Rock climbing is one of the most
\nexhilarating and adventurous sports around. But to make the most of it, you
\nneed the right equipment\u2014and to know how to use it.<\/p>\n
Looking to scale a cliff face but don\u2019t know how to do it safely? Here\u2019s our comprehensive rock climbing equipment list.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Climbing ropes<\/h2>\n![\"rock](\"https:\/\/www.insure4sport.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/rock-climbing-equipment-1-1-1024x680.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n Climbing ropes are the single most
\nimportant piece of rock climbing equipment. There are only a couple of
\ninstances in which a climber wouldn\u2019t need them:<\/p>\n
\n- when they\u2019re bouldering\u2014typically climbing no more than 15ft, with
\n a crashmat underneath for safety<\/li>\n - when they\u2019re free soloing, which only a fraction of climbers
\n worldwide even pursue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nRopes are an essential part of the
\nsport for every other type of climbing. With proper use of your harness,
\ncarabiners, belay device, quickdraws, and cams, climbing ropes will save your
\nlife if you slip or fall off the rock face.<\/p>\n
It isn\u2019t enough to own climbing
\nropes, though. You must also know how they function and work with the
\nassociated apparatus. Most indoor bouldering gyms or climbing centres have
\ndedicated belay systems for rope climbing and offer tutorials so you can get to
\ngrips with them.<\/p>\n
Once you become more experienced and
\nwant to buy your own rope, there are\u00a0several factors<\/a>\u00a0you need to consider. For
\nexample:<\/p>\n\n- rope type<\/li>\n
- diameter<\/li>\n
- length<\/li>\n
- rope features<\/li>\n
- safety ratings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It would be best if you decided upon
\nthe above relative to the route you intend to climb. You should also remember
\nthat too much rope can be an issue, as it can lead to drag on the wall.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Harness<\/h2>\n![\"rock](\"https:\/\/www.insure4sport.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/rock-climbing-equipment-2-2-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nIf you\u2019ve bought a suitable climbing
\nrope, you\u2019ll need an appropriate safety harness to attach it to. There are two
\nprimary considerations here:<\/p>\n
\n- how much you want to spend<\/li>\n
- what type of climbing you intend to do<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Whether you\u2019re into trad, sport,
\nwinter, or indoor climbing, versatility and comfort should be your primary
\nfocus if you want a catch-all harness to serve you in multiple climbing
\ndisciplines.<\/p>\n
When purchasing your rock climbing
\ngear, this is also the approach we recommend\u2014you want to own equipment you use
\nregularly. You can always hire anything more specific if you need it.<\/p>\n
Ideally, your harness should
\ncomfortably work with your clothing to ensure a full range of movement.
\nPadding, extra-wide webbing, ventilation, and moisture transport are some key
\nfeatures to look for.<\/p>\n
As for a harness\u2019s anatomy, it
\ncontains two front tie-in points where the climber can thread the rope and tie
\nit in\u2014one at the waist (the belay loop) and one at the leg loops. The waist
\nbelt fastens (yep, you guessed it) around your waist.<\/p>\n
Given that a harness is designed to keep you safe, you need to examine the harness for defects or damage even when buying one new.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Belay device<\/h2>\n![\"rock](\"https:\/\/www.insure4sport.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/rock-climbing-equipment-3-2-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nIf they don\u2019t own one already, a
\nbelay device is one of the first pieces of rock climbing hardware a trad or
\nsport climber will buy when planning a climb.<\/p>\n
If you haven\u2019t heard of a belay
\ndevice before, it\u2019s a mechanical friction brake used to protect climbers from
\nfalls or lower them from an ascent. The belay provides multiple friction
