It is easy to overpack your climbing bag, so how do you know what is essential and what to leave behind? Having the right gear in your climbing bag is crucial. The first step of having a production climbing session is coming to the rock gym adequately prepared.
These ten items will help you feel ready for any situation in the gym, and they’ll all serve a useful purpose (no unnecessary shoes or ropes).
10 Gym bag essentials for beginners
1. Climbing Shoes
Yes, it’s obvious, but if you want to climb, they’re a pretty important piece of gear to have handy. Most climbers, even beginners, will have more than one pair of climbing shoes. Whether they have different styles of shoes based on what type of climbing they’ll do that day or whether they like to rotate through other pairs, always have at least one team. Feel free to keep multiple pairs in your bag, but for a beginner, you’ll likely be able to use the same pair of shoes for all your climbing. So, for space and backaches, only put one team in at a time. And, if you switch out which pair you take to the gym, make sure you grab matching shoes. Showing up to the gym with two left shoes or an aggressive, neutral shoe will make for an exciting session!
2. Climbing Harness
If you are deeply passionate about bouldering and have made a solemn commitment to never engage in roped climbing, then it might seem unnecessary to include a harness in your climbing gear. However, the world of climbing is full of surprises and opportunities for growth. There may come a time when a climbing buddy persuades you to belay for them, or you feel the allure of trying out the new auto belay routes at your local gym.
In such instances, having your harness can be a game-changer. Not only does it offer a level of comfort and familiarity that rental harnesses often lack, but it also ensures a better fit tailored to your body. This personalized fit can significantly enhance your climbing experience by providing greater security and freedom of movement.
Furthermore, owning a harness opens up possibilities beyond your current climbing preferences. It is a versatile tool that can adapt to different climbing styles and scenarios, allowing you to explore new challenges and techniques confidently. So, while you may currently prioritize bouldering over roped climbing, having a harness in your bag can be a wise investment for the future, ready to support you in unexpected climbing adventures.
3. Chalk bag
Unless you’re anti-chalk, this is a must. They are great for packing on trips as they are smaller than a chalk bucket (see #4) and sufficient for bouldering or rope climbing sessions. Even if your gym only allows liquid chalk (annoying, but some do), sooner or later, you’ll end up climbing where you might need powdered chalk to dry those sweaty hands.
4. Chalk bucket
Continuing with chalk is a chalk bucket. If you’re a die-hard ropes climber or know you’ll never boulder, a chalk bucket isn’t a necessary investment. However, for those who enjoy bouldering or find themselves bouldering more frequently, a good quality chalk bucket is an excellent item to keep in your climbing bag. Unlike a chalk bag, it can hold a large quantity of chalk, so you don’t have to refill it as frequently, and it’s easier to put both hands in at once. Unlike rope climbing, where you usually chalk up one hand at a time, boulders are so short you cover both hands in chalk before you start and then rechalk between attempts.
5. Leuko Tape
A must-have essential for climbers, Leuko tape stands out as a reliable and durable choice among the array of medical and climbing tapes available. Its exceptional quality makes it a go-to solution for covering raw skin and cuts or dealing with flappers commonly occurring during climbing sessions. What sets Leuko tape apart is its longevity and adhesive strength. Unlike other tapes that might lose their stickiness quickly, a single roll of Leuko tape can last through numerous climbs without unraveling unexpectedly. This reliability ensures that climbers can focus on their ascent without worrying about the tape coming loose midway or shortly after application.
Moreover, Leuko tape proves to be exceptionally resilient when encountering sharp holds, making it the least likely to rip or break under such challenging conditions. This added durability gives climbers a sense of security and confidence, knowing that their taping solution can withstand the rigors of the sport. With Leuko tape in your climbing gear, you can approach each climb with peace of mind, knowing that you have a dependable companion to support you through any skin-related issues that may arise.
