When you enter a climbing equipment shop for the first time you are probably overwhelmed by the amount of different equipment (often called gear) and variants thereof. In this chapter we will just briefly touch on some of the most important equipment you might need when you start climbing. You will find out for yourself later what else you might need, as it heavily depends on what disciplines you prefer, what equipment your partners have and what your personal preferences for climbing are.

Climbing shoes
Purpose: Sticking To Tiny Footholds And Generating Power Through Your Feet
Essential item: Yes
Price range: 50€ - 200€
Look for: The Best Fit For Your Foot, The Right Downturn For Your Style

Climbing harness
Purpose: Safety For Climbing And Belaying, Attachment Points For Rope And Belay Device, Loops To Carry Your Gear
Essential item: Yes
Price range: 50€ - 200€
Look for: The Best Fit For Your Body, Padding, Good Gear Loops

Chalk and chalk bag
Purpose: Keeping Your Hands Dry On The Rock And Improving Friction
Essential item: Yes
Price range: 5€ - 40€
Look for: Pure Magnesium Carbonate, Low Impurities, Opening That Fits Your Hand, Smooth Drawstring, Personal Style

Belay devices
Purpose: Belaying And Lowering A Climber
Essential item: Yes
Price range: 20€ - 150€
Look for: Ease Of Use, Brake Assist, Function As A Rappel Device

Climbing ropes
Purpose: Protection When Lead Or Top-Rope Climbing
Essential item: Yes
Price range: 100€ – 400€
Look for: Appropriate Length And Diameter, Dry-Treatment If Desired

Helmets
Purpose: Protecting Your Head When Falling And From Rock Fall
Essential item: Highly Recommended
Price range: 30€ – 150€
Look for: Comfort, Adjustability And Ventilation

Quickdraws
Purpose: Connect Your Climbing Rope To Bolts On The Wall To Protect The Climber In A Fall
Essential item: Yes
Price range: 20€ – 150€
Look for: Sturdy Dogbone, Solid Gate Carabiners

Crash pads
Purpose: Crash pad is used for protection when bouldering
Essential item: Highly Recommended
Price range: 50€ - 250€
Look for: Closed-cell foam, Durability, Numer of foam layers, Pad height

Protection gear (infinity loop)
Purpose: Used To Secure Yourself To An Anchor Before Cleaning To Lower Or Rappel
Essential item: Yes
Price range: 10€ – 50€
Look for: kN Strength Rating, Adjustability