Imagine this: you convince a friend to join you on your latest climbing project. You drive to the crag, shoulder your pack, hike and scramble for 45 minutes to the base of the climb, only to realize you forgot your harness. We've all been there, and it's frustrating. To avoid such mishaps, we've created a rock climbing checklist to ensure your preparation is as seamless as your climbing beta.
Whether you're heading to a local boulder field or embarking on a full-day sport climbing mission, some essentials remain constant. However, depending on the climbing discipline, the specifics can vary.
Note: Not every climber will need every item on this list. Coordinate with your climbing partners to ensure sufficient gear, such as ropes, draws, and crash pads. Personal items like harnesses and climbing shoes are your own responsibility.
Sport Climbing Checklist
For sport climbing, the essentials include all the necessary gear to safely climb bolted routes. Remember, not every climber needs to bring every item listed.
Personal Sport Climbing Items:
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30-35L Pack
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Climbing Shoes
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Approach Shoes
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Chalk Bag
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Harness
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Climbing Helmet
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Belay Gloves
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Runners
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Personal Anchor System (PAS) or Double-length Runner
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Locking Carabiners (1 per belay device, 2 for a PAS)
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Finger Tape
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First Aid Kit
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Headlamp
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Water
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Food
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Sun Protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen)
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Extra Layers
Shared Sport Climbing Items:
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Quickdraws (1 per bolt on your route, plus 2 for the anchors)
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Rope (2x as long as the tallest route you plan to climb)
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Grigri (or other assisted-braking or auto-locking belay device)
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ATC (or other tubular or auto-blocking belay device for rappelling)
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Stick Clip
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Belay Glasses
Gym Climbing Checklist
Climbing indoors is more forgiving if you forget something, but having your own gear ensures consistency. Here's what to bring:
Gear For Gym Bouldering:
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Climbing Shoes
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Chalk Bag or Chalk Bucket
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Water Bottle
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Snacks
Gear For Top Roping & Leading:
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Harness
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Belay Devices (most gyms require assisted-braking or auto-blocking styles)
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30-35m rope (if leading)
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Belay Glasses
Bouldering Checklist
Transitioning from sport climbing to bouldering might feel different. Here’s what you need for a successful bouldering session:
Personal Bouldering Items:
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Rock Shoes
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Approach Shoes
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15-20L Daypack
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Crash Pad(s)
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Chalk Bag or Chalk Bucket
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Headlamp
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Guidebook
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Brush
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Water
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Food
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Sun Protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen)
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Extra Layers
Trad Climbing Checklist
Trad climbing requires a bit more gear than sport climbing. If you're new or need a handy tool, here's what to pack:
Personal Trad Climbing Items:
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30-40L pack
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Rock Shoes
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Approach Shoes
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Chalk Bag
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Harness
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Helmet
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Belay Device (auto-braking or autoblocking)
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Auto-blocking Belay Device (for rappelling and belaying on multi-pitch routes)
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PAS
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Cordelette
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4 Locking Carabiners
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Runners & Slings
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Belay Gloves
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Crack Gloves
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Climbing Tape
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Headlamp
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Nut Tool
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Walkie Talkies
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Food
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Water Bottle or Hydration System
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First Aid Kit
Shared Trad Climbing Items:
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Rope (2x as long as the tallest route you plan to climb)
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Alpine Quickdraws
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Trad Rack (specific pieces depend on your route)
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Cams, Sizes 0.4-3
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Nuts, sizes 1-10
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Carabiners
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8-15L Pack (for multi-pitch routes)
FAQ
Q: What should I bring climbing?
A: Essentials include chalk and climbing shoes. For top rope climbing, also bring a harness, belay device, and locking carabiner. For sport, bouldering, or trad climbing, refer to the specific checklists above.
Q: Do beginners need climbing shoes?
A: Yes, climbing shoes with sticky rubber soles help grip small footholds. Beginners typically use flat shoes that fit snugly without socks. If climbing indoors, shoes can often be rented. Outdoor climbing requires purchasing your own shoes.
Q: Do you need chalk as a beginner?
A: Yes, chalk improves grip by absorbing moisture from your hands. Most indoor gyms rent chalk bags, but it's recommended to have your own.
Q: Do you need to be fit to start climbing?
A: Climbing suits all fitness levels. Climbing gyms offer routes for beginners and experts, making them ideal for learning safely. It’s recommended to start indoors before climbing outdoors.