6. Nail Clippers
If you’re new to climbing and haven’t figured it out, keeping nicely manicured fingernails and toenails is a thing of the past. Instead, climbers tend to keep their nails trimmed so that their feet are more comfortable in their shoes and so they don’t scratch or rip their nails on the climbing wall. To some, nails on a chalkboard or grating sounds aren’t irking. But we can promise that even if the sound doesn’t annoy you, the feeling of your nail scraping down a textured climbing wall is unpleasant.
7. Belay device
When it comes to rock climbing, using a belay device is crucial, especially if you engage in activities involving ropes and harnesses. A belay device is essential in a climber's arsenal, providing safety and control during ascents and descents. One of the most common types of belay devices is the ATC (Air Traffic Controller), known for its simplicity and affordability, typically priced around $20. ATCs are favored for their compact size, lightweight design, and ease of use, making them popular among climbers.
Upgrading to a Grigri can be a worthwhile investment for those who dedicate a significant amount of time to rope climbing and belaying. The Grigri is an assisted braking device that offers added security and control, particularly in dynamic climbing situations. While having both a Grigri and an ATC in your climbing gear collection can provide versatility, it may not be necessary to carry both at all times. If you prefer to streamline your gear and carry only one belay device, the decision between an ATC and a Grigri should be based on your comfort level and experience with each device.
Ultimately, the choice of a belay device depends on individual preferences, climbing style, and safety considerations. Whether you opt for the simplicity of an ATC or the advanced features of a Grigri, ensuring that you are proficient in using your chosen device is paramount for a safe and enjoyable climbing experience. Remember, safety always comes first in rock climbing, and having a suitable belay device can significantly improve your overall climbing performance.
8. Bandaids
Eventually, the wall bites back. Well, not really, but most indoor climbing gym walls are textured, and the climbing holds themselves. This makes picking up elbow and knee scrapes or finger cuts relatively easy. A good climbing gym should have free first aid to cover up the open wounds, but having your own is a good backup in case you need to change band-aids on your way to or from the gym.
9. Water Bottle
Hydration is essential for any physical activity, but forgetting to pack a water bottle is easy. Leaving one in your climbing bag (take it out and clean it at least once a week) ensures you’ll always have water available. Even if you forgot to fill it up, gyms typically have a water filling station or fountain you can use! Just remember to pack it away when you go to leave. Rock climbing gym lost and found bins are treasure islands of water bottles.
10. Slip-on/Slip off Shoes
When heading to the climbing gym, it's always a good idea to pack flip-flops, slip-on flats, or any other shoes that are easy to slip on and off. These shoes come in handy for climbers with different backgrounds and preferences. While some climbers may opt for flip-flops for convenience, others might come straight from work in dress shoes. Having slip-on shoes in your bag allows for quick changes during mid-climb breaks without the hassle of dealing with chalk on your formal footwear or lacing up sneakers.
It's essential to maintain hygiene in the climbing gym environment, and one key rule is to avoid wearing climbing shoes in the bathroom. This not only keeps your climbing shoes clean but also prevents the spread of germs. Furthermore, some climbing gyms utilize stones instead of mats in the rope areas for safety reasons in case of a ground fall. If your gym or a gym you visit has a stone floor, it's advisable to avoid walking around in your climbing shoes between climbs or standing barefoot to prevent discomfort or injuries.
In conclusion, proper footwear and mindfulness of hygiene and safety practices in the climbing gym are essential for an enjoyable and safe climbing experience. By wearing appropriate shoes and following gym guidelines, climbers can focus on their climbs without unnecessary distractions or risks.
And that’s it! There are only ten essential items to keep on hand in your climbing bag, and some of them may not even be necessary, depending on your climbing preferences. However, these items serve a specific purpose and are frequently used by climbers, making them a worthwhile investment if you don’t already own them. If you have any questions about these items or want to suggest something else that you think is important to keep in your rock gym bag, let us know in the comments below! We, and other beginner climbers, would love to hear from you!
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