New to climbing. What do I buy?

The harness and rope aren't good as anything other than collector's items at this point. You'll need a new harness and rope (harness takes priority). Your biners and nuts ought to be fine (although with how cheap you can pick up locking biners, I'd go ahead and buy a couple new ones) but you probably don't want to be climbing much on that harness and you definitely don't want to be on that rope.

But Jon Z's suggestion about buying gear as you need it (including a rope...you'll make friends with ropes) is solid.

Austin Baird wrote:The harness and rope aren't good as anything other than collector's items at this point. You'll need a new harness and rope (harness takes priority). Your biners and nuts ought to be fine (although with how cheap you can pick up locking biners, I'd go ahead and buy a couple new ones) but you probably don't want to be climbing much on that harness and you definitely don't want to be on that rope.

+1

bearbreeder wrote:i made these last year ... it gives an idea of what people probably want for different types of climbing, the cost in canada, and how much money you can "waste" for little gain in short, gear purchased sensibly but still fully functional from reputable gear manufacturers will cost around 1/2 as much as buying the "best" from the very same manufacturers with little "loss" in safety or climbing ability for beginners ... all gear is at regular prices from MEC or lacordee ... the exception is the everyday normal 10% climbing package discount at MEC for shoes/harness/helmet/device bundle, or when you buy 4+ metolius cams, or 6+ quickdraws, etc ... vs. as always spend the money on getting EXPERIENCE either though paying the beer tax for experience partners, or guides ... :)

great

Yea, the harness looks to be an antique, it's well built, but old. Looks to be older than the 80's cause my dad said another climber gave it to him. Dad told me to retire it if I start climbing, but it'd be ok for gym. But with how cheap rental gear is, I'll rent gear and prevent the laughs xD So I plan to buy a new harness before any real climbing. But the rope is good, my dad bought it in the late 90's for repelling and used it about 3 times. Still feels soft, not dry, no fuzz or frays.

Christian C. S. Bivens wrote:Yea, the harness looks to be an antique, it's well built, but old. Looks to be older than the 80's cause my dad said another climber gave it to him. Dad told me to retire it if I start climbing, but it'd be ok for gym. But with how cheap rental gear is, I'll rent gear and prevent the laughs xD So I plan to buy a new harness before any real climbing. But the rope is good, my dad bought it in the late 90's for repelling and used it about 3 times. Still feels soft, not dry, no fuzz or frays.

harnesses are cheap ... just buy one, dont rent

you can find good harnesses for 20-50$ ... a long as its certified for climbing and fits you

i climb and whip on a 20$ harness all day ... when im able to climb anyways

;)

ChefMattThaner wrote:Buy and read/refer to/study Freedom of the hills

+1. Great book.

Solid advice above. Reiterating:

1) Buy only personal gear to start. Shoes, Harness, belay/rappel device. A sling or two. A couple locking carabiners. A helmet.

2) Climb with others, preferably several others. You learn different things from each person.

3) If you want to climb trad, you'll be seconding for a bit while you learn the ropes. Buy your own cleaning tool and a couple sewn 2 foot runners with carabiners.

4) Rent gear sparingly unless it is specialized gear, or has no impact on safety (ie. shoes). You want to know the safety history.

If you follow these steps, you'll figure out what to buy next based on what you climb and who you climb with. Resist the urge to buy specialized gear (PAS, sewn quickdraws, web-o-lette, etc) until you know you need the gear to be specialized. General purpose gear has more than one application, and you'll be able to do more with it. You can climb sport routes on alpine slings, for example, and decide to buy quickdraws once you know you like clipping bolts.

And for god's sake, don't buy a daisy chain.

Christian C. S. Bivens wrote:But the rope is good, my dad bought it in the late 90's for repelling and used it about 3 times. Still feels soft, not dry, no fuzz or frays.

