Whether you’ve made a New Year’s Resolution to get more active or you simply think it would be fine to take up rock climbing (it would), you’re still better off prepared with some essential rock climbing gear so you’ll be ahead of the curve the first time you visit the gym.
If you’re seriously thinking about taking rock climbing classes for adults, here are some of the basic items in climbing and safety gear that you’ll need to get started.
1. A climbing harness
A climbing harness consists of a waist belt and leg loops and is designed to distribute and support your weight evenly. It also serves as an attachment point (tie-in points) for your climbing rope.
While there are many different types of climbing harnesses and some are specific to a discipline, comfort and safety are top priorities when choosing one.
2. A climbing helmet
You might think that a climbing helmet is more essential for outdoor rock climbing, as it can protect you against falling rocks, but it’s still an important piece of safety equipment for indoor climbing.
While there isn’t the same risk of falling debris in an indoor climbing area, a helmet is still necessary to protect your head. You should always wear a helmet when climbing, even indoors and when belaying.
3. Rock climbing shoes
Rock climbing shoes have a pointed toe and fit snugly. They are designed to protect your feet and provide you with superior friction while engaged in climbing. Both beginners and climbers with intermediate and advanced climbing experience can benefit from a comfortable, ergonomic pair of climbing shoes.
Remember only to wear your rock climbing shoes when climbing as they are not designed for walking and hiking and wearing them on the ground can actually damage them.
4. Climbing rope and a rope bag
Some say that when you’re starting, you should get the cheapest climbing rope you can find. Whatever you choose in terms of climbing rope, it’s an essential as it allows you to climb safely and to be lowered to the ground relatively quickly at the end of a climb.
You should also get a climbing rope bag to keep your rope organized, clean, and safe from damage.
5. A belay device
A belay device allows a belayer (the person that controls the rope during climbing) to pay rope out to the climber, to take up slack in the rope, to control a fall, or to lower a climber to the ground. A quality belay device is one of the most important pieces of rock climbing equipment that you can own.
6. Climbing carabiners
A carabiner is a metal ring with a spring-loaded gate (some of which have a locking function) that can be used to connect climbing ropes to other protection such as bolts or cams. Carabiners can also be used to make quickdraws (see below) as well as to keep gear close at hand by clipping (racking) it to your climbing harness’s gear loops.
7. Quickdraws
A quickdraw consists of two carabiners connected by a sling. These helpful devices can be used for a quick connection to climbing ropes for protection.
8. Chalk/a chalk sock
Rock climbers use powdered chalk to keep their hands dry and it also helps them to maintain a good grip on rock and slick surfaces. Many climbers keep a chalk sock (a special sack containing powdered chalk) attached to the side or back of their climbing harness.
That’s most of the essential rock climbing gear you’ll need if you’re thinking about taking rock climbing classes for adults. It’s also important to keep in mind that some gyms offer rental gear so you can practice climbing skills and techniques so you may be able to get familiar with this sport before you make a big investment in gear.
Those of you reading this that are still considering taking up rock climbing classes or joining a rock climbing gym near Philadelphia should check out Reach Climbing. Just outside of Philadelphia, in Bridgeport, PA, Reach Climbing has the tallest rock climbing walls in the region, as well as a speed wall and thousands of square feet of bouldering opportunities. Plus, it’s not just for climbers with prior experience. Beginners are welcome – call 484-704-7612 to learn more.
