There is a lot to think about when you’re planning for a day out sport climbing. You need to remember all your climbing and safety gear, AND you want to be comfortable, well-nourished, and prepared. This is why we’ve created the ultimate sport climbing gear list.
Your packing is sure to be a breeze with the help of the following checklist. Many of the items on the list are essential for a day at the crag, but others are situation or crag specific. Use the list as a guide to help you plan for the perfect day and save you from running back to the car after your first pitch.
HOW TO USE THIS PACKING LIST
To help you narrow in on what will make it in your pack each day, we’ve added some helpful information next to each item. Each of the following categories will assist you in selecting the gear that makes the final cut. The categories will give you an idea of how essential an item is, lead you to extra information, and offer our top picks.
PURPOSE: What the item is used for, and a quick insight as to why you might need it.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: We have written YES next to every piece of gear that you should definitely bring for a day out sport climbing. For items that are helpful but not essential, we’ve explained their use to help you decide if they’re appropriate for your trip or not.
PRICE RANGE: It’s good to get an idea of how much each item will cost so you can budget accordingly.
LOOK FOR: Tips on key things to look for when selecting your gear.
OUR PICK: Our choice based on the value and quality of the product.
LEARN MORE: A full article on how to choose that particular piece of gear, or a link to other relevant information about the product.
BEST MODELS: An article about the top gear of the year.
BACKPACKS AND BAGS
BACKPACK
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: Carry All The Gear You Need For A Day At The Crag
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $90 – $220
LOOK FOR: Good Durability, Capacity To Carry Your Gear, Comfort
OUR PICK: Black Diamond Stone 42 Duffel
BEST MODELS: The 10 Best Climbing Backpacks
ROPE BAG
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Protect Your Climbing Rope From Dirt And Debris
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Highly Recommended
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $40
LOOK FOR: Tarp Within Bag, Easy Closure And Durable Buckles
OUR PICK: Metolius Ropemaster HC Bag
CLIMBING GEAR
ROPE
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Protection When Lead Or Top-Rope Climbing
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $130 – $380
LOOK FOR: Appropriate Length And Diameter, Dry-Treatment If Desired
OUR PICK: BlueWater Lightning Pro 9.7
LEARN MORE: When To Replace Your Climbing Rope
BEST MODELS: The 10 Best Climbing Ropes
CLIMBING SHOES
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Sticking To Tiny Footholds And Generating Power Through Your Feet
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $85 – $200
LOOK FOR: The Best Fit For Your Foot, The Right Downturn For Your Style
OUR PICK: La Sportiva Solutions
BEST MODELS: Best Beginner Climbing Shoes and Best Bouldering Shoes
HARNESS
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Safety For Climbing And Belaying, Attachment Points For Rope And Belay Device, Loops To Carry Your Gear
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $45 – $170
LOOK FOR: The Best Fit For Your Body, Padding, Good Gear Loops
OUR PICK: Black Diamond Chaos
BEST MODELS: The 10 Best Climbing Harnesses
BELAY DEVICE
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Belaying And Lowering A Climber
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $150
LOOK FOR: Ease Of Use, Brake Assist, Function As A Rappel Device
OUR PICK: Petzl GriGri 2
LEARN MORE: How To Belay
BEST MODELS: The 8 Best Belay Devices For Rock Climbing
QUICKDRAWS
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Connect Your Climbing Rope To Bolts On The Wall To Protect The Climber In A Fall
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $12 – $40 Each
LOOK FOR: Sturdy Dogbone, Solid Gate Carabiners
OUR PICK: Petzl Spirit Express
BEST MODELS: The 10 Best Quickdraws For Rock Climbing
HELMET
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Protecting Your Head When Falling And From Rock Fall
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Highly Recommended
PRICE RANGE: $45 – $130
LOOK FOR: Comfort, Adjustability And Ventilation
OUR PICK: Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet
BEST MODELS: The 9 Best Climbing Helmets
CHALK BAG
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Containing The Chalk You Need While Climbing
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $40
LOOK FOR: Opening That Fits Your Hand, Smooth Drawstring, Personal Style
OUR PICK: PrAna Chalk Bag
CHALK
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Keeping Your Hands Dry On The Rock And Improving Friction
