Sport Rock Climbing

While wearing thick pants can help prevent injury, there are still a lot of hazards with rock climbing. Keeping a first-aid kit and multi-tool on hand is always a good idea. Leukotape P can help with blistering, supporting injured joints, and wrapping a sprained ankle. Wearing high UV sunscreen and sunglasses are imperative, especially at higher elevations.

Incorporating bug spray can protect you from bites that can quickly turn into an annoying itch mid-climb. Hand sanitizer can be helpful to clean your hands before snacking or after the session. Always have an insurance card, credit card, and cash; you never know when they will come in handy.

Being comfortable while climbing can be the difference between being present, taking in all the scenes, and going as fast as possible to get back on the ground. Having insulation and waterproof layers is vital to navigating the different weathers that nature brings. They are great for shedding or adding as you need them. Wearing thick climbing pants will help prevent bruises and cuts from sharp edges of the rock, and a wicking t-shirt will keep you cool while absorbing sweat and moisture.

During the winter, consider wearing beanies and bandanas during the climb and gloves in between climbs. If it’s cold enough, you can also purchase specific climbing gloves to keep your hands warm without compromising your grip. When belaying, opt for comfortable shoes like crocs or closed toe sandals.

Among all the fun, it is crucial to remember to stay fueled. On the day of the climb, eating a 400-calorie breakfast made up of easily-digestible carbs is recommended. Eating carb-rich foods the night before and the morning of the ascent will prepare your body for a day of rigorous activity. Try packing some energy bars and caffeinated gel packets to keep energy levels high.

Please bring plenty of water as it is better to have too much than not enough. Keep your snacks accessible to open and enjoy on the move. Bring a trash bag to collect all wrappers, napkins, and waste. Leave only memories and no trace of your presence.

The approach refers to the journey to get to the cliff or crag. The climb isn't the only challenging part that requires appropriate gear. It sometimes involves long-distance treks and scrambling technical terrain. Approach shoes are an excellent option for hiking to your destined climbing spot. They offer the comfort of hiking shoes combined with the rigidity of climbing shoes and extra sticky rubber.

If your destination is remote, that may require the use of a tyrolean to cross over bodies of water. To do this, you will need a pulley. You can attempt to do this with your pack still on, but instead, we recommend towing it safely behind you. Approaching in winter conditions may require microspikes to hike safely on packed snow and ice.

Lastly, being out in nature means considering whose habitat you're roaming. An air horn can scare off bears, mountain lions, and bobcats, saving you from serious harm.

Imagine the breathtaking and epic photos you can get of sport climbing. Riveting heights, vibrant sunsets, and every muscle flexed as you clutch onto the rock. A camera with an optical zoom lens can capture every memory and bead of sweat of the experience. Be sure to pack an extra battery pack, so you don’t run out of charge before snagging your favorite picture.

You will also want to have your phone with a battery pack on you. Phones are imperative in case of emergency. However, be aware that they may not always be helpful due to the lack of a cell phone signal. Additionally, we recommend walkie-talkies to communicate with your group no matter how deep into the wild you are. It will allow you to relay important information clearly to the climber that wind, height, or other noise may otherwise obstruct.

Mountains like Mt. Rainier and Mount St. Helens require a permit to climb. Whether setting out to climb a famous peak or a hidden gem, check state and national park sites to ensure that a climbing permit isn’t required. The last thing you want to do is be jazzed for the climb only to be halted by the buzzkill of paperwork.