Climbing
The art of climbing 
is an extreme sport that involves strength, stamina, and agility. It also happens to require specialized equipment for each type of climbing. Some subcategories include rock climbing (indoor and outdoor), ice climbing ,mountaineering ,bouldering , and tree climbing.
Please note that climbing can be dangerous to your health (sometimes fatal) if you attempt to try it without the proper training and skills. Use caution, know your limits, and above all, have fun.
Equipment A-Z
Want to learn about a specific piece of climbing, mountaineering, or bouldering equipment? Then you have come to the right place. This is the basic guide to climbing equipment from A-Z.
Click on one of the links below to jump to the section which most interests you or feel free to scroll down through the entire list. Remember that not all pieces of equipment are needed for each type of climbing.
Also check out links to gear reviews in the External Links section below.
Basic Gear
For the majority of climbing sports you will need a few basic items (and some are just plain fun to have).
Avalanche Beacons
Usually used for mountaineering and ice climbing (versus other climbing activities), avalanche beacons serve skiers, backpackers, snowshoers, and other winter adventure enthusiasts. The major point of having one is for safety reasons. If, for any reason, you or another member of your team gets trapped under an avalanche slide, a beacon will help track and pin point the person as quickly as possible in order to make an efficient rescue.
Ascenders and Belays
Bags
Climbing bags are the way to stash all your gear while climbing. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Comfort is key as well as durability, weather-resistant materials, and sturdy seams and zippers. If you are planning to camp between climbing you may want an internal frame pack . Packs can cost as little as $60 and as much as $160.
Another piece of climbing equipment in this category is a rope bag . Rope bags are designed either similarly to a duffel or to a backpack. The backpack style rope bags are convenient and comfortable, but they tend to be on the small side.
You may also be interested in camping backpacks and hydration packs .
Cams and Nuts
Spring loaded camming devices (SLCDs) are used primarily for safety purposes. These anchors are inserted between cracks or crevices in a rock. When pulled on they simultaneously spread out and lock, creating a grip which secures the device in place. A climbing rope can then be attached to the stem of the cams. No cam works alone -- the mechanism uses combos of two, three or four cams. These different models also come in different sizes so as to fit various openings in the rock face. They typically range from 1-15cm and usually run about $50 a piece. Metolius is a popular and respected brand. Camp ,Camalot ,Aliens , and Black Diamond are other options.
Climbing nuts , another protection anchor device, are commonly called wires . They come in a variety of sizes and serve a similar purpose as an SLCD . However, they are smaller, weigh less, cost less, and provide less support. Plus, they are only meant to be used in very narrow crevices, and unlike cams, nuts need an extractor to extricate them from a crack. Hexcentrics are one of the most popular types, characterized by their hexagonal head, which makes them better at cramming into surfaces than taper nuts. They are manufactured by Metolius ,Black Diamond , and Wild County .
Carabiners and Quickdraws
Carabiners , sometimes called biners, are a very common piece of climbing equipment, often made of aluminum alloy so that they are strong and lightweight. You've probably seen carabiners used as key chains. In climbing they attach a rope to an anchor such as a cam or nut. Each carabiner style has a different shape and locking mechanism to suit a specific type of climbing. This guide to carabiner types is a good overview.
Generally, carabiners with more room inside the loop give the rope more leeway and prove stronger, but they can be unwieldy and not particularly versatile. A wide gate makes it easier to clip and unclip. But a smaller gate can be better for securing.
D-shaped biners (such as the one pictured, right) are either symmetrical (for lead climbing or, the beginner's favorite, top rope climbing) or asymmetrical (for, again, top roping and belaying). Oval carabiners are weaker but versatile, perfect for technical or aid climbing. Pear-shaped carabiners are good for clipping multiple items and are often used in belaying. Carabiners also have different types of gates, such as wire ,bentgate ,straight gate , and locking . Locking carabiners, being the most secure, are used in belaying and rappelling. Wire models are thin, with lots of room. Bent, also roomy, are easy to clip. Straight are the most common and versatile.
Quickdraws , or draws, are a similar piece of equipment to a carabiner. Essentially, quickdraws are two carabiners attached to one another via a nylon loop or rope webbing.
Both carabiners and quickdraws cost $10 or less a piece for a generic model. The highest grade screwgate locking carabiners will cost under $30.
Chalk Supplies
Climbing chalk is made of magnesium carbonate and magnesium sulfate and is used to keep your hands dry and provide a better hand grip. It is useful for all varieties of climbing, except perhaps, ice climbing. The essential chalk supplies include the chalk itself (similar to gymnast's chalk) and a chalk bag . Chalk bags, as the name suggests, are bags for holding the chalk. Within the chalk bag, the chalk is contained in a chalk sock or container, sometimes called a chalk ball . By rubbing the chalk ball or sock, some resin is released onto your hands.
In addition to chalk, an option that might suit some climbers are belay gloves. These tough leather or synthetic gloves are meant to protect your hands from heat and friction when descending.
