Top 7 Outdoor Rock Climbing Gear for Beginners

Hooked on rock climbing? It’s a fun hobby to get all body parts moving. Rock climbing is a sport that requires both upper body, lower body, and core strength. The adrenaline in climbing a 60 to 100-foot rock formation is satisfying, especially if you can send a route or reach the top! But as with any other outdoor sport, rock climbing is a risky one. Getting the proper rock climbing gear and equipment is essential to prevent rock climbing falls or mishaps. Here’s a list of the top rock climbing gear for beginners. 

1. Harness

This is one of the most crucial gears for outdoor rock climbing that keeps you tethered to the climbing rope. Choose a climbing harness that is well-padded for comfort. The harness must also have good leg loops that fit right in your thighs. Moreover, the harness must have enough loops to attach the carabiners and quickdraws. 

When wearing the harness, first loosen both leg loops’ straps. Adjust the straps until they fit snuggly in your thighs. Strap the waistbelt while stepping into the leg loops. Check if the leg loops are not intertwined and the belay loop isn’t twisted. 

2. Climbing shoes

You need a good pair of climbing shoes to hold onto granite or limestone rock formations. These curved shoes offer a good foothold for beginners, preventing you from sliding when ascending. You can opt between laces or Velcro, although the latter is easier to put on or remove between climbs. Choosing the perfect climbing shoe size should be half the size or a size smaller than your street shoe size. 

3. Helmet

A helmet will protect your head from a fall or even when you’re climbing inside crevices. It also protects you from loose rocks that fall above you or when you whip into a wall. Plus, helmets also protect your head when climbing onto an overhang. You can skip the helmet when you’re indoor climbing. However, outdoor climbs require helmets for safety. Choose between a hardshell or shelled foam helmet, depending on the climbing activity. 

4. Pair of pants

Choose nylon pants instead of polyester pants when climbing on abrasive rocks. These pants are more durable compared to the latter. You can choose different cuts, like standard fits or tapered ones. Nylon pants allow more movement and let you contort into all kinds of climbing positions. Overall, buy climbing-resistant pants made of ripstop fabric to prevent them from easily tearing. 

5. Top

While some men prefer to go topless when rock climbing outdoors, some are comfortable with a shirt on. T-shirts are an acceptable climbing material if they don’t hinder your movements. Make sure your shirt fits nicely and isn’t too loose. A bit of bagginess is annoying when you’re maneuvering on the wall. A lightweight t-shirt is best for men, while a sports bra or tank top is best for women. 

6. Chalk bag

You’ll need a chalk bag to put your chalk in. However, you’ll need one that’s easy and convenient to reach when climbing. You can use a chalk bag attached to your harness’s gear loop with a carabiner or a waist strap. I prefer a chalk bag with a waist strap as it doesn’t swing too much when you’re moving. 

7. Chalk

Most climbing chalks are made of pure MgCO3. However, it could also be made with an additional drying agent. Some climbers prefer using pure chalk since they don’t want to breathe in the synthetic agents. Chalk comes in many forms, including block chalk, loose chalk, eco chalk, or liquid chalk.

These are the first initial outdoor rock climbing gear you must buy when starting. The other gears, such as carabiners, belay devices, ropes, etc., can follow once you know you’re in it for the long haul because these equipment are costly. In the meantime, enjoy your time with a fun crag and good company.