Note that safety Jan 8, 2021 · The best climbing rope for beginners is the one you’ll feel safe using. But, how do you choose the right equipment? Don’t worry. Necessary. The cheapest shoe on this list—and, consequently, one of the best-selling climbing shoes in the U. The Edelrid Jay II is an ideal generalist and top beginner climbing harness. Gear Needed for Rock Climbing. top of page Jun 24, 2024 · Best for Technical Alpine Climbing: Blue Ice Choucas Pro; Best for Mountaineering: Petzl Altitude; Best for Projecting: Arc’teryx AR-395a; Best For Multi-Pitch: Petzl Sitta; How I Tested the Best Climbing Harnesses The author climbed and performed crevasse rescue training in the best climbing harnesses. top of page Dec 10, 2024 · The tried-and-true Sama and Selena harnesses from Petzl ($80) have earned our top spot for several years running. The molded gear loops are easy to clip, and while they won't hold enough gear for most trad climbing, they hold plenty of quickdraws and associated belay and rappelling gear for multi-pitch sport climbing. Climbing Harness Packages. Feb 22, 2021 · Misty Mountain is a lesser known, yet top-tier climbing gear manufacturer, and the Cadillac is its classic harness. Some gyms or guides might require you to buy at least a few pieces of gear, though. In the beginning, you can use your regular hiking backpack, however once you get ropes and more gear, you’ll want a climbing specific rope bag. Aug 7, 2024 · Rock climbing gear for beginners Kai Burkhardt/CNN Underscored It can seem like there are a lot of climbing essentials , but you don’t need to go all out right at the start. 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). Feb 23, 2020 · 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. Nov 11, 2020 · BEST FOR: ALL-AROUND USE FOR MEN. From the best climbing shoes for beginners to the specific materials you should look out for, here’s everything you need to know as you start out. Quick Top Picks – Best Beginner Climbing Rope – Overall Best Apr 4, 2025 · Over the past decade, our climbing experts tested over 40 different climbing ropes, with the 13 best models on the market in our current review. As a beginner, the right gear is indispensable for ensuring your safety and boosting your confidence as you navigate the climbing routes. In this most comprehensive of gear guides, I tell you what you need, why you need it, and when to buy it. Jul 22, 2024 · Some climbers seek out ultra-snug-fitting shoes on purpose, in the name of increased precision. Best Outdoor All-Rounder: Scarpa Arpia V ($169) Best Sport/Mixed Shoe: Unparallel Qubit ($186) Best Bouldering Shoe: Scarpa Drago XT ($229) Best for Beginners: Butora Rubicon ($150) Best Shoe for Steep Routes: La Sportiva Mandala ($209) Best Training Shoe: Scarpa Veloce L ($175) Best Pure Slipper: La Sportiva 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 Feb 7, 2024 · Beginner climbing harnesses typically have a comfortable amount of padding, adjustable leg loops, and a sufficient number of gear loops for carrying basic climbing gear. Rope Climbing Kits contain all the gear needed to enter the tree using rope and throw line in a Moving Rope System (MRS). SRS MRS DRT Helmet, Best value gear. Climbing Helmet. Important Specs; 2. Apr 4, 2021 · Best Value & Best Beginner Climbing Harness: Edelrid Jay II. These harnesses are designed to be user-friendly, with features that are easy to understand and adjust, making them ideal for new rock climbers. 95 – Amazon US – Amazon UK The very popular Momentum Beginner Climbing Kit includes the Black Diamond ATC XP – a very good toothed belay device – and locking carabiner, as well as a chalk bag, strap, and BD’s “White Gold” chalk. Wedge yourself between a rock and a hard place in style (if not comfort) with our pick of the best rock climbing gear going. For ice and alpine harnesses, ice clipper slots are also helpful. Why Get A Beginner Belay Device? Sep 16, 2024 · La Sportiva Tarantulace. Edelweiss Oxygen II SuperEverDry 8. After all, that’s why we are here. Black Diamond 10. If there is a climber who should be added, please reach out to us at queries@climbing. So let’s climb on and get started! For more of our top climbing gear May 1, 2025 · Best All-Around: Arc’teryx AR-385a/AR-395a ($160) Best Value: Ocun Twist Tech Eco ($80) Most Inclusive Sizing: Petzl Corax ($80) Best for Projecting: Mammut Sender ($90) Best for Redpointing: Arc’teryx Skaha ($180) Best Big Wall Harness: Singing Rock Dome ($120) Other Harnesses We Tested; How to Choose a Climbing Harness; How We Test; Meet When you think about adventure sports, the first thing that pops inside your head is probably gear. Typical indoor climbing gear includes a pair of climbing shoes, a harness (for rope climbing), and a chalk . Sep 8, 2021 · Climbing Gear List for Beginners. The Premium Ropewalker kit also has a super-efficient SRS Ropewalker setup. The current versions carry the same reliable, streamlined build that many climbers recommendations for tree climbing equipment, Saddle, Harness, Ropes, SRS MRS DRT Helmet, Best value gear. Climbing Harnesses are nothing without a belay device, and a chalk bag to keep your hands dry. . It is also the best climbing harness for beginners getting into trad or taking their first foray into the world of big wall routes. 