Congrats, you’ve drank the climbing kool-aid.
Once you’ve decided you want to invest your money into the sport of climbing, and already scoped out the local indoor climbing gym, you’re probably ready to commit to purchasing a few items to gear yourself up instead of renting the gear each time.
Climbing Shoes
Your rock climbing shoes should be well-fitted. Any climber you ask will be opinionated on what type of shoes work best (for them). For the most part climbing shoes will be uncomfortable and snug. For instance, mine are 2.5 sizes smaller than my street shoe, with my toes curled up so much I have to walk on the sides of my feet when walking around the gym. It’s the way I feel confident and secure on the wall. On the other hand, my climbing partner doesn’t like her feet mangled up in climbing shoes and prefers to have a snug fit, with her feet flat.
After 19 years of climbing, I’ve only bought 3 pairs of climbing shoes, and never resoled a pair. My first pair of climbing shoes were 5.10 Anasazi MoccAsym’s, a comfortable slipper. My second pair, were a unisex shoe at the time, now marketed as men’s, was the La Sportiva Miura’s (shown above in lime green), which is much more of a high performance technical shoe, with crisp edges for stepping on tiny micro crimpy holds, or sustaining your foot holds on overhanging boulder problems: these shoes were/are my favourite. Last year I purchased another pair, this time the La Sportiva Katana’s women shoe (shown with the Mirua’s in baby blue). Less technical than the miura’s but also a great shoe for bouldering, doing heel hooks and smearing.
Price range for climbing shoes: $50-$170
Harness
I will continue to support my Canadian companies, and currently I’m using the Arc’teryx Targa men’s harness. I decided to put my climbing harness into permanent retirement after putting in a few good years of use. I’m onto using my husbands brand new climbing harness that has been sitting around unused for a couple of years. Even that needs to be replaced within the next year, as the webbing on the harness deteriorates after time.
Again, climbing harnesses are all personal preference. Head into a gear shop and try on a couple. You may prefer a minimalistic climbing harness with less padding, or you may enjoy one that is more substantial and has a ton more padding. It should be comfortable. I haven’t a clue what type of harness I’m going to try on when I buy one within the next little while. Anyone have suggestions? What are your favourites?
Price range for harnesses: $60-$130
Chalk + Chalk bag
Half way up the wall with some sweaty hands? Dip your hands in a bit of chalk to dry them off. Chalk bags are meant to tie around your waist as you climb up the wall. But they also make a bit of a statement. There isn’t any specific type of chalk bag I’d recommend to anyone, as it’s all about personal preference on how it looks. For the most part, chalk bags are relatively the same size if you’re tying it around your waist while you climb. Usually chalk bags get a lot of wear and tear, but I like to be relatively careful with mine as I’ve had mine for almost as long as I’ve been climbing. The climbing gym owner back home in Newfoundland made, and sold a bunch in the first few years.
I have a bit of a soft spot for my ol’ yeller chalk bag.
Bouldering chalk bags are different. They’re more bucket style to accommodate both hands fitting into the bucket completely and is designed to stay on the ground while you boulder.
As for chalk, there are two options for what you can use: loose chalk, or a ball of chalk. I prefer using a ball of chalk in its own sack inside my chalk bag bag so it doesn’t spill out if I drop it on the ground. I refill my chalk ball with this new brand I found through instagram. This is a sample of Unicorn Dust (awesome name by the way) by Friction Labs. I’m one of those weird climbers who rarely refill my chalk ball, because I don’t feel it’s necessary for myself to have chalked up arms all the way to my elbows. I only need to dry off my hands with a bit of a flick to the chalk bag. A bag of chalk will literally last me an insanely long time. I’d like to give this chalk its own blog post, or talking more about climbing gear in another post, because I don’t want to get into a full review of it, as I’m simply discussing essential rock climbing gear today. I do have to mention it’s pretty sweet, has both chunky and extra fine pieces of chalk in the bag. Best of both worlds.
Price range for chalk + chalk bags: $10-$20
Choice in clothing
When I take first timers to a climbing gym, I advise them to wear comfortable yet durable workout clothes. I prefer to wear longer pants as I like to use my knees and legs against the rough walls when climbing. The climbing walls surface is unforgiving, feeling a bit like sand paper, which can tear lightweight fabrics. I’ve seen some people wear jeans but I like to have a larger range of motion and find that jeans are more constricting. When I head in for a climb I opt for a tank top and yoga pants.
You can find rock climbing gear at places like Mountain Equipment Co-Op (Canada), REI (USA), or Amazon.
32 Comments
My boyfriend does both indoor climbing and wants to outside climbing. He just needs to get re-certified in top roping. I am weary about climbing. Just walking up rocks gives me an anxiety attack.