\npoints, meaning the belayer doesn\u2019t have to hold the climber\u2019s full weight as
\nthey descend.<\/p>\n
It doesn\u2019t take long to get to grips
\nwith the basic function of a belay. However, we highly recommend practising in
\na controlled environment first, particularly with help from a climbing
\ninstructor.<\/p>\n
It isn\u2019t so much that the device is
\ncomplicated to understand. Rather, the consequences of inattention are grave,
\nso you\u2019ll want to know it inside and out.<\/p>\n
In some cases, like in a climbing
\ngym, the belay device you\u2019re fastening your rope to might be mechanical. But in
\nmost cases, it\u2019ll be another person.<\/p>\n
There are three types of belay
\ndevices to choose from, depending on the climbing you want to do:<\/p>\n
\n- tubular<\/li>\n
- assisted-breaking<\/li>\n
- figure 8<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Carabiners<\/h2>\n![\"rock](\"https:\/\/www.insure4sport.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/rock-climbing-equipment-4-2-1024x680.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nA carabiner is essentially the name
\nfor a \u2018climbing clip\u2019. In simple terms, it\u2019s a device to which you can attach
\nthings without fear of them becoming detached.\u00a0<\/p>\n
So, in climbing, they\u2019re used for all
\nsorts of purposes, such as connecting climbing rope with other pieces of
\nclimbing protection such as nuts, camming devices, and bolts.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re usually made from steel
\nrigorously tested for strength and feature a gate to allow your rope or
\nequipment to pass through. This gate then shuts to prevent the equipment from
\nslipping out of the carabiner.<\/p>\n
Carabiners, ropes, and your harness are usually the crucial pieces of rock-climbing equipment that stand between safety and serious injury.<\/p>\n
For this reason, you should invest in
\ncarabiners with long-standing reputations for quality and strength, such as
\nthose made by\u00a0Petzl<\/a>,\u00a0Black Diamond<\/a>, or the Tommy Caldwell
\nendorsed\u00a0Eldelrid<\/a>.<\/p>\nThere are several carabiners,
\nincluding:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n- the wire carabiner<\/li>\n
- the straight gate carabiner\u00a0<\/li>\n
- the locking carabiner\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There are other types, but they largely fall between those three, with minor variations.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Quickdraws<\/h2>\n![\"rock](\"https:\/\/www.insure4sport.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/rock-climbing-equipment-5-2-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nWe did say carabiners are used for
\nall sorts of things in rock climbing\u2014one of these is the quickdraw. It\u2019s made
\nfrom two carabiners connected by a textile sling.<\/p>\n
The idea is to attach one end of the
\nquickdraw carabiner to a bolt hanger on a route and your rope to the other.
\nThis gives you some slack on the rope by allowing the rope to move around while
\nremaining attached to the bolt hanger.<\/p>\n
As with other forms of rock climbing equipment, though, the purpose of a quickdraw varies depending on the climbing you\u2019re doing.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Climbing cams<\/h2>\n![\"rock](\"https:\/\/www.insure4sport.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/rock-climbing-equipment-6-1-1024x680.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nClimbing cams\u2014or spring-loaded
\ncamming devices (SLCDs)\u2014fit into cracks and gaps in rocks where they\u2019ll grip to
\nprovide protection.<\/p>\n
Cams are particularly useful in trad
\nclimbing where a nut or bolt won\u2019t work. With that in mind, cams offer a little
\nmore flexibility in the route you can take up a rock face, and they\u2019re
\ncommonplace in every outdoor rock climber\u2019s arsenal of tools.<\/p>\n
The basic mechanism of a cam is that
\nthe harder you pull on it, the farther it spreads apart, thereby gripping the
\nwalls of the crack you\u2019ve placed it in. It\u2019s more of an advanced piece of rock