95 – Mountain Gear $56. Tip: Always inspect your gear before climbing—whether you own it or rent Dec 10, 2024 · The tried-and-true Sama and Selena harnesses from Petzl ($80) have earned our top spot for several years running. 9: Best Triple-Rated Rope. But if the very thought of wearing too-tight shoes makes your toes curl, check out Scarpa’s Helix. We spoke with John McDonough, a climber with more than 20 years under Dec 10, 2024 · The Best Deals on Beginner Climbing Gear You don’t need to shell out a ton of cash to get into the sport. And, eventually, you'll want a full set of your own climbing gear. Important Specs; 4. May 28, 2025 · We also want to acknowledge that, despite our best efforts, this list is almost certainly incomplete. com. Gear loops aren’t included on all climbing harnesses but are a must-have for any outdoor lead harness. Basic climbing gear includes: Climbing shoes Chalk and chalk bag Climbing harness Belay device Safety sling Locking carabiners Climbing rope Quickdraws Jul 5, 2023 · A gear loop is a small, non-load-bearing loop used to carry climbing gear such as carabiners, quickdraws, cams, nuts, cordelette, and slings. A climbing helmet is an essential piece of equipment for any mountain climber. We’ve kept everything clear and easy to read below so you know what you need. Apr 25, 2024 · Indoor Rock Climbing Gear. At Movement, we've put together beginner gear packages that include all these essentials at a serious discount. Depending on the style of climbing you pick out of the list above, you will need different gear. Best Climbing Tape for Beginners. Let’s look at our beginner rock climbing gear list with prices and add up the totals for each style of climbing. 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 Aug 12, 2020 · This article covers gear for top-roping and sport climbing routes for beginners tagging along with more experienced climbers. May 27, 2025 · Best Climbing Shoes at a Glance. Rock climbing gear for improvers . What climbing gear you should buy first, and what gear you may want later on in you Nov 14, 2022 · Our Selection of the Best Climbing Ropes of 2025. For our sport climbing recommendations, check out our guide to the best sport climbing shoes. Jul 22, 2024 · La Sportiva is considered one of the very best climbing companies out there, and many of its performance shoes cost around $200. If you’re new to this whole climbing thing and you’re looking for advice on what gear to buy, you’ve come to the right place. The Scarpa Origin, representing Scarpa’s modern beginner rock climbing shoe, is no less for quality and design. While thinking about gear people often tend to forget the most basic things like shoes which actually are one of the most crucial things in activities like belaying, rock/mountain climbing etc. Whether it’s a harness, crash pad, or even just a chalk bag, the following kits represent the best rock climbing gear packages. Comparison Table; 1. Metolius Climbing Tape; Hampton Adams Finger Tape; Chalk Brush Oct 15, 2024 · Rock climbing offers an exhilarating blend of physical challenge and mental fortitude, attracting countless enthusiasts each year. 95 – REI $56. Note that safety Jun 21, 2024 · Chances are you’ll need to hike to the crag with your gear so you’ll want a good backpack. Helmet: Protect your head from falling rocks or potential impacts by wearing a well-fitting helmet. 5 days ago · In that case, you’ll need bouldering training gear, such as climbing shoes, chalk, and a crash pad (Only for outdoor bouldering). These easily swallowed a full rack, and the Jay carried the load comfortably. It protects your head from falling rocks, ice, and other debris, as well as from impacts during falls. Feb 8, 2020 · Climbing shoes, approach shoes, mountaineering, and ski boots are all crafted with great quality and care. Once you start to advance, you’ll need to add a bit more gear to If you’re new to this whole climbing thing and you’re looking for advice on what gear to buy, you’ve come to the right place. And for anyone experiencing a loss, we recommend visiting the American Alpine Club’s Climbing Grief Fund. These are the basics. A solid chalk brick is great when you need to apply it to specific parts of your hand, making it best for bouldering. Nut tool; Slings & carabiners; Climbing 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 May 28, 2025 · Wedge yourself between a rock and a hard place in style (if not comfort) with our pick of the best rock climbing gear going. Apr 3, 2025 · The Best Beginner Chalk. 2: Best Half Ropes Sep 14, 2020 · – Best Assisted Braking Device For Beginners – Top Roping – Grigri Plus – Best Assisted Braking Device For Beginners – Lead Climbing – Beal Birdie – Best Beginner Tube Style Belay Device – Black Diamond ATC Guide – Cheapest Beginner Belay Device Set – Black Diamond ATC XP Package. cvkw hlpkloxq eenua plkvh yez wnklnm kpvqsz yqkx ipbr quh