13 Essential Pieces of Climbing Gear for Bouldering & Scaling, According to Professional Mountaineers
Written by djfrosty on April 11, 2024
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If it seems as though almost everyone you know is rock climbing these days, you’re not far off. Climbing and bouldering have become the newest hobby to take over cities, with an annual growth rate of 7%, according to Gutnix’s 2024 market data report.
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Even artists have hopped onto the trend, including Lady Gaga, who posted a photo mid-climb on her Instagram back in 2020. Jared Leto was also spotted indoor rock climbing with dogfluencer Maxine the Fluffy Corgi strapped into his backpack back in September.
Similar to the sudden growth in pickleball, climbing has become a new go-to for exercise as it’s easily accessible and affordable to participate in — not to mention, it’s also Hollywood-approved.
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To help you kickstart your bouldering and climbing journey, Billboard Shopping spoke with professional rock climbers including U.S. National Team member Margo Hayes who made history as the first woman to conquer a 9a graded route (free climbs are ranked on a scale of one-10 with one being the easiest and 10 being the hardest) and climbing Olympian Shauna Coxsey to learn more about the sport and determine the best climbing gear for all levels.
What Are Good Climbing Clothes?
Both Coxsey and Hayes point out that the best climbing apparel should provide comfort and give to help you climb with ease. “As you progress through climbing, you will put your body into some wild and fun shapes so you never want your clothes to hold you back,” Coxsey tells Billboard.
Your climbing outfit will also depend on whether you’re indoors or outside. “When I’m bouldering/training in the gym, I most often wear basic athletic wear such as leggings and a tank top or sports bra,” says Hayes. Whereas, if you’re outside, she adds, you’ll want to make sure you have some layers.
Looking for the best climbing clothes online? Here’s what the experts recommend.
Coxsey’s pant pick
Adidas Women’s Terrex Xperior Pants
If you’re planning on climbing outdoors, Coxsey recommends these Adidas pants for their cozy feel and ability to let you climb with ease. The material is also breathable for added ventilation to help keep your body temperature regulated.
“A comfortable stretchy pair of trousers are essential and the Adidas Terrex Xperior Trousers are so good for a day climbing outside on rock,” she notes.
Hayes Jacket Pick
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
Hayes’ go-to layer is The North Face’s luxurious puffer that can be worn both on and off the climbing wall.
“When I’m rock climbing outside, because the elements and weather can be unpredictable, it’s necessary to bring layers with you,” she says. “No matter the weather, I always bring my TNF puffy jacket with me. The golden rule is that it’s always better to take layers off than be stuck outside without enough.”
What Is the Best Climbing Gear?
To help you make sure you stock up on the right gear, the professional climbers shared what climbing gear to buy online as well as some of their favorite picks.
Bouldering and climbing will require different types of gear. Bouldering, Hayes believes, is the easiest one to stock up on gear as it requires the least amount of equipment.
“When you’re bouldering you typically only need a chalk bag and shoes, this is why it’s so easily accessible,” she says. “Nowadays gym bouldering is really popular because it’s a simple way you can get a workout even when you’re on your own. When you boulder outside, you do need to bring crash pads to land on. Bouldering outdoors can always be dangerous; however, it’s much more dangerous without a cushioned landing spot.”
Coxsey adds that you should also invest in a chalk brush for indoor bouldering, “to clean the rock or the holds after you climb to leave the climb as you found it for the next person.”
Climbing anything taller than a normal boulder will require more safety equipment, according to both pro climbers. That consists of gear including a harness, rope and belay device (to name a few).
“Additionally, you can’t sport climb alone, so you need a partner who you deeply trust” Hayes advises. “Also, make sure to always tie a knot in the end of your rope for safety!”
