Rock Climbing Gear List

Rock climbing shoes are essential for providing grip and precision on the rock. Look for a snug fit to enhance performance. I typically like my shoes to fit so that my feet are flat and my toes are touching the front of the shoe. Make sure your toes are not overly curled, as this will be very painful while climbing. Also make sure your heal does not slide out if you stand on your toes. My recommendation is to try on as many different shoes as you can, and see what feels best to you. My personal favorites below!

A climbing harness is absolutely essential when using a rope, so find one that fits well and is comfortable while hanging on the rope. Like with shoes, try on a bunch of different ones to see what feels best. Also, take into account the style of rock climbing you are getting into, such as Trad, Sport, or perhaps both! Trad harnesses typically have more gear loops, as you will need that space for additional gear. Here are my personal favorites below!

Please use a helmet while doing any sort of rock climbing, especially while belaying and lead climbing. Helmets protect you from things falling from above and from lead falls. Many accidents have happened that could have been prevented just by wearing a helmet. The perfect Instagram shot with your perfect hair is not worth an injury or worse! There are many great helmet styles and colors available. Find one that is light and offers excellent protection. My favorites are listed below!

I personally use both the GriGri and an ATC regularly. It is important to know exactly how to use the device you choose correctly. Remember, a GriGri is not an auto-locking device; it is an assisted braking device. Therefore, your brake hand should never come off the rope! In the courses I teach, I always tell my students to know what their tools and devices can and cannot do. Please seek professional guidance when learning how to climb outdoors. Some favorites below!

There are two different types of ropes we use in the vertical world: dynamic and static. Dynamic rope is the one we tie into to climb, while static rope is used to build anchors. A cordelette is a small-diameter static rope. A 60-meter rope with a diameter between 9.5mm and 10mm is pretty standard. I really like ropes that are 9.5mm in diameter. Out here in Joshua Tree, I get away with using 50-meter rope lengths most of the time. However, depending on where you are climbing, the length of rope you should get will vary. My personal favorite ropes are made by Mammut and Edelrid.

I have put both these companies ropes through the ringer out here in Joshua Tree, and they haver lasted the longest. I have tried just about every company, and I now stick with these.

There are so many different types of carabiners out there. You will need to buy a racking carabiner for all of your cams if you are getting into trad climbing, and you will also need racking carabiners for your cordelettes, personal anchor systems, belay device, slings and friction hitches. I use different types of carabiners for different purposes, such as HMS screw-gates for my cordelettes and anchor material, non-lockers when I am climbing multi-pitch sport climbs, and small locking carabiners for my friction hitches and personal anchor systems. Some of my personal favorite carabiners are listed below!