\nclimbing gear but essential nonetheless.<\/p>\n
Another advantage of a cam is that
\nit\u2019s a non-invasive form of climbing protection\u2014it doesn\u2019t damage the rock when
\nused, like bolting or pitons.<\/p>\n
Incidentally, this philosophy of conservation and ethical climbing is held by climbing pioneer and Yosemite big wall legend Yvon Chouinard who founded the outdoors clothing company Patagonia, amongst other achievements.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Climbing helmet<\/h2>\n![\"rock](\"https:\/\/www.insure4sport.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/rock-climbing-equipment-7-2-1024x663.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nRock faces and mountains occasionally have a habit of spontaneously fracturing, sending stones, rocks, and sometimes boulders tumbling down below.<\/p>\n
This is a hazard for any climber,
\nwhich is why the helmet is another key piece of rock climbing equipment.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll most commonly need a helmet
\nfor mountaineering, trad climbing, and sport climbing, as they typically take
\nplace in wild mountains or well-worn routes.<\/p>\n
The untouched aspect of wild
\nmountains makes the rock unpredictable, while the well-worn routes of trad and
\nsport climbing can sometimes mean the wall has weakened.<\/p>\n
Some (though not all) climbing
\nhelmets are also designed to protect in the event of a fall.<\/p>\n
However, if you\u2019re climbing at a
\nbouldering gym, you generally won\u2019t need one. That\u2019s because (as we mentioned
\nabove) they often have thick crash mat floors, and the walls are typically no
\nhigher than 15ft.<\/p>\n
Ideally, your helmet should fit snugly and sit flat on your head but not feel too tight. You should also ensure the helmet does not obstruct your line of sight up the wall.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Climbing shoes<\/h2>\n![\"rock](\"https:\/\/www.insure4sport.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/rock-climbing-equipment-8-2-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nStepping foot on a wall without
\nclimbing shoes is unheard of. They are as closely related to climbing as the
\nracket is to tennis. In short, there is no rock climbing without them.<\/p>\n
Climbing shoes are characterised by their tight fit, thin material, rubber soles and outer edges.<\/p>\n
These design features all come
\ntogether to give your foot the best grip on the wall to allow you to stand on
\nholds you otherwise wouldn\u2019t be able to in normal shoes or barefoot.<\/p>\n
Buying climbing shoes isn\u2019t simply a
\ncase of buying the best shoe on the market.<\/p>\n
For one, it\u2019s mostly about subjective
\npreference, and the \u2018best\u2019 shoes are often unwearable for a beginner. For this
\nreason, climbing shoes are most often categorised by skill level, closely
\nrelated to the degree to which the climbing shoe is downturned.<\/p>\n
Beginner shoes are relatively flat,
\nwith intermediate shoes slightly arched and advanced or \u2018aggressive\u2019 shoes
\narched further still. Advanced climbing shoes are so uncomfortable for general
\nuse that it\u2019s common to see climbers taking their shoes off as soon as they\u2019re
\noff the wall.<\/p>\n
Advanced climbing shoes are
\npurposefully designed for vertical climbing, so the climber can transfer power
\nthrough their foot to make better use of small holds.<\/p>\n
Achieving this ability takes immense
\nfoot strengthening through years of climbing, hence why advanced shoes would be
\nunwearable for a beginner.<\/p>\n
When weighing up a pair of climbing
\nshoes, it\u2019s important to try them on and test them out\u2014more than with any other
\ntype of shoe. It would help if you ensured the shoe was suitable for your foot
\nshape.<\/p>\n
You should also bear in mind that
\ntraditional sizing is most likely redundant when choosing a climbing shoe, as
\nyou\u2019ll probably be looking for something at least a size smaller than your
\nusual trainers.<\/p>\n
