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How to Shop for Rock Climbing Gear
by Contributing Writer
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Overview
Rock climbing is an exciting outdoor sport that challenges fitness, skill and balance on all levels. It can be intimidating when shopping for rock climbing gear for the first time. By reading these tips about rock climbing gear and learning what gear is best for a basic climber, shopping for the right gear will be a whole lot easier.
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What Gear to Shop for
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Buy personal rock climbing gear first, which includes a helmet, climbing shoes and clothes. The helmet protects the head from falling objects overhead or if a climber falls; shoes protect the feet and toes while allowing them to grip; and improper clothes are a liability to a climber.
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Shop for a good climbing harness with excellent lower back and body support for climber safety.
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Spend time shopping for the right ropes, webbing or cords since this equipment is what holds a climber or their gear from falling.
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Think about the size and shape of the carabineers needed to hold the various rope, harnesses and other equipment together.
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Shop for rock protection, which is the equipment used to anchor a climber onto a rock or face. Rock protection comes in passive (no moving parts) and active (for rock cracks up to 5 inches) gear.
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Attempt shopping for belay devices only after the climber receives training on proper belay equipment use and practice. A belayer has complete control of the ropes for another climber, so only shop for this equipment after some experience.
Where to Shop for Gear
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Shop for basic rock climbing gear at any of the major outdoor gear stores or outlet shops like REI, Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS), Dick's Sporting Goods or Gander Mountain (see Resources below).
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Buy brand-name rock-climbing gear such as Mad Rock, Scarpa, La Sportiva, Black Diamond, Omega Pacific, Blue Water, New England Ropes and many more.
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Buy rock climbing gear in areas where rock climbing activities are common, like Vermont, Colorado, Utah and the Northwest.
Shop for the Right Gear
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Shop for rock-climbing shoes in person and make sure to try them on with thin hose-type socks before buying. They should fit like a glove; ankle high with lace ups for better-fit adjustments and a tapered toe for good grip. The higher the number of re-soles a shoe has, the more durable it is.
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Pick a rope based on width, length and strength. Wider ropes are better for grabbing, but skinny ropes work best when packing light. The length of the rope should be as long as the farthest drop on the climb. Buy a static rope if you're concerned about too much rope stretch, and check the rating for number of falls--the higher the number, the better. A good all-around rope is 60 to 70 m long and about 10 mm thick.
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Shop for rock climbing carabineers made of lightweight materials, have a locking design and are large enough for easy handling. D-shaped carabineers have better strength-to-weight ratios than oval ones.
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Choose a rock climbing helmet like a hard hat. The helmet should be lightweight, adjustable and not move when the head is shook. Allow enough room for wearing a knit hat when climbing in colder weather conditions.
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Pick out loose chalk and a chalk bag to carry it in that is big or small enough to fit the climber's hand easily, and carry enough chalk for each climb.
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Shop for passive rock protection like tapers and hexes, and shop for active protection once you are more experienced.
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Step 7
Choose a harness with padded legs, a waist belt and detachable leg loops. Women's versions come in smaller waist sizes. Test out the harness by hooking up and bouncing in it to make sure if fits comfortably and safely.
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- Always climb under safe and sober conditions.
Rock climb with an experienced climber before attempting on your own.
- Always climb under safe and sober conditions.
- Rock climb with an experienced climber before attempting on your own.
