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Best Climbing Equipment
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Ease of Use
The best climbing equipment is not designed to keep you safe, but it’s also designed to be easily used. After all, the last thing you want to think about is how to adjust your helmet to keep it from sliding down your face while you’re climbing. So the easier a device or piece of equipment is to use, the more natural and instinctive the use will end up being. That way you can concentrate on what’s important – mastering the climb.
Use
Any climber will tell you that when a piece of equipment doesn’t perform the way it should, it’s pretty much useless. There really is no instance of “well if I just make this adjustment..” when you’re life is on the line. A belay either works or it doesn’t. The climbing pants will either allow you to stretch to the next hold, or they won’t.
While there are countless innovations available when it comes to climbing, only the ones that are truly useful and practical rise to the top. So when trying to find the best climbing equipment, we asked ourselves, “how practical and useful is this innovation to climbers?”
Versatility
There are countless different forms of climbing, from indoor to outdoor, from bouldering to sport, and of course top line and traditional climbing. For each type of climbing adventure, there is the proper type of equipment to use. By deciding what type of climbing you’ll most likely be trying out, you can more easily determine what type of climbing equipment you’re going to need.
Terrain
In essence, there are only two different places that you can climb: indoors or outdoors. Each one has advantages and disadvantages. Climbing on an inside wall or bouldering field offers you the ability to climb no matter what the weather is like outside. However, you might not get the fantastic views and challenges that you can get from climbing a rock face in nature. Also, if you’re climbing a public wall, you might have to rent or use equipment that someone else has previously used. That might be considered a deterrent. If you climb outside, though, you’ll have to deal with the elements, and potentially put yourself in more dangerous situations. If you are rock climbing, safety is very important. Having the best rock climbing gear will ensure your safety.
Top Ten Gear for Climbing
1. Kavu Rope Sling Bag
This sling bag is a great addition to your climbing gear as many climbers do not think of a way to carry the gear that they want with them when they complete their climb. This sling bag is lightweight and fits comfortably so it does not get in the way as you climb as will store all the gear that you need with you when you get to the top.
Read moreEase of use
This sling bag is quite easy to use as it conveniently slips around you and allows you to store the gear that you will need when you complete the climb.
Use
This sling bag is highly rated amongst previous customers so much that it is hard to find a flaw in this bag. To use it simply pack your gear in the bag and wrap it around you.
Versatility
This sling bag is highly versatile as not only can you use it while you are climbing but also in your normal day to day activities as well.
Terrain
Again this sling bag can be used in multiple terrains, and in mild weather. It not only can be used climbing but for your day to day routine as well.
2. Elite Sportz Chalk Bag
If you have ever been climbing before then you know how important chalk can be to give you the extra grip you need. The issue is how you carry the chalk with you while you climb, and the answer is a durable and reliable chalk bag. This chalk bag from Elite Sportz fits your harness easily and helps carry your chalk with you, so when you need it, you can conveniently access it.
Read moreEase of use
When it comes to ease of use, nothing is more easy to use than a chalk bag. It connects to your harness easily and holds your chalk for quick and convenient access.
Use
Overall this chalk bag comes to you highly rated from previous customers and for good reason as it is affordable and easy to use. The bag opening is big enough for you to conveniently access your chalk without issue.
Versatility
This chalk bag is versatile as it can be connected directly to your pants or to your harness. It is also suited for indoor and outdoor climbing.
Terrain
Again this chalk bag is quite versatile and will work in any terrain you find yourself climbing. This includes indoor and outdoor climbing.
3. Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves
When you’re climbing, your hands are liable to take a lot of abuse, so protecting them while maintaining good manual feel and dexterity is important. Thankfully, the Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves offer a great balance between protection and feel for the climbing surface.
Read moreEase of use
Climbing gloves by their nature are a snug fit, and these gloves are no exception. Thankfully, they are also true to fit at least ¾ of the time, so you shouldn’t have to worry about using an ill-fitting glove. They also range in size from extra small to extra large, so finding the right pair for you shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Use
Made of synthetic leather, these gloves offer breathability and flexibility that is hard to match. Add to that the mesh backs for added ventilation, and you’ll be wearing these gloves more often than you realize. In addition to being made with strong leather materials, the thumb and finger areas are reinforced to help keep your gloves going strong.
Versatility
If you’re looking for a great all-around climbing glove that is well suited for a number of different styles, this pair of gloves from Black Diamond is a great choice.
