101 Gifts For Rock Climbers – The Ultimate Gift Guide for Climbers

The Crag Survival Handbook is an excellent gift for any climber looking to make the transition from indoor to outdoor climbing. In an age where mentorship has largely fallen away, this book is a great resource for bridging the gap. Contains valuable info for new climbers and important reminders for veterans about crag ethics.

This beautiful book is about finding the balance between climbing, adventure and life. Jeremy Collins winds together stories of climbing, art, adventure, and family. An excellent gift for any climber passionate about the journey of story-telling.

Climbers can get obsessed over injuries. If you have a friend who has been injured from climbing, you likely know first hand how true this can be. Help your friends stay on top of injuries and make better decisions about injury prevention with the gift of this book.

The brand new book by one of the world’s most talented climbers, Tommy Caldwell, has hit the shelves this year. Bound to be a best-seller for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, The Push is the book to buy for your climbing friends.

In the modern era of climbing, many climbers are highly focused on training and body maintenance. The fuel you put in your body is important. Aicacia Young’s book on nutrition offers insight to help climbers choose a diet that maximizes their performance and potential.

A perfect coffee table book for the homes of your climber friends. The images of Simon Carter showcase the breath-taking grandeur of rock faces throughout the natural world. The human feats of scaling such impressive walls are sure to capture the imagination of climbers and non climbers alike. Carter’s artistic representation of climbing will have your friends flipping through the pages again and again.

Climbing magazines were the original media through which climbers received breaking news about their sport. In the age of social media where all news is instant, magazines now focus on stunning photography and exceptional story-telling. There are three primary magazines devoted to climbing in the USA: Climbing, Rock and Ice, and Alpinist. Gripped is Canada’s climbing magazine.

A buff is versatile and can meet all sorts of needs for climbers. Use it as a scarf for warmth on cooler days. Dip it in a stream to wash your face or cool yourself off mid approach. Use it as a bandana to keep the sweat off your nose and your hair out of your eyes. Protect yourself from dust in the desert and bugs in the forest. Buffs are also lightweight, comfortable, and a great tool for expressing personal style.

Supporting small companies is a popular choice among climbers. Your friends will love this LA-based lifestyle brand that creates t-shirt art to celebrate California’s climbing. Dynamite Starfish donates 5% of their proceeds to local non-profits for conservation of climbing areas.

The AeroPress has become all the rage among climbers. This easy to use press makes quick and delicious coffee-by-the-cup with little waste. Perhaps best of all, the required cleaning is minimal, which makes it perfect for your friends who live the dirtbag lifestyle.

A delicious alternative to pressing a pot of coffee at the crag. Alpine Start is perfect for climbers who are on the go or keen on early, alpine starts to their day. Enjoy premium instant coffee made from high quality, high altitude arabica beans. Their “instant coffee that actually tastes good” can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Climbing places great demands on the body and muscles. Protein is important for recovery, and when climbers allow their bodies to recover they can perform better. Gnarly Nutrition protein powders fuel outdoor adventurers with products that are natural, clean, and great-tasting. They are also GMO-free, use only natural sweeteners, and their whey protein is sourced from New Zealand grass-fed cows with no hormones or rSBTs.

Plenty of hiking and climbing, especially in the heat, can use up a lot of electrolytes during the day. Keep your climbing friends healthy and hydrated with some delicious hydration mixes. Skratch Labs drink powders are all natural and come in a variety of wildly enticing flavors like Passion Fruit and Pineapple.

A spotlight is an especially great gift for the committed boulderer in your life. During the hot months of summer, many boulderers wait for cooler temperatures after nightfall to try their projects. What’s the big problem with this timing? The all-consuming darkness. A spotlight can light up those hard-to-see holds and make all the difference for a great night session.

The Access Fund plays a major role in climbing in North America, by helping to keep access open and available to all climbers. We believe every climber should contribute to the Access Fund if they are able. If you know your friends are not yet members, help them out by purchasing a membership in their name! If they already have a membership, you could always set them up with the American Alpine Club or the local access society in their area.

Great for adding some music around the campfire, or watching late night movies on the laptop when on the road. Please remind your friends to avoid the use of portable speakers at the crag if others are around though. It is important to always be respectful of other climbers enjoying the outdoors.

