Starter Equipment Package?

Hey All!

I'm trying to price out a beginner climbing package. I use to go with a friend who had all the equipment but moved.

Can you guys recommend a basic kit or list of equipment of what I would need to climb with a partner without having to borrow anything excluding shoes and harness?

Also I'm just out of school and trying to keep it as cheap as possible.

thanks

Rifts1103 wrote:I'm just out of school and trying to keep it as cheap as possible.

keep in mind that you are buying life-saving equipment, not really the place to save

also, i would sugest calling your old buddy, catch up a bit, and ask him what to buy

or take a suggestion from a random stranger, and buy some chalk, a rope, 15 quickdraws, 3 lockers, 2 double length slings and a belay device

All I meant by cheap was I'm not some millionaire kid so I'm not looking for professional grade stuff. :-)

If you haven't climbed enough to know what you need, then you should climb some more with experienced people. That simple.

FrankPS wrote:If you haven't climbed enough to know what you need, then you should climb some more with experienced people. That simple.

Wow Frank, you took the air right out of this thread. That's usually my job.

Spot on advice. Couldn't have said it better myself.

FrankPS wrote:If you haven't climbed enough to know what you need, then you should climb some more with experienced people. That simple.

+2

fair enough

Learn your gear first. There is no 'kit' to start with. 'Professional grade' stuff is also a meaningless term here. ALL the gear better be of top quality if your life depends on it. Suggest finding out alot more about the gear itself and what your goals are. (sport, trad, bouldering, etc.). Then you can shop wisely online to save some bucks. For example, there are excellent carabiners out there for around 5 bucks, instead of 9 or 10 apiece for fancy ones. Research the gear before you just by based on price.

Check out places like REI. They typically have a great "starter" package, meaning harness, belay device, shoes and chalk. The basics you need to hit up the gyms, and to get a ride from a friend in the field. Learn more about the sport before you venture out and buy a rope and gear.
My two cents :-)

Yeah everyone is pretty right. Go to the gym, hang out with other climbers and do some research. When I started building my equipment you didn't really see questions like "what rack should I buy". I spent alot of time looking stuff up, comparing and talking to other people. Not that you're wrong for asking, but the point is valid to hang with some people that can direct you correctly and in person.

Oh and be careful of REI. Alot of my experience with their climbing department has shown me most of their employees have zero idea what they are talking about. If you want better advice go to a specific climbing store, not one where someone is covering from the camping department. (No offense to the climbers that actually do work there).

rei/mec is just fine as long as you know what you need ... and you should before buying

the advantage is that if gear doesnt work out as you expect, or if theres an issue, you can return it

As a fellow new climber, I would suggest that you do go climb with experienced people first.

It isnt your lack of ability to climb, but more of the knowledge base. Things like building an anchor for top roping. Having that experienced friend show you how, or checking how you built yours. The little tricks that mentors pass on is important, and can be very important to your safety.

Good luck in getting started, it is a addiction!

also new to using forums ^