Mountain Project Logo

Best climbing gear for beginners

Original Post
JaxonLincoln JaxonLincoln · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2020 · Points: 0

I am a beginner and would like to start climbing. What are the best brands and what does the community recommend for someone in my position? What should I buy? We have a climbing gym in town and they have small and tall walls and I have a boulder outside the housing complex where I live.

Ven Popov · · Pittsburgh, PA · Joined Jun 2016 · Points: 202

For a beginner gym climber you really want shoes, harness, a belay device and a locking carabiner - that's about it (and maybe a chalk bag).

For shoes, it's all about fit - there are a number of good brands (evolv, la spprtiva, butora, 5.10, scarpa), but it all depends on your foot shape. Find a store where you can try many and talk to the people there to help you find a good fit. 

Belay device - you have two main type - tube devices (BD ATC) or assisted devices (grigri). There are pros and cons to each, and many people would recommend a grigri for beginners.

The BD momentum harness is petty decent relatively cheap option for beginners. In addition to BD, other brands are petzl, arxteryx, mammut.

Edit: climb first with gym rental equipment for a bit to gain more experience and decide whether you want to stick with it

Grandpa Dave · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2016 · Points: 5
JaxonLincoln JaxonLincoln wrote: I am a beginner and would like to start climbing. What are the best brands and what does the community recommend for someone in my position? What should I buy? We have a climbing gym in town and they have small and tall walls and I have a boulder outside the housing complex where I live.

Your most important piece of gear is a GOOD mentor! 

Then rent the gym's equipment for a while so you don't end up buying 2 or 3 pairs of shoes, harness, belay device until you figure out what suits you best. 

Buck Rio · · MN · Joined Jul 2015 · Points: 16

This user is a troll, look at AndrewSimateo AndrewSimateo, joined today, has a post asking about Grigri's.  Very similar language.

Ven Popov · · Pittsburgh, PA · Joined Jun 2016 · Points: 202
Buck Rio wrote: This user is a troll, look at AndrewSimateo AndrewSimateo, joined today, has a post asking about Grigri's.  Very similar language.

Just saw that and thought the same. What a lame life you have to live to think this is entertaining in any way

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Climbing Gear Discussion
Post a Reply to "Best climbing gear for beginners"

Log In to Reply
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.