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $30
LOOK FOR: Pure Magnesium Carbonate, Low Impurities
OUR PICK: Black Diamond White Gold
BEST MODELS: The 10 Best Climbing Chalks
RAPPEL DEVICE
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Returning To The Ground If There Are No Chains Or Drop In Anchors
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends On Anchors At The Crag
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $35
LOOK FOR: Lightweight, Easy To Use, Ability To Be In Guide-Mode
OUR PICK: Black Diamond ATC-Guide
LEARN MORE: How To Rappel
BEST MODELS: The 10 Best Belay Devices
PERSONAL ANCHOR SYSTEM
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Used To Secure Yourself To An Anchor Before Cleaning To Lower Or Rappel
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $25 – $40
LOOK FOR: kN Strength Rating, Adjustability
OUR PICK: Metolius Personal Anchor System
LEARN MORE: Understanding The Limits Of Your PAS
CLIMBING ACCESSORIES
BELAY GLOVES
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: Protecting Your Hands When Handling Your Climbing Rope
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Personal Preference
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $50
LOOK FOR: Finger Length, Fit, Durable Material
OUR PICK: Outdoor Research Men’s Hand Break Gloves
BEST MODELS: The 10 Best Belay Gloves For Climbing
BELAY GLASSES
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Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Protect Your Neck While Belaying By Minimizing Strain
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Personal Preference
PRICE RANGE: $30 – $90
LOOK FOR: Prism Quality, Prism Size, Comfort
OUR PICK: Y&Y Plasfun Belay Glasses
PRUSIK CORD
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Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Back-Up For Rappelling, Self-Rescue
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Personal Preference
PRICE RANGE: $1 – $10
LOOK FOR: Cordelette 60-80% Of The Standing Line Diameter, About 2 m Long
OUR PICK: Sterling Rope Cordelette
LEARN MORE: How To Create Your Prusik
SKIN KIT
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: To Care For Splits, Shreds, Flappers And More In Your Skin
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Personal Preference
PRICE RANGE: $1 – $50
LOOK FOR: Build Your Own To Include Tape, Hand Balm, Files, Clippers, Etc
FINGER TAPE
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Support Injured Fingers, Tape Wounds, Fix Things
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Personal Preference
PRICE RANGE: $2 – $10
LOOK FOR: Sticky, Inexpensive
OUR PICK: Metolius Climbing Tape
LEARN MORE: How To Tape Your Fingers
BAIL BINER
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Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Enables You To Get Off A Route If You Can’t Do The Move And Need To Bail
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Personal Preference
PRICE RANGE: $0 – $10
LOOK FOR: Inexpensive, Old But Not Sharp
OUR PICK: Black Diamond Oval Carabiner
LEARN MORE: How NOT To Bail
GUIDEBOOK
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: Provides Area Information And Important Route Details Such As Grade, Quality, Length, Bolts And Description
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Recommended
PRICE RANGE: $25 – $100
LOOK FOR: Current Edition, Good Reviews
OUR PICK: Depends On Where You Want to Climb
EXTENDABLE DRAWS
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Reduce Rope Drag on Wandering Routes
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Only For “Wandery” Routes
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $30 Each
LOOK FOR: Long Sling That Can Be Extended And Two Carabiners; Or Build Your Own
OUR PICK: Edelrid Mission Extendable Quickdraw
LEARN MORE: The Alpine Quickdraw
HAND BALM
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: Healing Cuts, Splits, Thin Skin And Other Wounds On Hands And Fingers
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Personal Preference
PRICE RANGE: $7 – $25
LOOK FOR: Natural Ingredients, Not Too Oily
OUR PICK: Climb On! Lotion Bar
THE CRAG APPROACH
APPROACH SHOES
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Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: To Get You To The Crag With Great Support And Rubber Friction
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $55 – $150
LOOK FOR: Sticky Rubber, Wrapping Toe Rand, Breathability, Support
OUR PICK: Scarpa Crux
BEST MODELS: The 10 Best Approach Shoes
TREKKING POLES
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Improve Stability And Lessen Impact To Joints While Carrying Weight
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Personal Preference
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $120
LOOK FOR: Adjustability, Grip And Shock Absorption
OUR PICK: Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock
LEARN MORE: How To Use Trekking Poles