Terrain
These gloves can be used indoors and outdoors and if you find yourself in some tough weather, they will be great to give you the additional grip and support you need to finish your climb.
4. Black Diamond White Gold Chalk
If you are in the market for some extra grip and some quality chalk to help you on your next climb, check out the chalk from Black Diamond. This chalk is affordable and will improve your grip guaranteed.
Read moreEase of use
Chalk is quite easy to use. This chalk simply goes into your chalk bag and allows you to dip your hand in and then the chalk provides your hands with a thin layer so you can achieve better grip while climbing.
Use
This chalk is highly rated amongst previous customers and comes from a great brand. It is simple to use as you apply it to your hands and a thin layer will allow you to obtain better grip as you climb.
Versatility
This chalk is versatile and not only can be used indoor and outdoor while climbing, but also can be used for any activity that you need a bit more grip, such as working out or powerlifting.
Terrain
This chalk can be used indoor or outdoor. Try not to get the chalk wet as it will turn into a puddy and be useless as you climb.
5. La Sportiva Tarantulace
These shoes from La Sportiva are highly rated and comfortable, they will also give you the extra grip that normal shoes just can not provide. If you are looking for a great pair of climbing shoes, this is the ones to check out.
Read moreEase of use
These climbing shoes are easy to use as they are fitted to your feet and give you extra grip to allow you to climb without slipping. They are as easy to use as any pair of shoes.
Use
These shoes come highly rated and are one of the most popular climbing shoes on the market. This is due to the fact that they fit comfortably and provide great grip and traction as you climb.
Versatility
These shoes can be used indoor or outdoor. They are made specifically for climbing, so they are not recommended to be used for anything other than climbing.
Terrain
These shoes can be used indoor and outdoor and can be used in any weather conditions. If you find yourself in some nasty weather, these shoes will provide you with extra traction and grip to allow you to complete your climb no matter the conditions.
6. Friction Labs Chalk Cream
Whether you choose to use, loose, block, or liquid chalk like this one, chalk is one of the most essential hiking kits that you need in your arsenal. We’re partial to this one based on its ability to keep your hands and feet dry, its ease of use, and overall neatness.
Read moreEase of Use
Chalk is one of those items in a climber’s equipment list that can easily become a hassle. It can be messy, get over absolutely everything, and you constantly have to reapply. However, this liquid chalk is designed to reduce all those problems. It’s long lasting, easy to apply, and the chalk is contained within an easy to use the tube that fits easily into your chalk bag.
Use
When it comes to climbing chalk, one would think that the ingredients would be fairly simple. Just chalk, right? Unfortunately, sometimes the manufacturers of climbing chalk add things like silica which is used as a drying agent. The only problem is that the silica works a little too well, leading to cracked hands and feet. Thankfully, this liquid chalk has been stripped of those additives.
In order for chalk to be truly effective, it needs to be able to handle grime, sweat, and bacteria that can easily prevent you from maintaining the grip you need. This chalk easily excels in those departments with its antibacterial nature and ability to wick moisture away from the surface of your skin.
Versatility
When it comes to using chalk for climbing, there are two basic ways to use it. First, you add a base layer on your hands and feet before climbing to get rid of excess sweat and bacteria before you begin. Second, you add a little bit to the hands during the climb to “refresh” and make sure the grip stays sure. The nice thing about this liquid chalk is that it can easily be used for both instances. A dab will do you quite well while on the mountain, and a little bit more adds a great base layer before you begin.
Terrain
The type of chalk that a climber chooses to use is entirely a personal preference. If you choose to use liquid chalk, this entry from FrictionLabs is a great choice based on its ability to keep your skin clean, healthy and dry while you climb.
7. Wild Country Carabiner
These little things may look unimportant, but carabiners are vital to making sure your climb is a safe and successful one. Versatile and tough by design, good carabiners are what holds everything together.
Read moreEase of use
A quality carabiner has the ability to quickly open with pressure from the hand to add additional ropes but also has the ability to remain closed in any position and situation. Essentially you only want it to open when you decide to open it. Thankfully the clean wire gate offers an easy way to open the gate and keep it closed as needed.
The wire gate makes this carabiner a simple thing to open, and the strong spring action makes closing it just as simple.
Use
Not surprisingly, the larger the size of the gate, or opening in the carabiner, the easier it is to add ropes or other equipment to the mix. The 27-millimeter opening, therefore, makes adding what you need a breeze.