These cute little lanterns pack a punch by adding 100 lumens of ambient light to a tent or campsite at night. They are simple and compact, running on just three AAA batteries. A unique dimming switch allows users to taper the brightness to their liking.

It is no secret that climbing shoes are stinky beasts. There are tricks to minimizing shoe odor, but the reality is that trapped sweaty feet lead to a build up in dead skin and bacteria. You can help your friends to fight the battle with a pair of dry pointe shoe inserts. These soft silica-filled balls will soak up the moisture inside climbing shoes and reduce the chance for bacteria to thrive. Get your friends to slip dry pointes into their shoes at the end of every climbing session to combat the smells and stretch the lifespan of their shoes. Dry pointes can be “recharged” whenever their moisture-sucking abilities are used up.

Almost all climbers drink tea or coffee. Here’s your chance to help your friends show off their love for climbing while enjoying a hot beverage. These mugs depict the popular sketch showing human evolution into climbers.

Do you have buddies who love pushing themselves in the climbing gym? A climbing hold mug is sure to make your friends smile and keep them psyched about heading to the gym when the work day wraps up. Climbing-themed mugs are also a great conversation piece.

Keep track of climbing dates, plan upcoming trips, and stay inspired with an 18 month climbing calendar. Each month features stunning images from climbing destinations around the world.

One of the original and most trusted hand balms used by climbers. Climb On! is a hand balm bar that climbers rub into their shredded tips and calloused fingers to help heal and promote skin regrowth.

Climb Skin repair cream is produced in Europe and rapidly gaining hype in North America. Endorsed by Chris Sharma himself, your climbing friends are going to love testing Climb Skin for themselves. Use as you would any regenerative hand cream, by applying to clean hands at the end of a skin-shredding session.

The CRKT Niad Climbers Knife was designed by Hans Florine, one of the great speed climbers of the Nose in Yosemite. This knife is light and versatile, making a great addition to any climber’s pack. You never know when you might need to slice some cheese or repair your rope on a day out.

Each year the Reel Rock film festival brings climbers together to celebrate their sport while showcasing some of the best climbing stories of the year. You can purchase tickets for reel rock events across the country to enjoy these great films with your climbing community. But did you know you can also buy the collection of films after the screenings are finished each year? A great way to treat your friends to their favorite collection.

DrawTags are one of a kind fabric identifiers for your quickdraws. Do you have climber friends who are obsessed with sport climbing and projecting? DrawTags are a low profile, lightweight and funky alternative to using nail polish or colored tape to identify your draws. They slip easily over the dogbone and don’t interfere with grabbing the draw. You and your friends will never mix your quickdraws up again. All designs are custom and unique.

The Mercedes Benz of climbing chalk, your friends won’t be complaining if they are gifted a shiny foil pack of one of Friction Labs signature chalks. Friction Labs claims reduced impurities leading to longer lasting coverage and better friction on the rock.

Do you know a climber who is also an “aggressive sitter”? When not climbing on rocks, climbers spend a lot of time sitting on them, which can lead to rapid wear of their beloved pants. A lightweight sitting mat will save their clothing and substantially increase their comfort at the crag.

Climbers spend so much time in the sun and wind that chapped lips are almost inevitable. You can’t go wrong with Joshua Tree lip balm (the Mountain Mint flavor is our favorite). JTree lip balm soothes dry lips while adding protection at SPF 15 for continued adventures.

A fun and useful gift for your climber friends. Set your LUCI lamp out while you’re at the crag for the day so the panel can charge. In the evening simply inflate it to enjoy great campsite ambiance from an unoffensive solar-powered glow.

Climbers love to unwind after a day on the rocks. A hammock is a fantastic, low volume lounge chair that takes relaxing to the next level. The Newdora Hammock is affordable, made from ultralight, durable nylon, and can hold up to 600 lbs!

Whether it be for a night climbing adventure, prepping a meal at camp, or safety on the hike out from the crag, every climber needs a headlamp. Offering 300 lumens, the Petzl Actik is a great low profile and lightweight option that won’t occupy too much space in your friend’s crag bag.

Don’t let your friends’ drinks warm up! The Yeti Rambler Colster has heavy-duty, rustproof stainless-steel walls with double-wall vacuum insulation. This classy and comfortable insulator is great to have on hand to help enjoy the end of the day.