Jen recently posted..Mental Health and The Spotlight
I’ve been rock climbing only once before, it was tiring and difficult, but I can’t explain that feeling when I made it. That feeling of accomplishment, I’d so do it again. Helpful post :)
I have never rock climbed, but probably because I’m afraid of heights. You’re brave. I bet it gives you really toned arms!
Alisha H. recently posted..Fairy Dream Graffiti Dress | Fashion
Fun! I have always wanted to rock climb!!
Girl, you are a hardcore rockclimber! I can only do the easy ones, I don’t have enough upper body strength. But rock climbing is SO much fun!
Alyssa recently posted..a condensed version of my weekend
@Alyssa: It’s a misconception that you need upper body strength to rock climb successfully. For me, I’ve been climbing 19 years and still have a weaker upper body than my lower half, as most do. It’s all about balance, and technique and moving your body certain ways. Your arms aren’t doing the work, your core is along with the other two tactics I mentioned. Give’r another try! :)
Looks fun! You are a brave woman!
Looks fun! You are a brave woman!
I went indoor rock climbing once, and it was a terrifying experience.
But I’m glad I gave it a try.
Girl in Beta recently posted..September Goals (Shocking, I Know)
@Girl in Beta: Terrifying?? What went wrong? :(
I have never gone rock climbing! Far too scared too but I really want to try on a wall, indoors!
I’ve never been rock climbing my daughter wants to go someday. She saw it on TV
Karissa recently posted..Blog-tember challenge day 2
I’ve never been. I’m terrified of heights, so I don’t think I would enjoy it, even indoors. But I’ve heard great things about it!
Katie recently posted..Gotta Check it Out. August 2014
I haven’t been on a rock climbing wall since I was a young teen. I need to break my new found fear of heights and take your tips and find a rock climbing wall. I don’t think I will ever have the courage to go outdoors and rock climb but it sure does look fun!
Laurel Wads recently posted..Month Focus – September 2014
I love climbing, I haven’t been in a while, and this is a good push to go back! I need a new belay card I think though, weee.
Jordan recently posted..Baked Eggs
I’ve never been rock climbing before, but it looks so cool.
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes recently posted..What’s in my hospital bag? – #37 weeks
I used to do rock climbing and abseiling at school and enjoyed it – haven’t done it in ages though!
Katie <3
Katie recently posted..The Posh Sloshed Blondes
I have only indoor rock climbed but you make outdoor look like so much fun.
i haven’t been rock climbing in years, I totally need to go again!
kristyn recently posted..Vichy Idealia Life Serum
Rock climbing always looks like a lot of fun! Maybe I would give it a go inside instead of heading off into the mountains first :)
Lauren recently posted..September Blogger Tips of the Month
Honestly never considered rock climbing the fear of heights kinda puts a bummer into that
Myrabev recently posted..{Book Review} Vegetarian Quick & Easy meals ~ Under 15 minutes
I have never been rock climbing but its on my list of things to do this year
I didn’t know that there was so much that really went into rock climbing! I never have gone, and I’m not sure I ever will. I’m scared to death of heights!
Carly Anderson recently posted..Mad for Plaid
I have always wanted to try rock climbing! Looks like so much fun!
kendall recently posted..LUSH: Fall Favorites!
Is this stuff you should get if planning to climb for awhile, or what if you’re just trying it out? I think I know what to wear now if we ever go !
Jessica Doll recently posted..Week 35, Box Houses
@Jessica Doll: You can rent all the climbing gear at any climbing gyms. But if you were to buy it, I listed out the prices and suggestions of brands. :)
Nancy recently posted..Flatrock Fest, Newfoundland
This is so interesting! I’ve never even thought about climbing as a way to stay fit, but it looks fun!
Brooke @ You’re In Brookelynn recently posted..What I Wore: Back In Action!
awesome! we have a rock climbing gym nearby, but I’ve never done it. they do free hand so it kind of scares me lol. will have to try it though I’ve always wanted to!
tianna recently posted..ASOS Skirts Sale: Get 25% Off Now!
I’ve never gone rock climbing. I’d love to try it though. Seems like fun and a good workout.
Cam | Bibs and Baubles recently posted..First Day Jitters
I’ve been rock climbing (at an indoor gym) a couple times and love it! Thanks for sharing!
Alicia recently posted..10 Tips For A Happier Life
Great posts and great recommendations! I have never tried those rock climbing walls, my college has one in our gym. I must try it one day!
My fiance rock climbs a lot and he’s tried getting me to do it with him but I’m TERRIFIED of heights. I go on his climbing trips and just cringe because it just seems so dangerous climbing outside! Go you for being so awesome and brave!!
Jess recently posted..Weekly Wishes #38