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Climbing doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. Unlike many other sports, climbing gear can be purchased in stages as you progress in skill and commitment.
This checklist will guide you through the essentials you’ll need to get started and help you avoid unnecessary purchases. We’ll talk about the basics, as well as what you’ll need for indoor bouldering or rope climbing. Let’s take a look.
First up, let’s talk about the must-haves to start your climbing journey.
The first upgrade from rentals! A pair of all-round climbing shoes will fit your feet better, provide confidence on small holds, and last you through your beginner to intermediate phase.
Finding the right climbing shoe is about discovering which shape, width and volume fits your feet. A well-fitting climbing shoe should feel snug around your entire foot with no gaps. It should be tight enough that your toes are slightly curled at the front.
Avoid expensive performance shoes at first— not only are they less versatile, the soft rubber will wear fast if your footwork is not up to scratch.
Chalk is crucial for absorbing sweat and keeping your hands dry when we climb. As a beginner, don’t stress about what brand of chalk. Choosing affordable chalk works just fine—premium chalk may not make a big difference to your climbing at this stage.
Chalk comes in three textures: chunky, powder and liquid. Although texture is mostly preference, chunky is a good starting point because it will last longer than fine chalk. Learn about the differences between chalk.
A chalk bag or chalk bucket is the optimal way to carry chalk. Chalk bags come with a belt and are designed to be strapped around your waist, making them ideal for rope climbing. Chalk buckets are preferred for bouldering because their large openings allow for quicker chalking-up and have pockets to keep all your accessories in one place.
A personal climbing harness provides padding and better weight distribution, making them far more comfortable than rental options.
When choosing a harness, fit and comfort is key—look for a harness that fits well, doesn’t create pressure spots or dip down at the front where you attach the rope. Harnesses with fixed leg loops and adjustable leg loops are similar with one difference as the name suggests, the adjustable legs loops provide an adaptable fit for the thighs.
We highly recommend people who have never worn a climbing harness before to come into the store to get fitted by our staff.
If you’re climbing regularly, you’ll find these accessories extra handy.
Strongly recommended when buying a new pair of shoes. You’ll be surprised about how smelly climbing shoes can get over a 6 month period. Deodoriser inserts, like Boot Bananas, not only neutralise smells but also absorb the dampness (sweat) from your shoes. Simply pop them in your shoes after each climbing session.
Chalk balls hold loose chalk inside a sack and dispenses a thin layer of chalk on your hands. Placing a chalk ball in your chalk bag minimises over-chalking and prevents excess chalk from falling on your belayer. It’s not required, but is a courteous addition to your gear.
A Chalktopus is different from a chalk ball—it doesn’t need to be filled with chalk, instead its tentacles distribute chalk on your hands while preventing you from using too much chalk. Best used in chalk buckets or where a thicker layer of chalk is preferred.
Climbing can be tough on your hands. Chalk dries your skin and climbing holds wear your skin thin. You can use finger tape to protect raw skin or open wounds, but your skin still needs time to heal. If you want to climb more than once a week, a climbing-specific hand repair cream is the best way to strengthen your skin, combat the drying effects of chalk, and speed up skin regeneration.
Options include Reset Hand Balm, Climbskin Hand Cream, Rhino Repair Lotion, KletterRetter Hand Cream (Vegan), KletterRetter Vegan Skin Disk, Little Sammy's Climbers Balm (Vegan).
Though most climbing gyms offer free to use brushes, having your own chalk brush ensures you don’t need to go looking for one every time. It’s also good climbing etiquette to brush holds and tick marks before and after you climb as this removes chalk build-up, unwanted beta, and improves the friction on holds.
If you’re starting your lead climbing journey, you’ll need to add a few more essentials to gear list:
A belay device is used to manage the rope. In fact, if you’ve been top roping you’ve already been using one to belay (except they’re anchored to the ground). Most climbers choose the same belay device their friends or mentors use to teach, but you can also choose one that based on your preferences.
Don’t forget to check your gym’s rules before buying a belay device—some have a list of “allowed” devices. This list is what the gym certifies that climbers can use based on their ability to teach and check correct usage of the device.
A common mistake by beginners is choosing a belay carabiner without a belay keeper. This type of belay carabiner keeps the carabiner aligned and prevents cross-loading, making belaying safer and easier when learning. While a regular belay carabiner (HMS carabiner) will still be safe, a carabiner with a belay keeper is a serious game changer.
A rope can be a big investment - whether you choose to borrow your friend's rope or invest in your own, a climbing rope is essential for lead climbing.
There are only two main considerations with your first rope: diameter and length. A good starting diameter for your first rope is between 9.8mm to 10.2mm. Most people will prefer a 9.8mm as it handles better on cam-assisted belay devices.
Length is determined by where you plan to use the rope. If you’re only lead climbing indoors in the first year, then a rope length of 40 to 50m will suffice for most gyms. If you have plans to go outdoors, you will need a rope starting from 60m. A shorter rope will be cheaper than a longer one initially. However, a longer rope has the added benefit of still being usable for longer when you need to cut off the damaged ends.
Also don’t get caught up on thinking the most expensive rope is going to be more durable, stronger or safer. It’s really important to consider your budget because ropes get damaged over time and require regular maintenance and replacement. Generally the thicker the diameter, the more durable the rope will be. Learn more about climbing ropes.
Protecting your rope from dirt and storing it correctly will help maximise the lifespan of your rope. Most rope bags have an integrated rope tarp that keeps a rope off the ground and from picking up dirt particles, which can rub into the sheath and cause fluffiness. A common mistake is not cleaning your rope from the accumulation of dirt and chalk in the gym, which can lead to accelerated wear.
Starting your indoor climbing journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. By focusing on essentials and upgrading gradually, you’ll develop a solid foundation without unnecessary spending. Whether you’re bouldering or rope climbing, investing in the right gear at the right time will make your experience more enjoyable and comfortable.
Here’s the quick gear list to get you started. Happy climbing!
Optional accessories
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