Best indoor rock climbing gear for beginners Hit the mats with the best climbing gear for indoor top roping, leading, and bouldering. Black Diamond Momentum Harness Package. I hope that this list will help you decide on your first pair of indoor climbing shoes. Here are some of the key factors to consider when choosing rock climbing shoes: Fit. These include a four-week “Learn to Climb” series, an “Introduction to Climbing” class, and dedicated classes for lead climbing, top rope climbing and belaying, and Sep 30, 2024 · Looking for your first pair of rock climbing shoes? We tested 30 top-rated climbing shoes in the gym, crag, and bouldering to find the best rock climbing shoes for beginners and mid-level climbers, with winners from La Sportiva, Five Ten, Black Diamond and Evolv Nov 28, 2021 · The following lists summarize the gear and equipment you’ll need for the various rock climbing methods described in this article. A climbing helmet is an essential piece of equipment for any mountain climber. Harnesses for Indoor Climbing. The high-quality rubber sole provides reliable traction on both indoor climbing walls and natural rock surfaces, ensuring stability during climbs. Indoor rock climbing has made this sport more accessible than ever before. Scarpa Origin. In this article, we will walk through the essential gear you’ll need for indoor rock climbing, explaining each piece of equipment in detail. Most major cities have several climbing centres to choose from so be sure to go to the best, such as Depot Climbing, our favourite indoor climbing venue. Jan 18, 2020 · To help with your buying decision, see our articles on the best rock climbing shoes for beginners and best overall rock climbing shoes (aimed more toward intermediate to advanced climbers). Welcome to the ULTIMATE Beginner's Guide to Indoor Rock Climbing! In this video, we go over the two main types of indoor gym climbing, top rope climbing and Apr 24, 2025 · Best Lightweight All-Rounder: Fixe Oliana 9. Typical indoor climbing gear includes a pair of climbing shoes, a harness (for rope climbing), and a chalk Feb 8, 2020 · Climbing Harnesses are nothing without a belay device, and a chalk bag to keep your hands dry. If you’re just trying out climbing for the first time, you might want to rent some gear from the climbing gym. Learn how to select the right climbing shoes for grip and comfort, the importance of a well-fitting harness, and the role of chalk in improving your hold. 14d”, recognized as one of the hardest sport climbs achieved by a female, shares her top tips for an upward indoor rock climbing experience. A harness typically consists of a waist belt and leg loops that are connected by a series of buckles and straps. 4 Dry Climbing Rope ($330) Most Durable: Mammut Alpine Core Protect ($218) Best Gym Rope: Metolius Monster Gym Rope ($102) Best Workhorse: Singing Rock Hero 9. Rest assured though that every climber had to start somewhere, taking it step-by-step. Fit is the most critical consideration Sep 19, 2023 · If you are interested in getting started with indoor rock climbing, there are a few things you can do to prepare. Indoor Climbing Essentials. Climbing outside on real rock can be thrilling, but involves a few more variables and a bit more experience. Here are some of the key benefits of indoor climbing: Physical Fitness. Rest assured, beginner climbing gear won’t cost you a fortune - and once you start building a collection of gear, it will last for years, as long as you take care of it. Many experienced climbers and professional instructors share valuable insights, techniques, and training routines through video content. Nov 14, 2022 · The Bluewater Dynaplus is the best climbing rope for indoor use. Rock climbing gear for improvers . Feb 23, 2020 · Cost is one of the primary concerns for beginners getting into rock climbing. Once you start to advance, you’ll need to add a bit more gear to Feb 7, 2024 · Beginner climbing harnesses typically have a comfortable amount of padding, adjustable leg loops, and a sufficient number of gear loops for carrying basic climbing gear. Must Have Indoor Rock Climbing Gear Shop training gear. true. Here at Jul 29, 2022 · The growing popularity of outdoor recreation and adventure sports, along with a rapid increase in indoor climbing facilities over the past decade, means the number of new entrants to rock climbing is ever expanding. Evolv Defy Rock Climbing Shoes ($89) and MobilityWod Supernova 2. 