Essentials for Rock Climbing

I’m still very much a beginner rock climber but I thought I’d share with you today the things I’ve gathered/learned thus far in terms of what the essentials for rock climbing would be! If you ever wanted to start this up, this is the gear you may eventually need/want!

Although I wrote about rock climbing outdoors a couple months ago, the majority of the climbing I do is indoors. Back when Rutgers was still in session, I’d try to go to practice twice a week for 2 hours at a time as long as my schedule allowed for it (e.g. no 24-hr calls or being on day/night hospital service).

I managed to get my first overhang climb about a month in, but there are definitely a number of other problems I’m working on! Since the Rutgers rock wall is closed for the summer (sigh) and the weather on the weekends has been sucking, I’ve been checking out the nearby indoor climbing gyms!

Essentials for Rock Climbing

Climbing Shoes

Climbing gyms should have these available to rent (the one I frequent = $1 each time) but I figured over time, it’d add up, so I got my own pair! I have the Women’s La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoes in 36.5, which converts to a 5.5 in US sizing. My feet are kinda flat and are around a size 6-6.5–I’d read online that unlined climbing shoes would stretch out to 1 size larger, hence the half-size down. Super-serious climbers tend to size down because the more you can really feel the tips of your toes/get your feet into those cracks and crevices, the better your climbing can theoretically be!

When I first put these on, it was a comfortable fit although I wasn’t used to having my toes right up against the toebox. For the first 1.5 months or so, my right foot would start hurting after I’d been climbing for over an hour, so I went back to REI to ask for advice. They showed me how I could loosen the lacing at the end by a little and told me it could also be from just not being used to the shoes since I’d just started climbing. Case in point, for me, there was definitely a “break-in” period but now they’re super comfortable and I adore them. <3

Direct quote from a fellow climber on the rec team with the same shoes: “They’re like little cocoons for my feet.”

Harness

I have the Women’s Black Diamond Momentum Harness in Small/Caspian Blue. Most climbing gyms don’t expect you to have one and can loan you one for a couple bucks, but I figured if I’d be doing a lot of climbing, I might as well get my own. (I also had enough dividends from REI to pick this one up for $11, so why the hecks not!) This is the one I see on most people at the gym–I think it’s great for anyone starting out and not super crazy expensive. It’s super comfortable and doesn’t cut in anywhere.

Chalk Bag

I found a chalk bag from prAna on sale in my favorite color! :] Tons of different companies make chalk bags in a variety of designs, so this one is really up to you in terms of what you find aesthetically pleasing. prAna doesn’t make the one I have anymore, but you can get a similar one here!

Chalk

I feel like a number of my hobbies end up requiring the use of chalk–gymnastics, powerlifting, and now rock climbing! I used liquid chalk at the two powerlifting meets I competed in, but I’ve been using a chalk ball that I stuffed into my chalk bag (slightly less messy than loose chalk!).

Make sure you have a secure belt/device to fasten it around you so it doesn’t fall off of you while you’re climbing! (I saw this happen to someone while we were climbing outside.)

Carry Bag

I have the KAVU Rope Bag in Pineapple Passion and I love it!

This sling bag has a bunch of pockets (2 big ones, 2 front ones, and 1 inner one) and fits my harness, shoes, chalk bag + chalk, wallet, keys, phone, lip balm, and snacks without any issues! I’m also a big fan of the fun pineapple print, and it’s rather fitting as my climbing bag–the strap is made out of rope! I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on it in and out of the gym. I’m not much of a purse person so I also often repurpose this as my day bag!

Skin Glide

A little seems to go a long way for this in terms of preventing blisters! I’d probably like this a little more in stick form only because I feel like I’d waste less product from getting it on my hands. That being said, I really like the formulation of this since it isn’t super sticky and doesn’t leave a weird residue. Tis a good option if you’re cursing the summer humidity and want to prevent blisters when you’re wearing climbing shoes (or cute but possibly not too comfortable shoes)! I’ve run a half marathon without using anything for anti-chafing and have been completely fine so I can’t really speak for that as much!

P.S. There’s a chance that this may be mistaken for personal lubricant from a distance, so just maybe keep that in mind…

Coalatree Trailhead Pants

One of my newest finds–Coalatree Trailhead Pants! They’re made of a breathable technical + antimicrobial fabric and are super super comfortable. It happened to start pouring when I came back from dinner the day I went bouldering in em’ and although they got slightly damp, the parts of me that it was covering were completely fine (score!).

It has ankle drawstrings so you can fiddle if the length if you so choose and one of my favorite features…DEEP AND FUNCTIONAL POCKETS(!!!). I can actually fit my phone and wallet (and a bunch of other things) in em’!!! It’s sad how excited I was about this, but forreals, I’m all about comfort and functionality when it comes to clothing so this was magical. They’re also versatile enough that I could probably even wear these to work. <3 They’re even more comfortable than my scrubs (which is sayin’ something because wearing scrubs to work is pretty much akin to wearing pajamas.)

I also really love that Coalatree is super passionate about using sustainably sourced apparel and most of their products are made from organic or recycled materials! :] They use their surplus fabric to make blankets for the homeless and work with local organizations to maintain hiking/biking trails too! (They’re gonna come hiking with me next!)

This was at the end of bouldering and I was just messing around. Right now, my greatest skill in bouldering = hanging for dear life while contemplating my next move.

Last, but definitely not least…

Helmet

I fondly refer to these as “brain buckets” and I feel like it’s not entirely necessary for me to tell you just how important head protection is, but…it’s important! (My neurosurgery rotation definitely made that abundantly clear!)

I have the Black Diamond Women’s Half Dome Helmet and always wear this when I’m climbing outdoors!

Bottom line — climbing gyms will typically have harnesses + shoes and/or chalk for rent so you don’t actually have to buy any of this. However, if you only plan on doing this pretty regularly, the rental fees start adding up and you’d likely benefit from having your own!

• Have you ever been to a climbing gym?
• What are your top priorities when it comes to workout clothes?