If you think about it, this little device is supporting a whole lot of weight, so it’s important that it be made of strong materials and be able to handle quite a bit. While this particular carabiner is rated for lightweight activity and rope use, rest assured. It has more than enough strength to support you and your gear.
Versatility
This particular carabiner is lightweight in style, so it’s perfect for traditional and sport climbing using lightweight and medium weight ropes.
Terrain
While not to be used with heavier weight ropes, this particular carabiner is well suited for lightweight ropes and gear. Easy to use and solid construction should make this one go-to choice time and time again.
8. Black Diamond Half-dome Helmet
Protecting your head while climbing is one of the most critical things that you can do to make sure that your climbing adventure is a successful one. Thankfully, the Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet lets you do just that-- and do it with style.
Read moreEase of use
Making sure your helmet fits you right is essential to prevent unnecessary mishaps while climbing. After all, why would you want a helmet that slides into your vision or feels like a vise on your head? Thankfully, this helmet has an easy to use adjuster wheel to make sure the interior suspension is fitted just right.
Use
When you’re looking for a helmet, one of the first things that you want to consider is how much protection it offers. In this case, a surprising amount. Although it is a half-domed helmet, it can easily protect most if not all of your head and neck from injury.
When it comes to taking a brunt of abuse and still being a solid choice for protection, you really can’t go wrong with this helmet. It is made as one of Black Diamond’s most durable pieces of equipment.
Versatility
This helmet also features a few things that most climbers expect to be standard, and Black Diamond certainly doesn’t disappoint. The headlamp clips are some of the most secure on the market today, and the chin straps are easily adjusted for a secure and customizable fit.
Terrain
It may sound strange, but having a sweaty head while climbing is not something you want. Therefore, having a helmet that allows for air flow around the head is really essential. Thankfully, the molded EPS foam and generous ventilation of this helmet won’t leave you sweltering.
9. Black Diamond Harness
When it comes to climbing, arguably one of the most important pieces of equipment to keep you safe and climbing is the harness. Designed keep your body safe from falling, and still provide a load of comfort, the Black Diamond Solution Climbing Harness is one of the best for doing just that.
Read moreEase of use
The Black Diamond Solution Harness is not only easy and comfortable to use for most people, but it is also fairly easy to care for. Simply wipe down with a damp cloth, check for stress fractures or other signs of damage, and allow to air dry until next use.
Use
A harness isn’t just for keeping you safe, of course. A great harness also has the ability to keep your equipment securely nearby, and the Black Diamond Solution Harness is no exception. It has four separate pressure-molded gear loops within easy reach so that your chalk bag, extra carabiners, ropes, or whatever you need is close at hand.
One of the nice things about this particular harness is its ability to safely and comfortably distribute the climber's weight, which is essential in cases of accidental falls. Also, the personal anchor features multiple Dynex loops that are securely sewn in, so that the climber can easily adjust his anchor or mid-pitch if needed and still keep a solid connection.
Versatility
This harness is available in sizes ranging from small to extra large, and each one is designed to fit a person easily with the adjustable elastic risers easily conforming to the perfect fit for the individual. Plus, it adds extra support just where you need it.
Terrain
This harness is created used lightweight but extremely durable webbing and fusion comfort quality to make sure that the waistband and leg harnesses move with you and not against you. In fact, chances are you’ll forget that you’re wearing a harness at all.
10. Petzl Grigri Belay 2 Device
The belay and the belay line are your last line of defense when it comes to the inevitable fall or mishap while climbing. Having a good belay system and the device is essential for a safe climb. Thankfully, this example from Petzl is one of the best on the market.
Read moreEase of use
Belay devices and systems are only effective if they can be easily used. Thankfully, the Petzl GriGri and Belay device are designed for both beginners and experts alike. It uses traditional two hands on the rope approach, which is often the easiest to master.
Use
The purpose of a belay is to stop you from falling too far when you lose your grip and to slow your descent when repelling. Thankfully, this belay device does both these things with relative ease and is responsive to the changes in weight and movement.
Versatility
While many belay devices are specialized for specific types of climbing, this particular example can be easily used both in top-rope or lead belay depending on your needs. In addition, the grigri braking system adds the ability to perform acrobatic feats while climbing if needed.
Terrain
If you’re looking for a belay device that is designed to aid beginners in learning how to climb safely and keep the experts safe and secure as well, this is a fantastic choice.