My Firsts for Climbing Gear vs. What I Use Now
Hi Friends! I’m very excited to share with you my beginning and current basics for climbing gear. I am also beyond happy to share that I am now affiliated and receive commission with La Sportiva, Mammut, and REI. If you take any of my recommendations here, please consider purchasing through these affiliate links. It’s a great way to support my work and helps me continue dedicating time and energy to creating posts like this. Thank you for your support!
My Firsts
Scarpa, Helix Climbing Shoes- Oh my goodness, I loved these shoes. These were my first ever climbing shoes. Had them for YEARS. I absolutely loved them as starters.
Chalk bag- I got my chalk bag from wilderness exchange initially. There you can get lifetime free chalk with purchasing a chalk bag! Highly recommend.
Chalk- I would also get my chalk refilled through wilderness exchange. if you are on a budget this is an amazing option. Other option for chalk through REI.
Harness - Nice beginner harness, comfortable.
Gri-gri- a reliable, beginner-friendly assisted braking device perfect for safe and easy belaying in both gym and outdoor climbing. Very very important investment for safety and ease of use.
PAS- For staying secure while anchoring or cleaning routes, a must-have for safe climbing. Only needed for outdoor.
If you’re just getting started, just wanting to try climbing out or unsure what to buy, I recommend looking into a beginner bundle pack. It will include essentials like a harness, ATC, carabiner, chalk bag, and chalk. I couldn’t find a bundle that includes a Gri-Gri, so I would definitely recommend you grab one separately—I’ve linked my recommendations below!
vs. What I have now
Climbing Shoes
Solutions- my go-to sport climbing, send hard shoe. I also oddly love crack climbing hand cracks in these??? I will be buried in these shoes. <3
Katanas - great versatility for crack, sport, cruising. Comfort and light aggression. (I got these before the solutions and lovedddd them. Still just have them as secondary shoes, in need of a resole.)
TC pros - I caved and got some for crack climbing and as more comfortable multi-pitch shoes. Very versatile and non aggressive.
Harness
Solution Harness - gym/sport harness, my go-to— super lightweight and comfortable.
PETZL Harness - for multis/ longer days, more/better loops, more cushioning = more comfortable.
Arcteryx Harness- one of my dream harnesses I will be getting this year
Crack Gloves- The ones I have are no longer sold, the linked ones are the pair I will be getting next. Other option for crack gloves.
Chalk bag- my current chalk bag is a hand-me-down. “Do Good. By cotopaxi.” I linked another good option, Mammut also has one with a zipped phone compartment, yes please!
PAS - Another hand me down. I would recommend getting an even more light weight/functional one. This is a bit bulky for my liking. Alpine PAS
Rope- I am in love. PINK, versatile, perfect! Linked my exact one.
LOCKING Carabiners- I have a unique assortment of carabiners from friends. Not initially knowing exactly what I needed, I found that the sizing and shape are often versatile and sometimes depend on personal preference. As you use them, you'll get a better idea of what you like and what works best for your needs.
ATC-
This is a simple list comparing my old and new personal basics. Always, of course, do your own research and ensure you thoroughly understand all of your equipment and systems before climbing. Remember, safety is so sexy and your life is precious!
On Used Gear, Hand Me Downs, Affordable Options
You do not need ALL the new equipment and gadgets. I recommend sourcing hand me downs from friends/community and/or buying second hand PARTIALLY! For example for; shoes, chalk bags, and clothing. For equipment like a gri-gri, PAS, ATC, Harness, and gear that you should know the life and integrity of buy NEW. If you get hand-me downs on essentials like these, make sure you ask the life and condition of the items.
Below is a list of my favorite used gear stores in the Denver/Boulder area. One of the best things about climbing is that there is incredible community and often times you do not need everything to get started. Start small if you are on a budget and build up your equipment. It also makes every item very significant and personal. <3
Used gear stores:
The Wilderness Exchange - check out their used gear and discounted section downstairs. They have used climbing shoes upstairs and chalk bags with lifetime free chalk! *does offer reselling if you have used items to exchange
REI - check out there used gear sections. The REI flagship location has a huge selection on the very top floor.
Feral - great selection for used shoes and clothing. *does offer reselling if you have used items to exchange
Boulder Sports Recycle - incredible selection for used shoes, clothing, harness’s, chalk bags, backpacks, and other gear. Their items are always discounted and dated for future discounting if they do not sell quickly. *does offer reselling if you have used items to exchange/sell
