Rock climbing is an exhilarating and rewarding activity that will push your mental and physical limits. Whether you’re testing your skills in the gym or scaling cliffs in nature, it is crucial that you have the right gear to keep you safe and performing at your best! In this blog, we will unpack the essential rock climbing equipment you will need to get started.
Ropes
Perhaps the most important piece of kit you will need if you’re planning to go rock climbing is climbing ropes. Most indoor climbing and bouldering centres will provide climbing ropes and offer tutorials on how to use them, but if you’re planning on rock climbing outside of a centre, you will most likely need to provide your own.
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Harness
Another piece of equipment you won’t be able to climb without is a safety harness. At Safety Harness Direct, all of our climbing harnesses are ergonomically designed to keep you safe and comfortable, whether you’re climbing, abseiling, bouldering or doing any other activity at height!
There are two main types of climbing harness: a sit harness that consists of a waist belt and two leg loops, allowing you to sit comfortably while hanging, and a full body harness that offers extra protection but can be slightly more restrictive.
Karabiners
Karabiners are another integral piece of climbing safety equipment. These sturdy links are used to connect belay devices and ropes to your climbing harness. At Safety Harness Direct, we stock a range of karabiners, including screw lock karabiners, triple action karabiners and pin lock karabiners.
Investing in a good quality karabiner is essential for your safety, which is why you should only buy karabiners from brands with long-standing reputations for quality and strength - for example, PETZL and LifeGear.
SEE ALSO: Should I Use Twist Lock or Screw Lock Karabiners?
Helmet
Another piece of equipment that is essential for rock climbing is a safety helmet. Nature can be unpredictable, and when you’re climbing outdoors, there is a risk that the rock face will crumble and send stones, rocks and boulders tumbling down to you.
If you’re climbing at a centre, you most likely will not need a helmet as climbing walls rarely reach over 15 feet and there will be crash mats below you.
With these four items—climbing rope, a safety harness karabiners and a helmet—in your kit bag, you should be well on your way to becoming an accomplished rock climber. Other important climbing items include climbing shoes, chalk and a chalk bag, quick draws, climbing cans and belays, but as you learn to climb and talk to other rock climbers for recommendations, you will be able to build up a kit that is perfectly tailored to you.
If you have any questions about any of our rock climbing safety equipment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Safety Harness Direct. A member of our team will be happy to help!
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