Many bouldering gyms have integrated climbing equipment shops, and test holds so that you can try on the shoe and try it out.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re climbing at an advanced level, indoor vs outdoor use might be worth considering. In most instances, beginner and intermediate shoes are suitable in both environments.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chalk bag<\/h2>\n![\"rock](\"https:\/\/www.insure4sport.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/rock-climbing-equipment-9-3-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nChalk bags are a pretty
\nstraightforward bit of kit. They\u2019re typically a small canvas or synthetic bag
\ndesigned with an opening to comfortably fit your whole hand, though some are
\nlarge enough to fit both.<\/p>\n
They also come with a side-release
\nbuckle and a loop of fabric so that you can attach them to your harness or
\npants.<\/p>\n
There are endless options on the
\nmarket, all roughly as good as each other, given the simple design. Plus, chalk
\nbags are one of the few pieces of rock climbing equipment that allow you to
\nflex a bit of your personality.<\/p>\n
Make sure whatever bag you get is wide enough to fit your hand, suitable for the type of chalk you\u2019re using and tailored to the length of your climb. A cylindrical bag is ideal for longer climbs, whereas a tapered bag is best suited to shorter routes.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chalk<\/h2>\n![\"rock](\"https:\/\/www.insure4sport.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/rock-climbing-equipment-10-2-1024x766.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nNow you have the chalk bag, you\u2019re
\ngoing to need some chalk.<\/p>\n
As with climbing shoes, it\u2019s
\nunthinkable for rock climbers to climb without chalk. As with the chalk\u00a0powerlifters<\/a>\u00a0and gymnasts use, chalk is used
\nin climbing to increase grip and friction on the surface of your hand by drying
\nsweat and other moisture.<\/p>\nIt\u2019s not hard to see why the
\nincreased grip is vital when scaling cliff faces using only your hands and
\nfeet.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re starting out, any climbing
\nchalk will do the job. That said, you should look for smaller-grained chalk if
\npossible, as it\u2019s sometimes a hassle to break up the clumpier stuff.<\/p>\n
You might also want to buy a chalk
\nball, which is a sealed bag of chalk made of thin fabric.<\/p>\n
Many climbers find them less messy
\nthan loose chalk, plus they more economically apply chalk to your hands, which
\nmeans you\u2019ll cause less chalk build-up on the holds, which other climbers will
\nappreciate.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re not a fan of chalk or you\u2019re allergic or prone to dry hands, there are alternatives such as\u00a0liquid chalk<\/a>\u00a0you could use instead. However, this might be more suited to bouldering because if you\u2019re halfway up a route, liquid chalk isn\u2019t half as easy to apply as loose chalk.<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Climbing tape<\/h2>\n![\"rock](\"https:\/\/www.insure4sport.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/rock-climbing-equipment-11-1-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nFlappers are the bane of a rock
\nclimber\u2019s existence. These are the tears on the pads on your fingers that form
\nwhen your hands slip off a hold, and they\u2019re so named because of the tiny flap
\nof skin they leave behind.<\/p>\n
They can also occur as your skin is
\ngradually abraded over a day\u2019s climbing.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why climbers always keep a
\nroll of climbing tape handy. Some apply it pre-emptively, while others only
\napply it after flappers occur. Many climbing tapes contain zinc-oxide to help
\nheal the abrasions and decrease the chances of infection, too.<\/p>\n
Over time, the pads on your fingers
\nand palms should develop callouses, and you won\u2019t be so prone to flappers. But until
\nthen, there\u2019s climbing tape.<\/p>\n
Flappers aren\u2019t the only use for climbing tape; many climbers also tape up their fingers to strengthen them and support the small tendons and muscles within the fingers.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Crash mat<\/h2>\n![\"rock](\"https:\/\/www.insure4sport.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/rock-climbing-equipment-12-1-1024x666.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nThough a crash mat isn\u2019t required for
\nmost types of climbing, it makes the cut for the most important rock climbing
\ngear because bouldering is one of the more dominant forms of climbing. A crash
\nmat is essential if you plan on outdoor bouldering.<\/p>\n
Because bouldering is practised
\nwithout ropes due to the smaller heights involved in the climbs, a crash mat is
\nthe only thing between you and the hard floor below. Fifteen feet can still do
\nsome damage if you fall from that height.<\/p>\n
Ideally, you\u2019ll also want some
\nfriends on hand to spot you while you climb, or even multiple mats. As with
\nmost rock climbing equipment, you need to look at the bouldering you intend to
\ndo when weighing up what type of crash mat to buy.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re sending pitches on
\ntrad and sport routes or bouldering outdoors, climbing always comes with a risk
\nof injury. Further still, your rock climbing equipment could be damaged, lost,
\nor stolen.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why you might want to consider
\nspecialist rock climbing insurance.<\/p>\n
This cover will ensure you\u2019re not
\nleft out of pocket for your equipment or an injury and covers a range of
\nscenarios.<\/p>\n
Find out more<\/a> about rock climbing insurance or take advantage of our 45% discount<\/a> today.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Related<\/h3>\n
The 5 most common rock climbing injuries and how to avoid them<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/figure>\n Climbing ropes are the single most
\nimportant piece of rock climbing equipment. There are only a couple of
\ninstances in which a climber wouldn\u2019t need them:<\/p>\n
- \n
- when they\u2019re bouldering\u2014typically climbing no more than 15ft, with
\n a crashmat underneath for safety<\/li>\n - when they\u2019re free soloing, which only a fraction of climbers
\n worldwide even pursue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nRopes are an essential part of the
\nsport for every other type of climbing. With proper use of your harness,
\ncarabiners, belay device, quickdraws, and cams, climbing ropes will save your
\nlife if you slip or fall off the rock face.<\/p>\nIt isn\u2019t enough to own climbing
\nropes, though. You must also know how they function and work with the
\nassociated apparatus. Most indoor bouldering gyms or climbing centres have
\ndedicated belay systems for rope climbing and offer tutorials so you can get to
\ngrips with them.<\/p>\nOnce you become more experienced and
\nwant to buy your own rope, there are\u00a0several factors<\/a>\u00a0you need to consider. For
\nexample:<\/p>\n- \n
- rope type<\/li>\n
- diameter<\/li>\n
- length<\/li>\n
- rope features<\/li>\n
- safety ratings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It would be best if you decided upon
\nthe above relative to the route you intend to climb. You should also remember
\nthat too much rope can be an issue, as it can lead to drag on the wall.<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Harness<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>\nIf you\u2019ve bought a suitable climbing
\nrope, you\u2019ll need an appropriate safety harness to attach it to. There are two
\nprimary considerations here:<\/p>\n- \n
- how much you want to spend<\/li>\n
- what type of climbing you intend to do<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Whether you\u2019re into trad, sport,
\nwinter, or indoor climbing, versatility and comfort should be your primary
\nfocus if you want a catch-all harness to serve you in multiple climbing
\ndisciplines.<\/p>\nWhen purchasing your rock climbing
\ngear, this is also the approach we recommend\u2014you want to own equipment you use
\nregularly. You can always hire anything more specific if you need it.<\/p>\nIdeally, your harness should
\ncomfortably work with your clothing to ensure a full range of movement.