Here’s the best climbing gear to buy online, according to the pros.
hayes’ indoor climbing shoes pick
La Sportiva Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes
When it comes to climbing shoes, Hayes claims, “My favorite shoes are made by La Sportiva.” With many styles to choose from, Amazon shoppers have deemed the Tarantulace style to be a top contender. The style is not only vibrant in shade, but features an all leather upper that’s breathable and stretchy to help form to your foot as well as a heel cup to keep your foot in place while you climb. This style tends to run large, according to the brand, so size down for the best fit. The shoe is also available in men’s sizes here.
coxsey’s outdoor climbing shoe pick
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Gore-TEX Hiking Shoe
Outdoor climbing requires a shoe with traction for stability. If you’re looking for a pro-approved style, Coxsey likes the Adidas Terrex Freehikers as she claims they’re “super comfy but with some great grip to get up any tricky paths.” Plus, they’re on sale for over half-off right now.
helmet pick
PETZL, Vertex Vent Helmet, Black
Protect your head from bumps and falls with a sturdy helmet like this black version by Petzl. It comes with an adjustable chin strap to fix to your liking and ventilation and side holes to help provide airflow to keep your head from overheating.
harness pick
Ttechouter Adjustable Thickness Climbing Harness
Add this climbing harness to your cart to keep you snug yet secure as you climb outdoors. It comes with an adjustable waist and leg thickness as well as metal loops to hook your climbing hear to. For added comfort, the harness comes padded to keep you safe yet cozy as you tackle your latest climb.
rope pick
Mammut Crag Dry Rope – 9.5mm
The Mammut Crag Dry Rope comes in three lengths including 60, 70 and 80 meters that’s been dry-treated to use on various terrains including rock and ice. The thick and sturdy material was also designed to repel water, dirt and abrasion, so you can climb safely and worry-free.
belay pick
Petzl GriGri + Belay Device
Climbing with a partner requires a proper belay device for added safety. Hayes’ go-to brand Petzl has one for 19% off on Amazon and that’s designed with cam-assisted blocking to make going down easier and more comfortable. It also comes equipped with an anti-panic handle that’ll stop your belay if the rope is tugged on too hard.
chalk bag pick
Sukoa Chalk Bag
Carry your chalk with Sukoa’s portable chalk bag for 25% off, dropping the price to less than $15. The design has been labeled an Amazon Choice for Climbing Chalk Bags by Sukoa Sports and has racked up more than 2,000 verified five star reviews for its leak-proof design and extra compartments that can hold small essentials including your smartphone.
chalk pick
Friction Labs Unicorn Dust Chalk for Rock Climbing
Hayes prefers to uses Friction Labs chalk, which she claims is the “stickiest” for gripping onto boulders or hand holds on the wall. The Unicorn Dust is a more fine formula that’s Non-toxic, silica-free and pigment-free that aims to be safe for all skin types. It’s also versatile to use indoors or outdoors.
chalk brush pick
Climbing & Bouldering Brush
To assist in cleaning handholds as you climb, these climbing brushes will easily swipe and dust away chalk. Each pack comes with two brushes that are slim and compact, so you can slip it inside a pocket or small bag. The bristles are tapered to help with the longevity of the brush while the handle is ergonomic for a more comfortable hold.
bouldering mat pick
Evolv Drop Pad
Cushion any falls with a comfortable drop pad that’ll protect you from getting any major injuries. It comes with a foldable design and attached handle that’ll make transporting it from one place to another easier. The plush material was also designed to help soften any falls, so you can easily get back up on on the boulder.
carabiner pick
Rongsi Heavy Duty Carabiner
A sturdy carabiner is important if you plan on linking together your ropes and harnesses. Walmart is offering a two-pack for less than $15 with each one having the capacity to hold up to 5,600 pounds each. It also uses a carbon steel material for long-lasting durability.
Climbing Tips for Beginners
These pros didn’t just become masters at climbing overnight and if you’re just starting out, the best thing you can do, according to Coxsey is to “just climb!” Once you find your go-to climbing gym, you should take advantage of the coaching or any inductions offered.
“From your local climbing wall, you will find a whole community of climbers who will be able to help take you outside and give you a taste of climbing on rock for the first time,” she adds.
While it may be tempting to just jump right in, Hayes also points out that you shouldn’t rush to push yourself.
“It’s very important to grow a strong foundation,” she says. “Also, make sure that you are climbing within the limits that you are comfortable with. Grades don’t really matter as long as you’re enjoying the challenge and having fun.”
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best fleece-lined leggings, running shorts and travel backpacks.