Looking to enjoy a little something once you’ve finished at the crag or are back at the campfire with friends? The Stanley Classic flask is a tried and true vessel for transporting the celebratory beverage you love.

Sublime has created the fanciest brush to hit the market in climbing. Their boar’s hair brushes have over 14,000 bristles and are guaranteed to brush better and last longer. They are ergonomically shaped for comfort and to protect the neck from snapping against your project. The handle even has a secret compartment.

This classy, stainless steel and vacuum insulated mug is perfect for carrying the hot liquids your climbing friends can’t be without. The Atlin Travel Mug is also great for icy beverages.

It is often necessary to climb in the cold to get the friction required to stick to the rock. In these sorts of conditions climbers need to stay warm between their burns! Hand warmers are a tried and true trick loved by many. Stuff the stocking of a climber with one of these reusable hand warmers, or a bundle of the single use variety.

Stickers are a big hit among climbers, helping people to take ownership of their climbing culture. This bumper sticker will look great on your climbing friend’s car with letters artfully designed using climbing gear. For additional stickers, check your local gear store for a “sticker fund” that may help with rebolting or development costs in your area.

There is always a need for hanging things on the fridge. This set of 10 climbing magnets is made from real climbing holds. Your friends may need to avoid the temptation of pulling on them when they’re grabbing goodies from the fridge. Do you have climbing friends who live in a van rather than a house? The body of their vehicle is magnetic too!

Surprise your friends with an artfully constructed chalk bag from the California-based company, Static Climbing. Static Climbing partners with artists to produce chalk bags that are functional, beautiful, and long-lasting. There are tons of great designs to choose from.

Knots are immensely important to the safety of climbers. Your route climbing friends will love this small pack of essential knots cue cards. Taking up almost no space, these are a handy addition to any crag pack. A great for beginners who need to review, yet still useful for experts who might need to look up a less common knot in unusual situations.

The DMM revolver carabiner has a unique roller insert that significantly reduces friction when the rope passes over it. Hanging a revolver biner on a quickdraw at the crux of a route where the climber falls repeatedly can reduce wear on the rope. Revolver biners can also be helpful at minimizing rope drag. Be cautious if using a revolver draw when the climber is much heavier than the belayer. A big weight differential coupled with reduced friction can lead to large and potentially unsafe falls.

A good pair of belay gloves can save your hands from rope abrasion and keep them clean when handling dirty ropes. If you have a climbing friend with sensitive skin, make their life a little more pleasant with a pair of Petzl Belay Gloves. Belay gloves are also great for climbers who do a lot of rope ascension.

A stick clip is an especially good gift for your sport climbing friends. Simple and easy to use, the super clip stick clip makes sport climbing safer by allowing you to clip up the rope and protect the opening moves on a route. This stick clip head has no moving parts and can hang and remove ropes or quickdraws. Pair it with a 12-foot extendable pole for the perfect gift.

Crack gloves are a great idea for your trad climbing buddies. These Ocun gloves are made from microfiber stretch suede and sensitive, sticky rubber for maximum friction. Save waste by no longer needing to construct tape gloves for those splitter lines.

Help your friends improve their finger grip strength with the Gripmaster. The Gripmaster offers 9lbs of resistance for each finger on individual springs to ensure all fingers work equally. Worry no longer about keeping your pinkies strong. An alternative, simpler design is the GripPro Hand Strength Trainer – great for strengthening fingers, hands and forearms. Both of these grip strength training options are small and convenient to keep at your desk at work or in your bag for the climbing gym. They also both make for a nice warm up tool.

Chinese acupressure rings help the body in the same way as acupuncture but without skin penetration. Roll them up and down your fingers when they are sore or tired, or if you are experiencing any numbness. The rings will enhance circulation and help to promote healing.

The Grip Saver is an excellent opposition tool that will strengthen all 18 hand muscles in a single motion. Devoting time to opposition is essential for injury prevention. Conducting exercises with this tool can also help with rehabilitation of hand or finger injuries.

A yoga mat is a versatile gift for a climber regardless of whether they practice yoga. A mat provides a comfortable space for warm-up stretches, core and body strength exercises. It is also a place for body maintenance such as rolling on a foam roller or lacrosse ball. The options are endless.

