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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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