\nPadding, extra-wide webbing, ventilation, and moisture transport are some key
\nfeatures to look for.<\/p>\nAs for a harness\u2019s anatomy, it
\ncontains two front tie-in points where the climber can thread the rope and tie
\nit in\u2014one at the waist (the belay loop) and one at the leg loops. The waist
\nbelt fastens (yep, you guessed it) around your waist.<\/p>\nGiven that a harness is designed to keep you safe, you need to examine the harness for defects or damage even when buying one new.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Belay device<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>\nIf they don\u2019t own one already, a
\nbelay device is one of the first pieces of rock climbing hardware a trad or
\nsport climber will buy when planning a climb.<\/p>\nIf you haven\u2019t heard of a belay
\ndevice before, it\u2019s a mechanical friction brake used to protect climbers from
\nfalls or lower them from an ascent. The belay provides multiple friction
\npoints, meaning the belayer doesn\u2019t have to hold the climber\u2019s full weight as
\nthey descend.<\/p>\nIt doesn\u2019t take long to get to grips
\nwith the basic function of a belay. However, we highly recommend practising in
\na controlled environment first, particularly with help from a climbing
\ninstructor.<\/p>\nIt isn\u2019t so much that the device is
\ncomplicated to understand. Rather, the consequences of inattention are grave,
\nso you\u2019ll want to know it inside and out.<\/p>\nIn some cases, like in a climbing
\ngym, the belay device you\u2019re fastening your rope to might be mechanical. But in
\nmost cases, it\u2019ll be another person.<\/p>\nThere are three types of belay
\ndevices to choose from, depending on the climbing you want to do:<\/p>\n- \n
- tubular<\/li>\n
- assisted-breaking<\/li>\n
- figure 8<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Carabiners<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>\nA carabiner is essentially the name
\nfor a \u2018climbing clip\u2019. In simple terms, it\u2019s a device to which you can attach
\nthings without fear of them becoming detached.\u00a0<\/p>\nSo, in climbing, they\u2019re used for all
\nsorts of purposes, such as connecting climbing rope with other pieces of
\nclimbing protection such as nuts, camming devices, and bolts.<\/p>\nThey\u2019re usually made from steel
\nrigorously tested for strength and feature a gate to allow your rope or
\nequipment to pass through. This gate then shuts to prevent the equipment from
\nslipping out of the carabiner.<\/p>\nCarabiners, ropes, and your harness are usually the crucial pieces of rock-climbing equipment that stand between safety and serious injury.<\/p>\n
For this reason, you should invest in
\ncarabiners with long-standing reputations for quality and strength, such as
\nthose made by\u00a0Petzl<\/a>,\u00a0Black Diamond<\/a>, or the Tommy Caldwell
\nendorsed\u00a0Eldelrid<\/a>.<\/p>\nThere are several carabiners,
\nincluding:\u00a0<\/p>\n- \n
- the wire carabiner<\/li>\n
- the straight gate carabiner\u00a0<\/li>\n
- the locking carabiner\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There are other types, but they largely fall between those three, with minor variations.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Quickdraws<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>\nWe did say carabiners are used for
\nall sorts of things in rock climbing\u2014one of these is the quickdraw. It\u2019s made
\nfrom two carabiners connected by a textile sling.<\/p>\nThe idea is to attach one end of the
\nquickdraw carabiner to a bolt hanger on a route and your rope to the other.
\nThis gives you some slack on the rope by allowing the rope to move around while
\nremaining attached to the bolt hanger.<\/p>\nAs with other forms of rock climbing equipment, though, the purpose of a quickdraw varies depending on the climbing you\u2019re doing.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Climbing cams<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>\nClimbing cams\u2014or spring-loaded
\ncamming devices (SLCDs)\u2014fit into cracks and gaps in rocks where they\u2019ll grip to
\nprovide protection.<\/p>\nCams are particularly useful in trad
\nclimbing where a nut or bolt won\u2019t work. With that in mind, cams offer a little
\nmore flexibility in the route you can take up a rock face, and they\u2019re
\ncommonplace in every outdoor rock climber\u2019s arsenal of tools.<\/p>\nThe basic mechanism of a cam is that
\nthe harder you pull on it, the farther it spreads apart, thereby gripping the