Impress your climbing friends with how savvy you are about hand opposition tools. Rice makes one of the easiest opposition training tools for climbers. There are a multitude of rice bucket exercises to help climbers strengthen their forearms and protect the tendons and pulleys in their fingers. For a quirky gift that your friends will love, wrap up a bucket with a 20lb bag of rice inside.

Warming up is critical for minimizing the risk of injury. Quickly get your arms and shoulders warm before climbing with the use of a TheraBand. TheraBands are also great for resistance training and building strength in antagonist muscles.

Climbing at your limit leads to sore muscles, especially in the shoulders, lats and upper back. A thera cane is the perfect easy-to-use self massage tool that allows you to apply direct pressure in those hard-to-reach places. A thera cane is particularly great for those who spend a lot of time training or on the road without access to a massage therapist. Another easy way to apply direct pressure to knots in muscles is by rolling on a lacrosse ball. A lacrosse ball is small and portable and makes for an extremely effective massage tool.

Climbers put a huge amount of strain on their tendons. They are always pulling their hands closed and strengthening the flexor muscles in the forearms and hands. Tools that help with range of motion and opposition for the fingers are very valuable. Theraputty can help to regulate the imbalance between flexor and extensor muscles. Start with fingers together in the putty and extend them outwards against the resistance of the material.

Foam rollers are self-massage tools that can help work knots and tension out of big muscle groups like the legs and back. Foam rolling, or self-myofascial release, is a great body maintenance tool for climbers to stay healthy and prevent injuries. In particular, new research is showing that foam rolling can help muscles to recover without compromising performance.

Few climbers produce climbing-inspired music, but Chris Parker is one who does. For a singer-songwriter album that reflects the experiences of the climbing community in America, pick up his EP on itunes.

There are a ton of different hangboards on the market. Best uses for the different boards can vary, which can make training overwhelming. This app for Apple or Android will walk your friends through pre-set workouts specialized to whichever board they own.

Know a climber friend who wants to train but is super self-directed? Power Company Climbing offers a variety of different Ebooks that deliver focused training plans. Whether they want to boulder stronger, climb 5.12, or advance their finger strength, the perfect Ebook is out there to help your friends reach their goals.

Rock rings are a great, portable training option for climbers. They are especially useful for beginners starting to explore hangboard training tools. Rock rings are inexpensive, innovative, friendly on skin, and allow for rotation of joints because of free hanging design.

The Rock Climber’s Training Manual is one of the most highly acclaimed training manuals for climbing. The manual is authored by the Anderson brothers who have a combined 30+ years of experience in physical and mental training for climbing. The book clearly describes all elements of physical training and provides exercises and training plans to help climbers progress and reach their goals.

The mental barriers that some climbers face are substantial. In his popular book, Arno Ilgner teaches climbers to cope with issues of self-worth, ego, fear, and more. He uses clear, philosophical insight and easy-to-follow instructions to sharpen your mental tools.

Fred Beckey is a 94 year old rock climbing legend. He has more first ascents than any other North American rock climber, and is still climbing to this day. This wonderful book describes 100 of his favorite climbs, accompanied by stunning photography. Have a climber friend who appreciates the history of the sport and is looking for routes to add to their bucket list? This book is the perfect choice.

For those days when the desert kicks up some wicked winds but the temperature remains warm. Offering extremely lightweight protection, the Patagonia Houdini has climbers covered.

No matter what type of climber you are buying for, they will love the Organic Climbing Roll Down Pack. These tubular bags are mega-durable, constructed with a 1050D ballistic nylon shell. The roll-down feature allows you to adjust to the size of whatever you’re carrying. A great, versatile bag for taking to the crag, carrying around town, or even using as a carry-on bag for a flight.

The ultimate care package for friends who have skin that needs some help to perform. Rhino Skin offers repair cream, performance cream, sweat-reducing “tip juice” and more – all designed to get your skin to perfection before a day of climbing. Each of the products in the Performance Pack can also be purchased individually.

The latest belay device in the GriGri family, released in the summer of 2017. The GriGri + offers new features over its predecessor, such as a switch between lead and top-rope mode, and an anti-panic handle. The leading belay device on the market has just gotten snazzier.