2 ($245) Best High-End Redpointer: Black Diamond 9. The Petzl Aquila is a bit of an exception to this rule. Indoor Rock Climbing for Adults Indoor rock climbing is suitable for adults of all ages and fitness levels. Sep 20, 2023 · Legions of climbers have started with the La Sportiva Tarantulace; (photo/La Sportiva) The La Sportiva Tarantulace ($89) has been one of the top-selling climbing shoes on the market for decades Sep 8, 2021 · Climbing Gear List for Beginners. If you’re new to indoor gym climbing, then you are probably looking for the best gear. Bouldering is climbing shorter walls without ropes, and requires almost no equipment. Many harnesses eliminate ice clipper slots and adjustable leg loops needed for ice climbing in order to shave weight for rock climbing. The Black Diamond Momentum Harness is the ultimate beginner climbing And with that, indoor rock climbing will help you develop a strong, toned body. . However things are changing, especially indoors, where today's novice climbers are bouldering to a harder level than ever before. the opposite of the ones you normally use) in the forearms. Not only do these indoor climbing gyms offer a variety of climbing routes and challenges, but they also create a great social atmosphere for climbers to meet and Oct 1, 2019 · Hilary Oliver is a freelance writer, filmmaker and contributing climb editor for the Co-op Journal. Many gyms also offer classes to help you go from gym to crag. Apr 28, 2022 · Best Home Rock Climbing Training Equipment – Antagonist Training We’d also recommend all climbers pick up something like a finger extender tool that will help strengthen the antagonist muscles (i. That’s why these climbing harness packages have all of the starter gear to get you climbing in the gym, the mountains, or out at the crag. 1mm/0. Finding the right pair of climbing shoes for you may take some testing (check out our top picks for the best bouldering shoes here) but a good place to start is with a pair from a well respected brand like Five Ten, Scarpa, or La Sportiva. This bouldering gym features over 1500 square feet of climbing walls and offers a great place to spend time with family and friends. 5 Crag We Care Classic performs well from the gym to the crag, and we even like it for moderate multi-pitch routes. 5 Crag We Care Classic review The Mammut 9. Shop climbing books. May 6, 2025 · Below, we recommend the top two items in each category. Feb 8, 2020 · Also, if you happen to be in the market for a good indoor climbing harness, I’ve put together a list of the 6 Best Indoor Climbing Harnesses. Feb 1, 2022 · Five Ten NIAD Moccasym Climbing Shoe, $125. Here’s what you need to begin: Selecting a Rock Climbing Gym Nov 13, 2024 · Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a complete beginner, understanding the equipment necessary for indoor climbing is crucial to ensure safety, comfort, and optimal performance. Apr 4, 2025 · Most other harnesses aren't as versatile as these choices. By Tom Ward 8 min read Published on 05/28/2025 · 3:50 PM UTC See full list on digitaltrends. As a large indoor climbing facility, it offers a wide range of climbing options and fitness equipment to cater to all skill levels and ages. e. It will lock up very easily in virtually all belay devices, which is a plus when you’re receiving belays from beginner belayers at the gym. Best Outdoor All-Rounder: Scarpa Arpia V ($169) Best Sport/Mixed Shoe: Unparallel Qubit ($186) Best Bouldering Shoe: Scarpa Drago XT ($229) Best for Beginners: Butora Rubicon ($150) Best Shoe for Steep Routes: La Sportiva Mandala ($209) Best Training Shoe: Scarpa Veloce L ($175) Best Pure Slipper: La Sportiva May 1, 2025 · Best All-Around: Arc’teryx AR-385a/AR-395a ($160) Best Value: Ocun Twist Tech Eco ($80) Most Inclusive Sizing: Petzl Corax ($80) Best for Projecting: Mammut Sender ($90) Best for Redpointing: Arc’teryx Skaha ($180) Best Big Wall Harness: Singing Rock Dome ($120) Other Harnesses We Tested; How to Choose a Climbing Harness; How We Test; Meet Nov 14, 2024 · An entry-level shoe seen on beginners and intermediate climbers alike, the La Sportiva Finale ($130) is not only an amazing bang for your buck but an extremely well-made shoe for all-day climbing 3 days ago · All-around climbing, gym climbing, beginners: Fixed leg loops, simple, no-frills design: Black Diamond Momentum: $65 12. Chalk bag & climbing chalk; Harness; Belay device & locking carabiner; Helmet; Once you’ve been climbing for a little while. Climbing in the Outdoors. com Apr 25, 2024 · Indoor Rock Climbing Gear. It’s the place we go to send in shelter when weather’s inclement. For your first pair, get the cheapest shoes that fit you. Jan 11, 2025 · That's why I've put together this guide to the best indoor climbing gyms for beginners. 10. Today, I’m comparing the 6 best indoor gym climbing harnesses. Encompassing loads of areas such as where are the best places to climb in London, a break down of the indoor rock climbing centres, the best London climbing clubs, where to buy rock climbing gear in London, useful information for getting started if you've never rock climbed before and a whole host of other climbing related information. You’ll learn about the best climbing shoes for grip and comfort, harnesses that provide security without restricting movement, chalk bags and chalk to keep your hands dry, and the Jul 28, 2023 · Rocks On is a bouldering gym in the Canary District of Toronto. Whether it's your first climb or you're looking to enhance your experience, find out what you need to tackle indoor walls safely and Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, this equipment list will help you prepare for your next mountain climbing adventure. Feb 26, 2025 · The MASZRE Kids Rock Climbing Shoes are specifically designed to cater to children’s foot shapes, offering enhanced comfort and control for young climbers. 