\nwalls of the crack you\u2019ve placed it in. It\u2019s more of an advanced piece of rock
\nclimbing gear but essential nonetheless.<\/p>\nAnother advantage of a cam is that
\nit\u2019s a non-invasive form of climbing protection\u2014it doesn\u2019t damage the rock when
\nused, like bolting or pitons.<\/p>\nIncidentally, this philosophy of conservation and ethical climbing is held by climbing pioneer and Yosemite big wall legend Yvon Chouinard who founded the outdoors clothing company Patagonia, amongst other achievements.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Climbing helmet<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>\nRock faces and mountains occasionally have a habit of spontaneously fracturing, sending stones, rocks, and sometimes boulders tumbling down below.<\/p>\n
This is a hazard for any climber,
\nwhich is why the helmet is another key piece of rock climbing equipment.<\/p>\nYou\u2019ll most commonly need a helmet
\nfor mountaineering, trad climbing, and sport climbing, as they typically take
\nplace in wild mountains or well-worn routes.<\/p>\nThe untouched aspect of wild
\nmountains makes the rock unpredictable, while the well-worn routes of trad and
\nsport climbing can sometimes mean the wall has weakened.<\/p>\nSome (though not all) climbing
\nhelmets are also designed to protect in the event of a fall.<\/p>\nHowever, if you\u2019re climbing at a
\nbouldering gym, you generally won\u2019t need one. That\u2019s because (as we mentioned
\nabove) they often have thick crash mat floors, and the walls are typically no
\nhigher than 15ft.<\/p>\nIdeally, your helmet should fit snugly and sit flat on your head but not feel too tight. You should also ensure the helmet does not obstruct your line of sight up the wall.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Climbing shoes<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>\nStepping foot on a wall without
\nclimbing shoes is unheard of. They are as closely related to climbing as the
\nracket is to tennis. In short, there is no rock climbing without them.<\/p>\nClimbing shoes are characterised by their tight fit, thin material, rubber soles and outer edges.<\/p>\n
These design features all come
\ntogether to give your foot the best grip on the wall to allow you to stand on
\nholds you otherwise wouldn\u2019t be able to in normal shoes or barefoot.<\/p>\nBuying climbing shoes isn\u2019t simply a
\ncase of buying the best shoe on the market.<\/p>\nFor one, it\u2019s mostly about subjective
\npreference, and the \u2018best\u2019 shoes are often unwearable for a beginner. For this
\nreason, climbing shoes are most often categorised by skill level, closely
\nrelated to the degree to which the climbing shoe is downturned.<\/p>\nBeginner shoes are relatively flat,
\nwith intermediate shoes slightly arched and advanced or \u2018aggressive\u2019 shoes
\narched further still. Advanced climbing shoes are so uncomfortable for general
\nuse that it\u2019s common to see climbers taking their shoes off as soon as they\u2019re
\noff the wall.<\/p>\nAdvanced climbing shoes are
\npurposefully designed for vertical climbing, so the climber can transfer power
\nthrough their foot to make better use of small holds.<\/p>\nAchieving this ability takes immense
\nfoot strengthening through years of climbing, hence why advanced shoes would be
\nunwearable for a beginner.<\/p>\nWhen weighing up a pair of climbing
\nshoes, it\u2019s important to try them on and test them out\u2014more than with any other
\ntype of shoe. It would help if you ensured the shoe was suitable for your foot
\nshape.<\/p>\nYou should also bear in mind that
\ntraditional sizing is most likely redundant when choosing a climbing shoe, as
\nyou\u2019ll probably be looking for something at least a size smaller than your
\nusual trainers.<\/p>\nMany bouldering gyms have integrated climbing equipment shops, and test holds so that you can try on the shoe and try it out.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re climbing at an advanced level, indoor vs outdoor use might be worth considering. In most instances, beginner and intermediate shoes are suitable in both environments.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chalk bag<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>\nChalk bags are a pretty
\nstraightforward bit of kit. They\u2019re typically a small canvas or synthetic bag
\ndesigned with an opening to comfortably fit your whole hand, though some are
\nlarge enough to fit both.<\/p>\nThey also come with a side-release
\nbuckle and a loop of fabric so that you can attach them to your harness or
