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Rock climbing is not only a sport, a hobby, and a profession to some, but it is also a way of life. Let’s first start by listing all of the items needed for a simple top-rope climb with a partner:

• Climbing Shoes
• Climbing Harness
• Locking Carabiner
• Belay Device
• Climbing Rope
• Anchors (Most Climbing Locations have anchors already installed)
• Chalk Bag (Optional, but good to remove sweat from hands)

With those listed we can now go into further detail about each item. First, when choosing a pair of climbing shoes, it is generally recommended that a person get a pair of shoes that fit snugly onto ones feet. The best fit would be shoes that cause your toes to curl (Normally a size smaller than street shoes). The reason for this is because when climbing, ones feet are the main support for a climber and a solid hold is very important.

Next, a climbing harness is needed. For most rock climbing applications a light weight harness works the best. When searching for a harness it is important that they fit snug (can adjust the size). For beginners a light weight harness with a belay loop and sufficient padding works best.

Once one has picked out a harness, a locking carabiner is the next on the list. The carabiner (along with the belay device) is what holds the rope firmly onto the harness. Therefore for beginning climbers, a screw-locking or auto locking carabiner works the best. That way the carabiner will not open during climbs.

Along with the locking carabiner, the belay device is what actually holds the rope. The rope is passed through the belay device and the belay device is then clipped into the carabiner. Most belay devices are similar making it simple to pick out a belay device for a beginner.

As for ropes, there are two basic types of ropes used in climbing: static and dynamic. Dynamic rope is designed to stretch, which is typically used during rappeling, lead climbing, and top roping. However, for top roping (the general focus of this article) static rope is generally preferred. Anchors are the next on the list. Typically climbing locations already have anchors attached to the rock. And indoor climbing gyms don’t even use anchors at all. For beginners, it is best to climb in a gym first to get used to the sport before even attempting to attach anchors outdoors.

Finally on the list is a chalk bag. Chalk is not required but is very helpful when climbing to remove all sweat from ones hands. To get a better grip on the rock (or climbing holds for indoors) chalk can be a huge life saver. Generally one can purchase the chalk bag and chalk together at a decent price.

To wrap everything up, the list above provides a bare bones essential list of things needed for a beginning climber. However, not all of the items listed are needed (depending on the location of the climb). For instance, at an indoor climbing gym, rope and anchors are not needed. And even when climbing outdoors only one rope is needed per climbing location. Also most climbing locations are already fixed with anchors. Therefore, the list is cut down to only several items (shoes, harness, carabiner, and belay device).

Hope this has been helpful, and remember…NEVER go climbing alone!

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