5. This guide aims to demystify the essential gear for beginner climbers, focusing on items that combine quality with affordability. Jun 24, 2020 · There is no better way to challenge yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally than on a rock climbing wall. Read more: Mammut 9. Apr 3, 2025 · If you’re in a similarly cold climate, or you’re just looking for something new to try, then indoor rock climbing might be perfect for you. It’s where we train—fingers, body, and mind. Dec 19, 2024 · Make sure you have this essential gear for a safe indoor rock climbing experience to feel prepared before you start scaling those walls. DiGiulian, the first North American woman to climb the “grade 9a, 5. Jan 19, 2025 · Embarking on your first rock climbing adventure is thrilling but can be daunting without the right gear. Climbing shoes play a pivotal role in your climbing performance. Aug 5, 2022 · The best rock climbing gear for beginners, including climbing shoes, climbing harnesses, belay devices, climbing helmets, and climbing apparel, from brands like La Sportiva, Petzl, Black Diamond Indoor Climbing Essentials. Dec 30, 2023 · Getting Started With Indoor Rock Climbing. 6 ($200-240) Best Safety Feature: Trango Red Flag Agility 9. Mar 27, 2025 · If you’re in a similarly cold climate, or you’re just looking for something new to try, then indoor rock climbing might be perfect for you. Check out the weekly beginner's thread on r/climbing, this gets asked all the time there. Climbing shoes; Highly recommended. 5 Crag We Care Classic is the best bargain we've tested for a quality rock climbing rope. Climbing pack; Basic accessories such as climbing tape and a climbing brush; Later on, as needed. These resources can complement your learning and provide visual demonstrations of climbing techniques. Feb 21, 2023 · A rock climbing harness is an essential piece of equipment for climbers as it helps to secure them to the rope system and prevent falls. But there's more. Aug 7, 2024 · Rock climbing has gained popularity over the past few years, and whether you watched “Free Solo” or the Paris Olympics, you might be wondering how to start rock climbing. It has great gear loops that are large enough to hold a big rack while trad or multi-pitch 1. 11 votes, 23 comments. REI Co-op Experiences offers intro indoor and outdoor rock climbing classes that include all the gear you need to get started. When first stepping foot into a rock climbing gym, the towering walls crawling with climbers of varying skill levels may seem intimidating. Next up are the ( best climbing harnesses for men and the best for women), then top-rated climbing helmets, followed by the best climbing ropes. If you’re thinking of getting a harness for use in the gym, you should look for something comfortable and durable. Are you wondering how to get from first-time gumby to proficient expert as quickly as possible? That’s where we come in with our very best rock climbing tips for beginners. Her work has appeared in magazines and websites like Outside, Adventure Journal, Bust, Climbing, National Geographic Adventure, the Dirtbag Diaries, and many others. First, you should find a climbing gym in your area. Feb 9, 2020 · So you've finally tried your hand at rock climbing and it turns out you love it! The physical challenge, the social aspects, the problem solving, the feeling of defying gravity – you’ve been hooked by it all. Best for climbers seeking a well-made and comfortable entry-level climbing shoe Jun 21, 2024 · Chances are you’ll need to hike to the crag with your gear so you’ll want a good backpack. To make that transition, you absolutely need to go with a certified guide or instructor. 5 ($28o) Climbing Ropes 101 Gear up for your indoor climbing journey with our concise guide on essential equipment for beginners. Related: Best Climbing Shoes for Women Jul 25, 2024 · Welcome to “Gear For Indoor Rock Climbing,” where you’ll discover the essential equipment you need to safely and effectively enjoy this exhilarating sport. Outdoor climbing is quite different from indoor climbing. Nut tool; Slings & carabiners; Climbing Apr 7, 2024 · Here’s a recommended list of rock climbing equipment for beginners: climbing shoes for good grip, a comfortable harness, a sturdy helmet, a belay device, and a chalk bag for grip assistance. If you're new to climbing, then understanding the fundamentals will improve your experience and help you climb harder. May 28, 2025 · Wedge yourself between a rock and a hard place in style (if not comfort) with our pick of the best rock climbing gear going. Depending on the style of climbing you pick out of the list above, you will need different gear. In this video, I'm walking you through Apr 4, 2025 · Minor drawbacks aside, the Mammut 9. Why Indoor Climbing? Before we dive into the best gyms, let's talk about why indoor climbing is such a great choice for beginners. From shoes that Apr 16, 2025 · From boulders to big walls, our roundup of climbing gear on the market has something for everyone. I wish that I had a resource like this when I was a beginner. Scarpa Origin is the brand’s