Most manufacturers quote a 10 year shelf life on ropes, regardless of how often they were used. It may be safe, but if I were you I'd retire the rope, weave it into a rug, or whatever. You don't need your own rope the first season anyway.

Peter Jackson wrote:And for god's sake, don't buy a daisy chain.

Heed Peter's advice.

Sounds like your dad still likes you, if so get him to spring for the harness, lockers, etc. then he won't have to explain to your mom why you are in the hospital.

Austin Baird wrote:The harness and rope aren't good as anything other than collector's items at this point. You'll need a new harness and rope (harness takes priority). Your biners and nuts ought to be fine (although with how cheap you can pick up locking biners, I'd go ahead and buy a couple new ones) but you probably don't want to be climbing much on that harness and you definitely don't want to be on that rope.

+1

Your rope and harness are the two pieces of gear that you can never back up. Buy second hand shoes cheap draws and protection off of MP but buy a NEW rope and harness before anything else. A good basic harness these days will only run you $45-$50. A basic 60m rope (no bi-weave, or dry treatment) can be had for around $150. Both should last you around five years if you take good care of them.

Like others have said don't rush it. I've been climbing since I was eleven and my favorite part of the sport is the progression. From gym TR to gym leading, to outdoor TR to out door leading, to following trad, to leading trad, to playing in the alpine to ice and snow to aid. "climbing" always gives you an opportunity to try something new. Whether it be a new discipline or a new crag or remote peak.

Have fun!

JMo wrote:Based on the people I've seen who climb the hardest, scariest trad, in no particular order: 1 hula hoop, many twelve packs of PBR, some shitty sandals, roll your own tobacco, and possibly a costume involving a zebra or a lady of low moral quality.

Best advice I've seen!

You're getting great advice above.

Buy a harness (retire that 20+ year old one that dad gave you. I know it's probably sentimental, but it's just time to upgrade).

Shoes, and chalk, chalk bag, belay device plus locking biner.

Helmet.

Mountaineering, Freedom of the Hills The go to book. There are multiple chapters specific to rock climbing. It's a great resource.

If you've really got your heart set on Trad gear, even though you're just starting out, a Black Diamond set of stoppers (#4-13) is a great first purchase toward building that rack. I see too many young Trad climbers only placing cams. Cams are great, but the ability to place passive pro is very important, and harder to learn then cams. Practice with them on the ground, and learn to make good placements.

Hire a guide, and or instructor. Nothing beats professional instruction. You'll learn a lot just from a few outings.

Try to find experienced climbers to get out with. But, never assume they're responsible for your saftey. Sometimes you'll end up climbing with someone who really sounds like they know what they're doing, when really they don't.

Stay safe, and have fun!

First day climbing went great! Me and my friends are hooked! They had used rental shoes for sale for 5$ at the gym, so we went ahead and picked out a pair of the best ones in our size and picked them up. Ordered me a Harness from REI. So I should be set for now right?

Go ahead and spend the moolah on belay device and locking carabiner. And chalk and bag, if you're into that. Definitely retire that ol' harness and rope!

Consider a day with a guide when weather allows. Bring your buddies along, too, so everybody learns the same stuff, and you're not thinking your buddy knows how to, say, rescue you when in fact he doesn't. You'll learn a ridiculous amount in one or two days.

Anything else I'd tell you would repeat the excellent advice you've already gotten. I'll just say I've been climbing half my life and wouldn't be without it.

Buy as much as you can't afford. It will stimulate the economy.

Beenie

Manpris

Chalk bucket

Shoes

you won't need a shirt.

Don't forget the most important rule in climbing! Youre only as good as you look. you also need to scream in desperation when you move from hold to hold. But remember to only do this if there are people hanging out at the base. It goes something like this... paassaatt!!

^---and don't forget to throw you beenie if you don't send.

I've Pieced together a couple guides to help people figure out what they need to get started climbing. Christian, feel free to check them out: smartrockclimbing.com/climbing-gear/

Enjoy the climbs!