If a mountaineering or a cliff-climbing course is penciled into your calendar this year, you’ll need to plan ahead with the basic gear and supplies. Rock climbing is a great way to experience the great outdoors from a fresh perspective; whether you’re climbing the Rockies or taking a trip across the Grand Canyon, be prepared for breathtaking views and a total body workout as you reach new heights. Make sure your trip is safe and enjoyable with these rock climbing necessities:
1. Carabiners
You’ll need a sturdy set of carabiners to keep your ropes and pulleys working at their full potential. Look for wire gate, lightweight carabiners that reduce ‘gate lash’ and make it easy to change out ropes and coordinate pulleys on your climb.
2. Rock climbing shoes
The necessary footwear for a rock climbing adventure is a far cry from the standard hiking boot or cross-country trekking shoe. A pair of quality rock climbing shoes can either be lace-up or Velcro style, and you’ll get the most out of your climb with a pair of leather uppers designed with flexible soles. They’re also designed with extra grips on the base, and are super lightweight for better performance.
Making sure you have the best-fitting harness can help you stay comfortable and well-protected during even the most challenging climbs. The right harness will help distribute your weight evenly without pinching or cinching your skin as the pressure increases; look for extra features such as vents in the waistbelt and flexible plastic inserts for extra spine and muscle support.
4. Climbing helmet
Protect yourself from falling rocks and boulders, and keep that scalp as dry as possible with a well-fitting helmet. Helmets designed with air vents and an adjustable strap can offer the best fitting, and these are also a lightweight accessory. Look for helmets with detachable headlamps or clips to hold a lamp in place for adventures at sunset that lead into the night.
5. Camming device
As you make your way up the steepest climbs and challenging rock formations, you’ll need the right holding device to keep you on course. Camming devices made with an interlocking design can make each move smooth and flexible. Look for lightweight camming devices made with stainless steel for maximum durability and versatility.