model shoe for comfort. Editor's Note: We updated our climbing shoe review on April 16, 2025, to remove a discontinued shoe from our lineup and ensure current pricing for each shoe. 0 Massage Ball ($40 Feb 28, 2024 · Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your climbing journey or an experienced climber seeking to improve your skills, this comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about indoor rock climbing. These items are fundamental for new climbers to start learning the sport. There are two types of indoor climbing for beginners, bouldering and top-rope climbing. Key Features: Keywords: best indoor climbing gear for beginners, beginner rock climbing tips, black tag climbing techniques, indoor bouldering essentials, climbing equipment for new climbers, indoor climbing safety tips, gear for indoor rock climbing, favorite climbing tags for beginners, bouldering techniques for novices, indoor climbing strategies Oct 12, 2023 · The Red Rock Climbing Center has a wide array of classes to learn climbing skills, another reason why I think they’re the best gym in Las Vegas for beginner climbers. These harnesses are designed to be user-friendly, with features that are easy to understand and adjust, making them ideal for new rock climbers. These Scarpa beginner climbing shoes come with a thick outsole at 5 mm with a flat profile that is designed to support any first-timers on the indoor gym climbing wall. More and more, you can find climbing gyms relatively close to you. Climbing Shoes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, you’ll find programs and memberships designed to meet your needs. Indoor climbing is a full-body workout that engages muscles in your arms, back, core, and legs. Back in 2018, one of my best friends invited me to go climbing at our city’s rock gym, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Indoor climbing is a fantastic way to improve both your physical and mental well-being, while also providing opportunities for social interaction. Bouldering (Indoors) Climbing shoes – Some climbers have a preference for ultra-tight shoes, but as a beginner, you should aim for comfort before performance. We'll cover what to look for in a gym, some top recommendations, and tips to make the most of your climbing journey. REI Outdoor School classes can also teach you the outdoor ropes. We start off with the best climbing shoes, arguably the most important item in your pack. Climbing Helmet. Sep 30, 2023 · Some of the best indoor rock climbing gyms in Denver include Movement Climbing + Fitness, Earth Treks Climbing + Fitness, The Spot Bouldering Gym, and The Denver Bouldering Club. Jul 5, 2023 · At $75, the Black Diamond Solution is just $10 more than its beginner-focused cousin the Momentum, but if you’re looking specifically for a sport climbing harness or top roping harness, it’s a far superior product in most respects. Apr 22, 2025 · We tested 19 pairs of women's climbing shoes from La Sportiva, Scarpa, Black Diamond, and others to find the best-performing models for your climbing style. Necessary. And it’s also where we go to socialize, both meeting up with besties and building new belaytionships. Jan 3, 2024 · To help you get the most out of your time spent pulling on plastic this season, we’ve put together a list of everything you will need to start indoor climbing. 3 oz: Beginner, sport climbing: Adjustable Leg Loops, Bullhorn-shaped waist belt Mar 17, 2025 · How to Choose Rock Climbing Shoes? Choosing the right rock climbing shoes can be a daunting task, but with a little bit of knowledge and research, you can find the perfect pair for your individual climbing style and needs. Top-Rope Climbing requires a little bit more equipment, but most of the expensive stuff is supplied by the gym. Let’s look at our beginner rock climbing gear list with prices and add up the totals for each Sep 27, 2018 · Below, five professional climbers share their favorite gear for beginners looking to get off the ground. Many indoor climbing and bouldering gyms also offer classes and drop-in day passes. What is Indoor Rock Climbing? Indoor rock climbing is a form of climbing that takes place on artificial climbing walls in a Jun 23, 2024 · Benefits of Indoor Climbing. In the beginning, you can use your regular hiking backpack, however once you get ropes and more gear, you’ll want a climbing specific rope bag. Having a safe experience requires reliable steps, which brings focus to your chosen footwear. 4 in is a great diameter suited to the needs of indoor climbing (the rope’s weight is not important here). Jun 1, 2023 · The 7 Best Indoor Rock Climbing Shoes (2023 Buying Guide) By Eric Neyer Published on June 1, 2023 July 18, 2023 Updated on July 18, 2023 Published on: 06/01/2023 May 27, 2025 · Best Climbing Shoes at a Glance. It protects your head from falling rocks, ice, and other debris, as well as from impacts during falls. Getting into the sport Nov 12, 2024 · I n the past, beginner's climbing shoes might have been comfortable and supportive, but this invariably came at the expense of precision. xscq bmobrqqq rxbizu iofqhe eeqo bwpyw ozwhoxa xtojdxf wabb wmj