Cleats and Crampons
Cleats and crampons are primarily used for ice climbing and mountaineering. They are used to create a more secure foothold on ice and snow. Crampons and cleats are both attached to your boots via straps. Racing style crampons (a boot with built-in cleats) can be purchased for racing. Prices range from $100-$200 for full foot crampons or ice crampons , distinguished by their large, sharp spikes (seen right). Smaller crampons, with spikes only in the midsole, cost under $50 . The most secure styles will feature a strap on the top and back of the foot, versus only over the top. Cleats on the other hand, are usually made of heavy duty plastic and are not meant for ice climbing.
Want a pair of awesome crampons? Check out this article from Climbing.com or some of the options below.
Crash Pads
Crash pads are also known as bouldering mats . While used for bouldering, which doesn't use much other equipment, they are also helpful for training and can protect you from a fall of 4-5m (12ft). They are made of thick foam, varying in thickness from 2-6in. Width varies as well, but often these mats are around 3-5ft in width and length. Most models are made to fold up for more compact transportation and they have straps and handles to make them easier to carry. Check to make sure that the materials used are very durable and can handle rough surfaces and the elements.
Major brands include Metolius ,Black Diamond , and Misty . Cost varies between $100 and $200.
Harnesses
This is one of the most important pieces of equipment in climbing. Without it, climbing could be very dangerous because you would have no way of securing yourself to the mountainside. Harnesses come in both men's and women's versions, as well as smaller sizes for children . Choosing the right size is crucial. Focus on the fit in the waist and hips, where the harness naturally rests. If the harness can be pulled down over your hips, the harness is too large. Keep in mind that size varies from one brand to another (most all use X-small, small, medium, large, X-large). Also remember that those interested in ice climbing will need a slightly larger harness to accommodate heavy winter clothes. Often you must choose a harness suited to a particular type of climbing, whether it be trad, alpine, or big wall.
An alternative type of harness is a full-body harness . These models feature chest and shoulder straps, which for some may improve the overall comfort and stability. For beginner's there are special harnesses and there are even harness kits.
Although comfort is the number one priority when choosing a harness, give these popular harnesses some consideration before you look further:
Helmets
Keep your noggin protected for falls and falling objects with a climbing helmet . They are much the same as a helmet used for other extreme sports. Unlike a bike helmet, they are completely rounded because there is no need for aerodynamics, but rather for a clear viewing range. Choose ventilation or no ventilation. Color choice is of course optional. Since comfort is of the essence, one recommendation is to try on the helmet you plan to buy before making a purchase. Also be sure to get something that is as lightweight as possible so as not to add extra bulk to your load. If you plan to do any climbing at night, make sure that the helmet can support a headlamp. Check to make sure that the helmet comes with extra padding so that you can adjust it where needed. Average cost starts at about $60. Typical brands are Camp ,Black Diamond , and Petzl .
Holds
Climbing holds are used often for training, or for creating a climbing wall. They are also called grips. They usually come in packs (from 5-40 pieces). There are also climbing holds used while doing a real climb and are used to enhance your grip.
- For information on how to build your own rock climbing wall, please visit one of the following websites:
Ledges
Ledges provide an artificial location for sitting or sleeping between climbs. They come in models for one or two people and will cost about $400 per person. A key element to these items are lightweight but durable construction materials.
Try some of these well rated models:
Ropes
If you plan to scale anything above 5m, you will definitely need safety equipment, and that includes climbing ropes (along with all the belaying gear that goes along with it). They come in different lengths, diameters, and strengths. Check out the top rated ropes by Climbing.com.
You may also be interested in
rope cleaners ,rope bags , and rope brushes .
Shoes
Climbing shoes and climbing slippers are one of the most important pieces of equipment for both an avid climber and a novice. Climbing shoes are built to have a special smooth rubberized sole, which is constructed to be flexible yet strong and well-fitted. Climbing shoes should never be loose. This is so that the climber will have the best grip possible on the wall, as well as a good feel of foot placement.
As with buying street shoes, climbing shoes should be tried on before purchasing to ensure that you have chosen not only the right size, but also the right model for your foot type. Sizes vary from brand to brand, and leather will stretch with usage. Regardless of whether you choose leather or synthetic shoes, you will have a choice of velcro ,laces , or slippers . The last option is the edging shoe , constructed specifically for being able to adhere to steep inclines and overhangs. Overall, the velcro options are not only the least expensive, but also score the highest in the ratings.
Popular Picks
Men's
Women's
Stoves
Planning a long trip? Expect to do some cooking? Haven't mastered the art of starting a fire (or simply the elements won't allow for it)? You need a backpacking stove, a small thing with a single burner. Models vary based on the type of fuel they run on. Look also at the design of its cookware. Some stoves come with deep pots that are no good for stir-frying. Other models require you to buy your own pots or pans. Your choice will depend on the sort of food you plan to heat, which in turn depends on the climate in your climbing zone and what you can carry. Weight will be an issue. Major manufacturers include MSR ,Jetboil ,Primus ,Brunton , and Coleman .
For full information, read the Camping Stoves buying guide.
Resources
Major Manufacturers
BY GEAR
Avalanche Beacons:
Movies That Feature Climbing