Contribute to the movement that is saving the necks of belayers around the world. Belay glasses reduce the strain to a belayer’s neck, by allowing them to keep their head level while still watching their climber. We can’t think of any rope climber who wouldn’t appreciate the gesture of such a useful gift.

These packs are a dream luxury among sport climbers. What else can carry all your gear for you and then turn into a comfortable lounge chair once you make it to the crag?

Ever heard your climbing friends complaining about kneebar scrapes and bruises on their thighs? That’s because “knees are the new feet” and SEND Climbing knows it. They’ve been helping climbers send their projects for years with incredible kneebar pads. Besides their classic three-strap version they also make a two-strap variation and offer their pads in “slim”.

Muscle overuse combined with a build up of lactic acid can lead to extreme tightening in the forearms of climbers. The Armaid addresses this very issue. With an Armaid your climbing friends can roll out their own forearms, helping to heal and maintain their arm, elbow and hand health.

This newly developed online course is specifically for rock climbers, and focuses on flexibility, strength and confidence. Once signed up for the course, all 22 yoga classes become available for the students to watch and rewatch at their convenience.

A fun art piece for the home of your climbing friends. Help them count down the hours to the next session at the climbing gym or weekend trip on the rocks.

Do you have a climber in your life who loves art? The works of Hannah Dwyer use color and texture to produce nature and climbing-inspired work that will add flair to any home (or van!).

Gorgeous paintings by climber Rachel Pohl will inspire your friends to explore the outdoors. Pohl uses bright colors to capture scenery and wild places. Your friends will also appreciate your choice to support a climbing artist.

A problem solver hangboard is an excellent option for your traveling climber friends who want to keep their fingers strong on the road. These portable and customizable hangboards come with inserts to create variable depth holds. The boards can be tilted to change angle, and holds can be added to the back of board to train additional grip positions.

Are you planning a meaningful gift for the van-dwelling climber in your life? A Goal Zero package covers all the bases to set them up with power for their adventures. The Goal Zero set-ups include panels, battery, inverter and hook-ups. In addition to the one we’ve highlighted here, there are many smaller and larger package options to choose from.

The sturdy construction of a yeti cooler will keep your friend’s food fresh while they’re out for a day on the rocks. Yeti coolers are extremely durable and certified Bear Resistant. The coolers are also available in a variety of larger and smaller sizes.

Many climbers pride themselves on a healthy diet and consumption of ethically sourced foods when possible. Do your climbing friends fit this description? A Whole Foods Gift Card is an excellent option to satisfy their cravings and get them loaded up with delicious crag snacks.

Give your friends the gift of whatever their gear closet needs… by letting them pick it themselves! Buying gear for climbers is tricky as so much depends on personal preference and fit. If you know a climber in desperate need of new shoes, but aren’t sure of the model or size they wear, a gift card is your the safest bet. A gift card is also the safest way to buy your friends personal safety gear.

A t-shirt is a gift where you really can’t go wrong. Do you have a climber in your life who appreciates a good laugh? The World’s Okayest Climber t-shirt will get your friends chuckling. Help them say “I’m a rock climber” with a good balance between humble and self-deprecating humor.

Another great option is a climber and belayer shirt, with a subtle color scheme that will go with most clothing. Alternatively, a Cam Patent t-shirt is perfect for the nerdy gearhead among your climbing friends. Bonus points if they’re a trad climber as the design highlights all components of a spring-loaded camming device. Each patent t-shirt is individually printed for a new order.

The chances of going to the crag or boulder field and NOT finding someone sporting the prAna Mojo shorts are rare. They are one of the most popular pairs of men’s shorts. Their lightweight, airiness makes them an obvious winner with climbers, and they come in a huge variety of colors.

The classic Patagonia fleeces are loved by most climbers for their somewhat funky and timeless style. The Snap-T Pullover is made from soft, durable 200-weight Synchilla fleece that insulates even when wet. Patagonia is a leader in the industry with regards to upholding social and environmental standards. The Snap-T Pullover is also available for women.

The sleekest and snazziest climbing jeans on the market. These pants are ultra-stretchy to move with your body while climbing. They also make for a perfect transition from boulder field to brew pub at the end of the evening. These pants are weather-proofed, resistant to deformation and have reinforced stitching. Boulder denim jeans are also available for women.

