9 Climbing Gear Essentials For All Climbers

May 26

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There is no doubt that ultimately, there are thousands of outfits and people out there with climbing knowledge. While there are various climbers out there who can tell you exactly what they like to use when they climb, here are a few of my favorite climbing gear essentials. Whether you are bouldering, lead climbing, or top rope climbing, these can help you find the right gears for climbing.

1. Clothing

There are no wrong answers here since your style is, well, yours. My favorites are a nice Adidas performance hat, Gymshark, and/or Alphalete clothes. However, in all honesty, you will typically see climbers in all sorts of clothes ranging from gym shorts to overalls. So long as you feel comfortable and not restricted, then you should be fine. Plus, the climbing community is great and likely won’t judge.

2. Chalk Bag

Depending on the type of climbing you are doing, you may have a preferred type of chalk bag. I tend to do a lot of top rope and bouldering, so I lean towards chalk bags that can be wrapped around your waist. If you do a lot of bouldering specifically, then you may prefer a larger chalk bag that sits on the ground. There are no wrong answers, just different styles for the different types of climbing you’re doing. Just be sure that you find one that you like because a chalk bag is one of the must-have climbing essentials for any climber.

3. Chalk

Climbing without chalk is like running without water, possible but rough to say the least. While you can climb without chalk, it makes routes harder over time if you don’t have an amazing grip. My personal favorite chalk is any Friction Labs Premium Climbing Chalk. Some of my friends also like liquid chalk, but ultimately, the preference will vary from person to person. When you buy climbing essentials like chalk, it is good to try a few different brands since there may be one that works better for you.

4. Harness, Carabiner, & Belay Device

When it comes to top rope climbing, you’ll want to get yourself a good harness, carabiner, and belay device. For each, I really like the Black Diamond. The Black Diamond Harness, Black Diamond Carabiner, and Black Diamond Belay Device are all top-rated and great options for climbers at any level. I will say, never use those store-bought carabiners because those are not climbing grade. It’s better to be safe with a reputable brand and the proper rock climbing equipment.

5. Rock Climbing Shoes

While there are many different brands of climbing shoes out there. Finding the right shoes is a must have climbing gear. My top is the Scarpa brand, and I am always one of the first to showcase them for my friends. They have a great connection with hard rubber that gives better grip for toe hooks, heel hooks, and for any climbing style. Ultimately, the choice of which conforms to your feet best is the most important factor. However, if you want a shoe that is slightly more aggressive and great for indoor and outdoor, Scarpa Instinct VS and Scarpa Instinct VSR are two I vouch for. Believe me, once you upgrade your climbing shoes from rentals to anything else, you will feel the difference.

6. Belay Glasses

Belay glasses are an excellent addition for top rope climbers since they help you to comfortably belay someone without having to look up and strain your neck. These aren’t necessary for bouldering, but it can help you if you also top rope. I consider belay glasses as a climbing accessory almost, but to be honest, they do come in handy when you spend a long time top roping.

7. Finger Tape

Finger tape may seem silly, but as someone who has had his fair share of injuries, it’s important. Using finger tape can be the difference of ripping your skin worse than before or stopping the healing process. I consider it a climbing gear essential simply because it’s always nice to have tape in your gear kit. Hopefully you never need it, but it’s always there when you do.

8. Boot Bananas Shoe Deodorizer

This is a newer addition to my climbing essentials list. Boot Banana Shoe Deodorizers are now a must for my climbing gear since they help to reduce the smell of climbing shoes. Aka, the forbidden preworkout. I used to think they were more of an accessory until I noticed how gross my older climbing shoes started smelling.

9. Hand Repair Cream

Rips and callouses are inevitable when you climb. All of the tension that you place on your hands will damage the skin. Using hand repair cream can help you to speed up the healing process for your hands. It is a definite climbing essential for those who are looking for ways to heal their hands quicker. Especially if you want to get back on the walls fast like I do.

Whether you are a seasoned climber or just getting started in your climbing career, I wish you all the best on crushing your next routes.

David J. Buttrick

David Buttrick is a digital marketing expert with over 5 years in the digital marketing world. David writes about digital marketing, lifestyle, and other various topics to help others achieve their desired goals, whether they are professional or general lifestyle goals. He is also an avid rock climber, a University of Florida graduate, and an overall people person who looks forward to inspiring others whenever he gets the chance.