\npants.<\/p>\nThere are endless options on the
\nmarket, all roughly as good as each other, given the simple design. Plus, chalk
\nbags are one of the few pieces of rock climbing equipment that allow you to
\nflex a bit of your personality.<\/p>\nMake sure whatever bag you get is wide enough to fit your hand, suitable for the type of chalk you\u2019re using and tailored to the length of your climb. A cylindrical bag is ideal for longer climbs, whereas a tapered bag is best suited to shorter routes.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chalk<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>\nNow you have the chalk bag, you\u2019re
\ngoing to need some chalk.<\/p>\nAs with climbing shoes, it\u2019s
\nunthinkable for rock climbers to climb without chalk. As with the chalk\u00a0powerlifters<\/a>\u00a0and gymnasts use, chalk is used
\nin climbing to increase grip and friction on the surface of your hand by drying
\nsweat and other moisture.<\/p>\nIt\u2019s not hard to see why the
\nincreased grip is vital when scaling cliff faces using only your hands and
\nfeet.<\/p>\nIf you\u2019re starting out, any climbing
\nchalk will do the job. That said, you should look for smaller-grained chalk if
\npossible, as it\u2019s sometimes a hassle to break up the clumpier stuff.<\/p>\nYou might also want to buy a chalk
\nball, which is a sealed bag of chalk made of thin fabric.<\/p>\nMany climbers find them less messy
\nthan loose chalk, plus they more economically apply chalk to your hands, which
\nmeans you\u2019ll cause less chalk build-up on the holds, which other climbers will
\nappreciate.<\/p>\nIf you\u2019re not a fan of chalk or you\u2019re allergic or prone to dry hands, there are alternatives such as\u00a0liquid chalk<\/a>\u00a0you could use instead. However, this might be more suited to bouldering because if you\u2019re halfway up a route, liquid chalk isn\u2019t half as easy to apply as loose chalk.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Climbing tape<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>\nFlappers are the bane of a rock
\nclimber\u2019s existence. These are the tears on the pads on your fingers that form
\nwhen your hands slip off a hold, and they\u2019re so named because of the tiny flap
\nof skin they leave behind.<\/p>\nThey can also occur as your skin is
\ngradually abraded over a day\u2019s climbing.<\/p>\nThat\u2019s why climbers always keep a
\nroll of climbing tape handy. Some apply it pre-emptively, while others only
\napply it after flappers occur. Many climbing tapes contain zinc-oxide to help
\nheal the abrasions and decrease the chances of infection, too.<\/p>\nOver time, the pads on your fingers
\nand palms should develop callouses, and you won\u2019t be so prone to flappers. But until
\nthen, there\u2019s climbing tape.<\/p>\nFlappers aren\u2019t the only use for climbing tape; many climbers also tape up their fingers to strengthen them and support the small tendons and muscles within the fingers.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Crash mat<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>\nThough a crash mat isn\u2019t required for
\nmost types of climbing, it makes the cut for the most important rock climbing
\ngear because bouldering is one of the more dominant forms of climbing. A crash
\nmat is essential if you plan on outdoor bouldering.<\/p>\nBecause bouldering is practised
\nwithout ropes due to the smaller heights involved in the climbs, a crash mat is
\nthe only thing between you and the hard floor below. Fifteen feet can still do
\nsome damage if you fall from that height.<\/p>\nIdeally, you\u2019ll also want some
\nfriends on hand to spot you while you climb, or even multiple mats. As with
\nmost rock climbing equipment, you need to look at the bouldering you intend to
\ndo when weighing up what type of crash mat to buy.<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re sending pitches on
\ntrad and sport routes or bouldering outdoors, climbing always comes with a risk
\nof injury. Further still, your rock climbing equipment could be damaged, lost,
\nor stolen.<\/p>\nThat\u2019s why you might want to consider
\nspecialist rock climbing insurance.<\/p>\nThis cover will ensure you\u2019re not
\nleft out of pocket for your equipment or an injury and covers a range of
\nscenarios.<\/p>\nFind out more<\/a> about rock climbing insurance or take advantage of our 45% discount<\/a> today.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Related<\/h3>\n
The 5 most common rock climbing injuries and how to avoid them<\/a><\/p>\n