Strength
Rock climbing engages muscles you didn’t even know you had, demanding strength that only consistent training can build.
There’s something uniquely powerful about scaling sheer cliffs and walking up walls. Rock climbing/belaying/bouldering is a thrilling, highly technical sport where quality gear is truly life-or-death.
This list provides a broad selection of gear you will likely use over a lifetime climbing. The specific items for each climb will vary based on the climb, climate, weather, route, and personal preference.
Harness
▢ Sport/Gym Harness
▢ Traditional (Trad) Harness
Helmet
▢ Hardshell Helmet
▢ Foam Helmet
Climbing Shoes
▢ Neutral Shoes
▢ Moderate Shoes
▢ Aggressive Shoes
Rope
▢ Climbing Ropes
Carabiner
▢ Locking Carabiner
▢ Non-Locking Carabiner
Belay
▢ ATC Belay
▢ Gri-gri Belay
▢ Super 8 Belay
Anchoring
▢ Cams
▢ Hexes
▢ Nuts
▢ Quickdraws
▢ Alpine Quickdraws
▢ Cordellettes
▢ Slings
▢ Nut Removal Tool
Backpack
▢ Daypacks
Other Gear
▢ Rope Bag
▢ Chalk Bag
▢ Chalk
▢ Chalk Ball
▢ Knife
▢ Parachord
▢ First Aid Kit
▢ Flashlight
▢ Water Bottle
Your strength, knowledge, experience, and wisdom are the most essential gear you can bring to the cliff. You are invaluable.
Rock climbing defies the innate fear of heights, requiring courage and determination to scale a cliff face.
Rock climbing engages muscles you didn’t even know you had, demanding strength that only consistent training can build.
Avoid thrill-seeking where safety is compromised. Recognize your limits, use safety gear, and respect the value of your life.
A comfortable, practical harness keeps you safe from falls while securely holding essential gear.
Get The Right Fit
• Test fit by hanging in the harness.
• Waist belt should sit above hip bones.
• Adjustable leg loops are ideal for varied conditions.
Harness Styles
• Sport: Lightweight with minimal padding.
• Trad/Ice: More padding, wider gear loops.
• Mountaineering: Quick-release leg/waist straps for easy layering.
Storage
- Avoid sun exposure; store in cool, dark places.
Safety
- Regularly inspect the stitching for wear or fraying.
- Follow manufacturer’s recommended lifespan (around 5 years).
5.64 oz | 160 g
7.6 oz | 215 g
10.58 oz | 300 g
13.23 oz | 375 g
Protecting your head is crucial in climbing, as it safeguards your delicate and soft brain and can be life-saving when you fall.
Hard Shell Helmets
• Tough outer shell with foam liner
• Ideal for trad, alpine, and mountaineering
• Heavier, but better for repeated impacts
Soft Shell Helmets
• Lighter with dense foam core and thin outer shell
• Absorbs high-impact forces effectively
• Best for sport climbing where comfort and weight are prioritized
Storage
• Keep helmets out of the sun when not in use
• Avoid dropping them to prevent weakening the material.
Safety
• Inspect for cracks, dents, or worn straps.
• Replace if any damage is found or if it has taken a serious impact.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for regular replacement (5-10 years).
12.5 oz | 354 g
12.3 oz | 348 g
6.9 oz | 195 g
5.64 oz | 160 g
Specialized shoes designed for rock climbing are essential, offering precise grip on small ledges and rock iregularieis. Features necessary for cliffs.
Neutral Shoes
• Flat or slightly relaxed profile
• Focus on comfort and wearability
• Great for beginners or casual climbers
• Provides less precision but is better for long, day-long climbs
Moderate Shoes
• Slightly curved profile
• Balanced comfort and performance
• Ideal for trad, multi-pitch, and all-day climbs
• Provides support for edging and comfort for longer wear
Aggressive Shoes
• Strongly curved profile with pointed toe
• Maximizes power and precision for very steep and overhung terrain
• Less comfortable, designed for short, intense climbs
• Best for sport climbing and bouldering
17.4 oz | 494 g
15.4 oz | 436 g
17.0 oz | 482 g
18.0 oz | 510 g
17.6 oz | 500 g
16.0 oz | 453 g
A quality backpack is essential for carrying climbing gear, warm clothing, and shelter—your lifeline on any climb.
Rope Types
• Single Ropes (9.4–10.5 mm): Ideal for sport and trad climbing.
• Half Ropes (8–9 mm): Used in pairs for alpine or trad climbs.
• Twin Ropes (7.5–8 mm): Used together for technical ice or alpine climbs.
