Gym Climbing
You open the double doors, and the smell of rubber greets you. You reminisce on your memories of green, then dart your focus on the daunting red handholds, zig-zagging far above. In every direction, you see shoulder blades jutting from shirts, fingers curled white, contemplating their next move, and unsatisfied grunts as they get lowered back down. Mind mapping your climb, you harness yourself and douse your hands in powder. Craning your neck above, you're sure of it - this will be the time you conquer red.
Climbing is a sport that is gaining traction both indoors and out. The difference between these two is more than just location. Gym climbing differs in technicality and holds but also in gear.
You open the double doors, and the smell of rubber greets you. You reminisce on your memories of green, then dart your focus on the daunting red handholds, zig-zagging far above. In every direction, you see shoulder blades jutting from shirts, fingers curled white, contemplating their next move, and unsatisfied grunts as they get lowered back down. Mind mapping your climb, you harness yourself and douse your hands in powder. Craning your neck above, you're sure of it - this will be the time you conquer red.
Climbing is a sport that is gaining traction both indoors and out. The difference between these two is more than just location. Gym climbing differs in technicality and holds but also in gear.
Climbing Equipment
- Climbing Shoes
- Harness
- Belay Device
- Belay Carabiner
Lead Climbing
- Rope
- Rope Bag
Optional
- Chalk
- Chalk Bag
- Belay Glasses
- Non-locking Carabiners
- Brushes
- Ohm Assisted Braking Device
- Tape
First things first, you need specialized climbing shoes. But why can't you wear your tennis shoes? The difference is in the hold! Climbing shoes have an unbeatable grip to help your feet reach those tiny crevices and not slip on the footholds. Be aware that these shoes will be tighter than you are used to. Don't worry; that's how it's supposed to be!
Next, you will want to snag a harness to keep you attached to the rope. Everything that goes up must come down. Therefore, you must bring a belay device and carabiner to descend. If you have a weight difference between you and your belayer, use an Ohm-Assisted Braking Device.
One of the trickiest parts of climbing is building up your hand strength. To help aid you in grip, prepare your hands for the slippery holds with chalk. Having a chalk bag allows you to reapply during the climb.
Keep your neck free of kinks and pain with belay glasses. Some other gear that might be useful are extra carabiners, brushes, and tape. If you or your group plans to lead the climb, make sure you also have a rope and rope bag.
Ensure you have your certifications, instructor, or friend who can belay with you. When it comes to the gear, everything is rentable. If you are starting, I suggest renting to get a feel of what you like before spending the money.
Climbing Wear
- Flip flopsorSandals
- Climbing ShortsorClimbing Pants
- Wicking T-ShirtorTop
- Underwear
You want two prominent things in climbing clothes: comfort and mobility. Many wear moisture-wicking clothing to keep their body sweat-free and dry during extended hours. You can wear shorts, but pants and leggings may be more comfortable and provide more coverage with the harness.
The climbing shoes will take time to get used to, and you may not find them the most comfortable right off the bat. Having other sandals for in-between times will provide comfort during resting periods and give you that extra rejuvenation for the next try!
Post-Session Spare Clothes
- Underwear
- Socks
- PantsorLegginsorShorts
- T-ShirtorTop
- Sweatshirt
Shower Gear
- Flip-flopsorShower Shoes
- Towel
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Hair Products
While this sport can feel more like a fun time, or even a social gathering, it is bound to raise your heartbeat and work up a sweat. Once you finish your climbing session, you may be damp with sweat and want to change clothing. Bring an entire change of clothes-underwear, socks, a top, bottom, and shoes. Consider bringing a sweatshirt too. Even though you will be hot during the climb, you may fill chilled in the AC once you stop.
If you plan on hitting the shower before changing, use shower shoes for sanitary purposes. Bring your own towel, shampoo, deodorant, and hair products too. A gym with public showers is excellent for climbing before work or an outing!
Personal Items
- Drivers LicenseorId
- Insurance Card
- Credit Card
- Cash
- Keys
- Gym Membership Card
- Belay Certification Tag
Optional
- BackpackorDuffel Bag
With any physical activity, there are some essentials that you will want to keep on you. These include a wallet with a driver's license or ID, insurance, credit card, cash, and keys.
Some gyms will also ask to see your membership card or a belay certification tag, so have those on you too. Keep all these items organized and secure in a backpack or duffel bag. It can hold all your extra clothing and equipment too. Make sure to lock your zipper or rent a locker for safekeeping.
Nutrition
Food
- Energy Bars
- Sandwiches
- TrailmixorNuts
Drinks
- Water
- Isotonic Drinks
Did you know that, on average, rock climbers burn 400-600 calories? Now imagine if you are climbing for a full day! Don’t forget to keep yourself nourished. Keep nutrient-rich snacks like bars, sandwiches, nuts, and other calories in your duffel.
Bring a refillable water bottle with you. You will want to keep hydrated, and many gyms offer stations to fill back up between climbs.
Feel the roughness of the first handhold. Amaze yourself with the strength of each finger as it glues you to the wall and hoists you further up. Making that first reach will be scary, but soon enough, you will be scaling the wall, gleaming as bright as a star at the top. So what are you waiting for? Find the nearest gym, grab a partner, and fall in love with reaching new heights mentally and physically.
Think of our curated lists as your base camp - a good starting point, but you must assess the climb ahead yourself.
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