The momentum harness package is a perfect gift for the new climber in your life. The package is also a great choice for your friends who are transitioning from bouldering to route climbing. Comes with harness, belay device, locking carabiner, chalk bag, and chalk.

Peter Gilroy’s beautifully crafted art pieces and jewelry are inspired by the rock that climbers love. Pieces reflect everything from angular granite to smooth, swirling sandstone. In addition to the full collection on his website, Gilroy designs custom pieces for interested customers. Five percent of online sales are donated to the Access Fund.

A collection of short stories and essays by Steph Davis, with themes of love, life, compassion, and friendship. Told through the lens of a life devoted to climbing.

A celebration of strong and bold female climbers in the community. The book profiles twenty of the most prominent and inspiring women climbers, each telling her own story.

Bring a smile to your climbing friend’s faces with this clever tank. The caption draws on the necessity of chalking one’s hands to help improve friction while climbing.

Peeing outside is inevitable when you are climbing. As a woman, it can sometimes be hard to find the perfect spot and remain discrete. It is especially difficult for female climbers to pee on a multi-pitch. Female-urination-devices, or FUDs, are a great solution for tricky pee scenarios. The pstyle offers more power to your female friends, providing more options for when nature calls.

These stone pendant necklaces are designed by climber and biologist Kate Rutherford. The elegant pieces are created using stones that Kate has collected from beaches on the west coast. Each piece is unique as no two stones are alike.

For fun, expressive colors and an alternative to skin-tight leggings, check out the e9 clothing collection. This popular European brand has recently begun distribution in the USA. Pants feature funky pockets and cuts displayed in bright, playful colors that will help your friends stand out on the wall. A men’s apparel collection is also available.

Stonewear Designs liberty capris were designed with climbers in mind, making them perfectly suited to an active woman’s body. These pants are comfortable, flattering, and meant to last a lifetime. Awesome flexibility also allows for top performance on the rock.

Arêt Basewear makes one of the best climbing bras out there, designed by women for women. These tops are long-lasting and multi-use: they double as swimsuits and are reversible. They are carefully constructed to support and highlight a woman’s strength.

The Flash Foxy Women’s Climbing Festival started in February 2016 and has expanded to host two events annually. You can join the Spring festival out west in Bishop, California, or the Fall festival out east in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The events provide an incredible space filled with support and psych for climbers of all ability levels.

Did you miss your chance to grab a ticket for the ticket for the Women’s Climbing Festival? Don’t fret – there are many other women’s specific climbing events popping up across North America.

The primrose harness package is a perfect gift for the new climber in your life. The package is also a great choice for your friends who are transitioning from bouldering to route climbing. Comes with harness, belay device, locking carabiner, chalk bag, and chalk.

Delicate, handmade, sterling silver climbing jewelry. The charm-style bracelet is made to look like a climbing rope with figure eight knots, connected by a tiny carabiner. A perfect dress-up piece for the rock climbing ladies in your life.

Kids need to work hard to stay warm when the weather takes a turn. Keep the young ones in your life psyched on spending time at the crag with a present. Gift a child a fun and functional beanie that will keep their ears comfy and toasty.

A hilarious prediction for the infant of climbing parents. The Crawl-Walk-Climb onesie will have all your friends beside themselves over its cuteness. Made from 100% super soft ringspun cotton jersey.

The 8b+ chalk bag collection features fun creatures that will bring a smile to the faces of everyone at the crag. These are perfect for young climbers to enjoy. Gift one to a kid climber in your life and help them name their new furry friend.

Kids feet grow quickly, but they still want real climbing shoes for their feet. For an affordable, entry-level option try out the Mad Monkey shoes. These climbing shoes help young climbers practice footwork from an early age before they size up into regular shoes on the market.

An at home gift for the climbing children in your life. Living stones bring the play room to life with pillows in the shapes of large, realistic boulders.

A soft mountains baby mobile is a great gift for a newborn into a climbing family. These adorable mobiles will please the parents and send the wee babe off to a dreamland filled with mountains they might one day climb.

Do you know a kid with a climbing wall in their bedroom or home? Add to their hold collection with a set of colorful, dinosaur or bird shaped holds. Additional holds give them more options for varied climbing, while the animal shapes keep it fun and exciting.