Length
• Standard: 60–70 meters for most climbs.
• For multipitch or alpine, consider 70m.
Dry vs Non-Dry
• Dry Ropes: Best for wet conditions, resist water absorption.
• Non-Dry Ropes: More affordable but heavier when wet.
Maintenance
• Shake out dirt and wash periodically with mild detergent.
• Store in a cool, dry, dark place
Inspection
• Check Regularly: Look for fraying, cuts, or kinks, especially in the middle.
• Sheath Damage: Consider replacing the rope.
Core Damage: Retire immediately.
End of Life
• Retire after 10 years or sooner if damaged or heavily used. (cut and mark rope)
10.1mm Diameter
50-70m Length
Full Rope
7.17-10.03 lb | 3.25-4.55 kg
9.5mm Diameter
40-70m Length
Full Rope
5.20-9.10 lb | 2.36-4.13 kg
8.0mm Diameter
30-60m Length
Half Rope/Twin Rope
1.11-2.78 lb | 0.50-1.13 kg
Quality climbing carabiners connect gear together, attach to ropes, and provide security during climbs.
Locking vs Non-Locking
• Locking for security. Use when belaying, lead climbing, or connecting critical gear
• Non-locking for racking gear (quickdraws).
Strength Ratings
• Major Axis: At least 20 kN for climbing.
• Minor Axis & Open Gate: Weaker (7 kN & 5 kN).
Gate Types (The Opening)
• Straight Gate: Fast, good for racking.
• Bent Gate: Easier clipping for quickdraws.
• Wire Gate: Lighter, prevents gate flutter.
Avoid Overloading
• Never exceed strength ratings.
2.65 oz | 75 g
1.8 oz | 50 g
1.4 oz | 40 g
0.78 oz | 22 g
Quality belaying equipment and experience in its use are essential for safety during descents and falls.
Belay Device
• Choose a device that suits the climbing style.
• ATC: Basic, lightweight, cheap
• Gri-gri: Assisted braking, expensive
• Figure-8: Rappelling
Rope Compatibility
• Ensure your belay device is compatible with your rope's diameter.
Locking Carabiner
• Always use a locking carabiner with your belay device.
Gloves
- Belaying/Rapelling causes friction against the rope.
- Wear thick leather gloves.
1.94 oz | 55 g
8.11 oz | 230 g
3.52 oz | 100 g
3.28 oz | 93 g
A rope is ineffective without a solid anchor to attach it to. Whether using bolts or setting your own, reliable gear is crucial for safety during falls.
Types of Trad Climbing Anchors
• Usually carry multiple types for different sized anchor points.
• Cams: Used for large cracks and cravasses
• Hexes: Used for medium cracks
• Nuts: Used for very small cracks (often require a tool to remove)
Slings and Cordelette
• Used to equalize multiple anchor points
Quickdraws
• Used for attaching rope to anchor points.
• Alpine quickdraws are ideal for overhangs or when extended distance is needed.
1.6 lbs | 0.7 kg
1.53 lb | 0.69 kg
15.6 oz | 444 g
3.32 oz | 94 g
2.65 oz | 75 g
14.1 oz | 399 g
25-480 cm Length
11m Width
0.60-6.42 oz | 17-182 g
3.8 oz | 109 g
The longer the hike and the tougher the terrain, the more important a high-quality pack becomes. A well-designed backpack can make all the difference in your journey.
Brand
• Osprey is renowned as a top-tier brand in the backpack space.
• Other high-quality brands include Cotopaxi, Deuter, and Gregory.
Why No CamelBacks (Bladders)
• Tend to be more complicated, prone to leaks, and harder to clean and refill.
• They also make it difficult to track water usage.
• Experienced adventurers often prefer traditional water bottles for reliability and simplicity.
Size
• Backpack capacity is measured in liters (e.g., 36 equals 36 liters).
• 6 to 10 liters: Small packs for essentials.
• 10 to 30 liters: Daypacks for day trips.
• 30 to 50 liters: Medium packs for short trips.
• 50+ liters: Backpacking packs for extended trips.
Hip Belt
• Essential for backpacks to properly transfer weight from your back to your waist, improving comfort.
Waterproof
36 Liters
3.37 lb | 1.53 kg
30 Liters
2.01 lb | 0.91 kg
35 Liters
2.2 lb | 1 kg
1.25 lb | 0.57 kg
4.5 oz | 127 g
4.5 oz | 127 g
2.3 oz Capacity
3.5 oz | 99 g
100ft Parachord
8.8 oz | 250 g
8 oz | 227 g
3 oz | 85 g
Plastic
32oz Capacity
6.25 oz | 177 g