Climbing: such a simple act that we do as children and then forget. However, if you want to take your first steps into the vertical world, you can do it at any age, with the appropriate precautions. There are different disciplines to choose from: indoor climbing (ideal for beginners and to keep fit), rock climbing, bouldering, multipitch. And each type of activity requires warnings and often compulsory equipment.
But what do you really need to start climbing? Assuming you have the necessary aptitude (patience, good will and a little bit of madness), let’s take a look at the equipment you need to get started, what it’s for and what you can buy later.
1 – What kind of climbing shoes should I buy to start climbing?
There are many different types of climbing shoes on the market, depending on your level and the terrain. For beginners, it is best to choose climbing shoes that are versatile and comfortable. They should be the right size or a little smaller, with a straight geometry and not overpriced. This will allow you to gradually acclimatize your foot and gain experience. At a later stage, you can move on to more performance climbing shoes. Here is an article on how to choose climbing shoes.
2- How to choose a harness?
The harness is a necessary piece of equipment when you start rope climbing (both indoors and on the rock). It is a very important piece of equipment, considering that your life depends on it. Not only must the harness be up to standard, it must also be the right size for your physique. Harnesses have different features and prices depending on their use. As a first harness, we recommend a versatile product that is suitable for all disciplines, structured (as you often climb from seconds and spend a lot of time hanging) and reasonably priced.
3 – What safety device should I use?
The belayer: apart from being the person who secures you during the climb (choose a careful and patient belayer!), this is the name given to the device you use to stop the rope in the event of a fall and during the descent. There are many on the market, but to start with, if your interest is in indoor or rock climbing, we recommend an easy-to-use, self-blocking device. It is important to understand the differences between different belay devices and which one is best for different situations.
4 – Do I need to bring my own rope?
A rope is an essential piece of equipment for rock (or indoor) climbing. As you climb in pairs, it is not immediately necessary; you can use your partner’s rope for the first few trips. However, if you intend to continue and start climbing seriously, we recommend that you buy your own rope. This is important because only if you own a rope do you know its history and condition. For your first rope, you will usually want a strong rope of medium diameter that runs well and will not be damaged when used on top ropes. When the time comes to buy, we will help you choose your sports climbing rope here.
5 – How do I choose climbing protection?
When climbing outdoors, there are different types of protection that you use to secure your rope and climb safely. Generally speaking, when you start out, you will be climbing on routes that are already equipped and therefore the protection you need is the quickdraw, which can be passed in bolts or pitons. As far as ropes are concerned, you can use your partner’s to start with, but if you then decide to buy your own equipment, you will need to buy a set of quickdraws (10-12).
6 – Should I wear a helmet to start climbing?
Wearing a helmet is not compulsory when climbing, and the choice of whether or not to wear one is a matter of common sense. Apart from your own safety in the event of a fall, a helmet is very useful when climbing in places where the rock is not very solid and you could fall to the ground, even if you are belaying your partner. In addition, there are now helmets that are so light that you really have no excuse not to wear them.
7 – What other equipment will I need?
We have already talked about basic equipment such as climbing shoes, harness, rope, quickdraws and helmet. In addition, you will need a rucksack to carry your equipment, a magnesite bag, appropriate clothing and climbing shoes to get to your designated climbing spot.
8 – How do I properly care for and maintain my climbing equipment?
When buying and using equipment that you trust with your life, it is essential to know how to inspect, clean and maintain it: this is the only way to ensure its longevity and safety. Always check that the rope is intact, that the harness is not worn (especially the service ring) and that the quickdraws are not rifled into the carabiners, thus risking cutting the rope.
These are just a few tips on the equipment you need to start climbing. As well as buying the equipment, you will need to learn how to use it safely, learn the correct climbing technique and start having fun! Our advice is to take part in a course organized by mountain guides.
Finally, an important piece of advice: if you are a beginner, consider taking a course with a certified mountain guide!
Happy climbing!
