Tools for Climbing

What do you need?

take a look to calculate how much you might spend on average for supplies:

Cams

Cams (or a Spring-Loaded Camming Device) are required tools for certian climbers because they provide a secure and reliable protection with crevases on a climbing route. This necessity every climber uses when they are trad climbing / traditional climbing. These tools are not used in every climing style, so you may not need them until you advance. These tools are very diverse with the amount of sizes and forms they come in, make sure you are educated on all their aspects before proceeding with this type of purchase.

Climbing rope

There are different types of rope that a climber can use, which also correlates to the different lengths. Some examples are 20-30 meter rope, 40-50 meter rope, or 60-80 meters! Different types of ropes can be Dynamic Climing ropes that are designed to stretch, Static Climbing rope which is great for outdoor climbs, or Half ropes which are designed for a two-rope system. The type of rope that you choose is also a curcial step to your safety.

Climbing Shoes

There are various different climbing shoes on the market, all with varying degrees of agressiveness. The term agressive refers to a high-performace of climbing. Shoes range between neutral, moderate, and agressive styles. Shoes also come in all different brands and colors, as well as a range of prices. Some may range from $45.00 up to $250.00. Climbing shoes you should also tend to purchase a size smaller than your regular shoe size, this is due to the form fitting preferance you may want. These shoes also tend to expand when in use due to their materials.

Harness

A harness is a required tool for majority forms of climbing. Whenever you are climbing a tall wall you want to be secure and safe. A harness is a safety matter, you tie your rope into your harness to ensure you do not fall off the wall to the ground. This is a reliable tool that almost every climber needs. The average price for a harness is about $80.00, some indoor gyms may allow you to rent this gear though.

Belay Device

If you are a more advanced climber and you are climbing outdoors on your own, you will need a belay device. This mechanism is used to controll a rope during belaying / a climb. This equipment is crucial in order to safely decend from a climb. If you are climbing at an indoor establishment they will already have these tools set up for you. This device is only used when the use of a climbing rope is involved.

Chalk

Climbing chalk is essential to every climber! Chalk removes the moistness from your hands so that you have a better grip on the rocks. You do not want to have slippery hands when you are climbing, you want to be secure and stable. Chalk can range in all prices as well as a few forms such as liquid, a ball, loose fine chalk, etc.