BEST MODELS: The 10 Best Hiking Poles
SANDALS
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: To Air Feet Out Between Wearing Climbing Shoes
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Personal Preference
PRICE RANGE: $15 – $120
LOOK FOR: Breathability, Lightweight, Easy To Put On And Off
OUR PICK: Classic Crocs
BEST MODELS: The 8 Best Hiking Sandals
FOOD AND WATER
WATER BOTTLE
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Carry Water To Keep You Hydrated
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $50
LOOK FOR: Reusable, BPA-Free, Suitable Volume
OUR PICK: Nalgene Tritan 32oz Wide Mouth
WATER BLADDER
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: Additional Water Storage, Hydration During Approach
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends
PRICE RANGE: $30 – $50
LOOK FOR: Easy To Drink From, Sufficient Volume
OUR PICK: Camelbak Antidote Reservoir
MEALS
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Provide Energy To Fuel Your Day
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $1 – $10
LOOK FOR: Sufficient Calories To Recover From Hiking And Climbing
SNACKS
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Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Quick Energy To Help You Last The Day
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $1 – $5
LOOK FOR: Energy Bars, Fruits And Vegetables, Nuts, Sweet Treats
OUR PICK: Clif Bar Energy Bars
CLOTHING FOR WARM WEATHER
LIGHTWEIGHT PANTS
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Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Personal Comfort And Protection From Rock Abrasion
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Personal Preference
PRICE RANGE: $50 – $150
LOOK FOR: Flexibility And Durable Fabric
OUR PICK: La Sportiva Arco
BEST MODELS: The 9 Best Climbing Pants
LIGHTWEIGHT SHORTS
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Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Personal Comfort And Protection From Rock Abrasion
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Personal Preference
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $90
LOOK FOR: Flexibility And Durable Fabric
OUR PICK: PrAna Mojo
BEST MODELS: The 10 Best Climbing Shorts
CLIMBING SHIRT
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: Protection From Sun And Rock Abrasion
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $15 – $30
LOOK FOR: Comfort, Style, Breathability and Flexibility
OUR PICK: La Sportiva Climbing T-Shirt
BEST MODELS: The 10 Best Climbing Shirt Brands
CLOTHING FOR COLD WEATHER
PUFFY JACKET
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: To Keep You Warm In Between Climbs And While Belaying
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends On Season
PRICE RANGE: $150 – $400
LOOK FOR: Suitable Warmth And Weight
OUR PICK: Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie
BEST MODELS: The 10 Best Down Jackets
LONG UNDERWEAR
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Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: To Keep Your Lower Body Warm
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends On Season
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $100
LOOK FOR: Comfort, Midweight, And Merino Wool Or Synthetic Blend
OUR PICK: Patagonia Capilene Mid-Weight Bottoms
BEST MODELS: The 10 Best Long Johns
WOOL LONG SLEEVE
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Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: To Keep Your Upper Body Warm
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends On Season
PRICE RANGE: $40 – $150
LOOK FOR: Comfort, Merino Wool With Medium Weight
OUR PICK: Smartwool NTS Mid 250 Crew
BEST MODELS: The 10 Best Base Layers
MIDWEIGHT SWEATER
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Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Keep Warm While Climbing On Colder Days
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends On Season
PRICE RANGE: $40 – $200
LOOK FOR: Comfort, Warmth, Fit
OUR PICK: Arc’teryx Fortrez Hoody
BEST MODELS: The 10 Best Fleece Jackets
KNITTED HAT
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Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Keep Head Warm While Resting Or Climbing
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends On Season
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $40
LOOK FOR: Comfort, Warmth, Fit
OUR PICK: Arc’teryx Bird Head Toque
GLOVES OR MITTENS
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
PURPOSE: Keep Hands And Fingers Warm While Resting
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends On Season
PRICE RANGE: $15 – $50
LOOK FOR: Comfort, Warmth, Fit
OUR PICK: Outdoor Research Pl 400 Sensor Mitts
BEST MODELS: The 10 Best Hiking Gloves
PERSONAL ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES
SAFETY GEAR
READ MORE
For more of our top climbing gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:
