Climbing Gear

Rock Climbing Shoes - This is a key climbing gear asset for a climber, and one of the first, if not the first item of climbing gear you should own. Select based on the type of rock (granite, limestone, artificial holds...) and type of climbing (bouldering, competition, sport, gym, mountaineering...). There are many options, such as type of rubber, heel construction and shape, lacing, material and curvature. The many options allow you to pick out the exact type of shoe to match the type and style of climbing you will be doing. Because of this, many climbers will use one shoe while at the gym and another when bouldering and yet another for sport climbing.

Climbing Ropes - Climbers trust their lives to each piece of climbing gear. Each gear item must be as reliable as the gear next to it. Ropes are tested extensively and meet strict criteria. They are designed to absorb the shock of a fall, take abrasion, get wet, get dirty and continue to be reliable. Ropes must pass strict test criteria defined by the UIAA. As an essential part of sport climbing gear there are different qualities to ropes suited for different climbing types.

Belay Devices - The safety and quality of climbing gear has improved enormously in the last decade. Manufacturers are continuing to improve functionality of belay and rappel devices. Each product has strengths and features that give the climber an advantage for the type of climbing environment he/she is in. The contribution of new and innovative climbing gear for belaying and rappelling has enabled climbers to master highly technical and difficult faces, and improved the safety of the sport.

Climbing Harness - The climbing harness is as important and individual item of climbing gear. It is widely used for top rope, lead, bigwall and sport rock climbing. Prior to the advent of the harness, climbers used what was called a diaper sling--so named because of the way it was put on, like a diaper. As climbing gear became more functionally specific, harnesses were designed and marketed. They have continued to evolve and develop different types of harnesses with features advantageous for specific types of climbing.

Carabiners - Available as two main types: Non-locking and locking. The carabiner is an essential part of the climbing gear set whether you are belaying or climbing. It is also one of the least expensive items of climbing gear that can be purchased. Carabiners were originally designed for use in mountaineering applications, but has worked its way into many applications beyond its original role. Because of its ease of use and functionality it has been adopted by industries such as construction, safety and many other sports. The type of Carabiners that are used as climbing gear are lightweight, aluminum and are easy to use with one hand, and durable enough to withstand the force and shock of a fall.

Quickdraws - These are a relatively recent addition to the climbing gear rack. Quickdraws are made with two carabiners tied together with a runner. Manufactured quickdraws have a webbing sling sewn to each carabiners which are 4-1/2 to 10 inches apart. It can be made using a sling and two carabiners. One carabiner is a bent gate and the other is straight. The value provided is reduction of rope drag by giving the rope a less resistive path from the belayer to the climber.

Climbing Holds - When you think of climbing gear you don't usually include hold sets. However indoor home made walls are excellent training aids and have proven performance/training benefit on outdoor rock. Holds are made from silica sand, fiberglass and epoxy. Any type of hold is readily available from sidepulls, handles, edges, slopers, mono, jugs, crimpers, jibs, ect... Many climbers train on artificial walls, and build them into their basement or garage for rain days or winter training.

Child's Harnesses - Children are build differently than adults. They need their own specially built harness. Their harness should fit. Not too loose causing rubbing and sores, or not to tight causing discomfort. Children's waist and leg sizes are smaller. Adult harnesses cannot adjust to fit a child's size. There are two types of harnesses, the full body harness and the child's waist belt harness. This is probably the best first item of climbing gear to purchase for a child.

Crash Pads - Crash pads are portable "fall zones". They are manufactured with the boulderer in mind. They are similar to gymnastics mats but usually used outdoors for bouldering. If you are a boulderer, then besides your shoes, the crash pad is one of the most important pieces of climbing gear you can get. They prevent injuries from falling on rocks or from heights. Climbers who use a crash pad will reduce the potential for injury. There are a lot of features provided by manufacturers, like straps, pockets, folding, hiking shoulder straps, and launch pads for sitting starts...etc.

Chalk Bags - Many types of chalk bags with unique features are available to the climber. This is considered an optional piece of climbing gear, but for high performance climbing, a chalk bag is absolutely essential. It straps or ties around the climber's waist and hangs in the middle of the back at the butt. Chalk bags are used by both indoor and outdoor climbers, including mountaineers and big wall climbers.

Fingerboard - This is another training device, and is a great option if you don't have room for a small wall anywhere in your house. This can be mounted above the header of a doorway in an apartment or condo where space is limited. You don't need to get your climbing gear all suited up, or drive to a local gym to work out, just chalk up and go to your doorway. This is an especially good device for finger strength training.

Discount Gear - Brand name discount climbing gear is made available at drastically reduced prices. This is possible because of a combination of warehouse management practices, and a function of free enterprise. Stock that is maintained in warehouse storage compensates for the peaks and lows in normal retail rhythm. Warehouse managers need to clear space for climbing gear or move a large volume of products for various strategic reasons. This is why huge discounts can be offered on quality name brand climbing gear.

Climbing Helmets - Helmets are the most important "optional" piece of climbing gear there is. When climbing outdoors, rappelling, caving, or mountaineering, it is very important to use a helmet. A helmet protects the climber from falling rocks which reach very high speeds. Climbing helmets, while not a part of the belay system, it could save your life just the same.

Runners - Runners and slings are absolutely essential part of your climbing gear assortment. Runners are used to tie in to the anchor, make quickdraws, anchor the belayer down. There are many applications for runners and slings. These are an inexpensive piece of gear and worth having an assortment of sizes on your gear rack.

Rope Bags- Care of your climbing gear is a safety issue. The strength of a rope degrades when exposed to ultraviolet light, dirt, water. Dust particles work their way into the fibers of the rope when left exposed to the elements. This effect can be lessened by protecting the rope in a rope bag. Rope bags have features to protect the rope, aid in hauling, hiking and storing, and any bags feature tarps that lay out for uncoiling and tying in to the rope.

Extreme Sports Clothes - Extreme sports and climbing clothing is made by dedicated manufacturers for functionality and durability. Most extreme gear and clothing are strong, reinforced, flexible, and move in directions most clothing is not made to do. Extreme sports clothes is an excellent compliment to your climbing gear.

Rock Climbing Store - Climbing gear. Huge assortment and variety, over 4,500 products from 175 of the top climbing gear manufacturers in the world. Offers the best climbing gear and equipment in the world from leaders like Black Diamond, Petzl, Metolius, Mammutt, LaSportiva, Five Ten, Grivel, Petzl, Franklin, Scarpa, and prAna among many others.