Gear You Need to Start Rock Climbing

Types

• Harnesses
  Harnesses are an absolute necessity. In the past, harnesses were constructed simply with a piece of webbing or rope tied around the waist. These "swami belts" were terribly uncomfortable and not entirely safe, as ribs could be broken after a long fall. Modern harnesses sport padded waist belts and adjustable or fitted leg loops, along with gear loops (for attaching carabiners) and a belay loop (which attaches the leg loops and waist belt and is used for belaying).
  Waist belts should always be buckled tightly just above the hipbones. Leg loops should fit comfortably, but should not sag down the hamstrings.

Types

• Locking carabiners
  Locking carabiners (or "lockers") are oval or D shaped aluminim clips that have locking mechanisms that prevent the gate from opening. They connect a climber or rope to an anchor or safety and rescue systems. Most lockers (and non-lockers) are a symmetrical or asymmetrical variation of the D shape, which is stronger because it concentrates the load on the spine.
  Experienced climbers typically have a minimum of three attached to their harnesses at all times: one for the belay device, one (or two) to clip into the main anchor and one extra for emergencies. Climbers can choose either screw-gate lockers or spring-loaded lockers, which automatically snap into a locked position.

Types

• Belay Device
  A belay device is the key rope management item that keeps a climber from falling to the ground if she falls while ascending the rock. The person on the ground (the belayer) threads the climbing rope through the belay device, which creates enough friction that the belayer can easily control the descent of the climber as she falls or is being lowered to the ground. Most devices include two slots: only one is used for belaying, and two are used for rappelling. There are various types of belay devices.

Types

• Climbing shoes
  Specialized shoes are not absolutely necessary, but they will enhance your overall climbing experience because they improve performance. Rock climbing shoes look like ballet shoes, but have more support and sport a special sticky rubber that adheres to all types of rock. Rock shoes are comprised of the "last," the midsole, the laces or Velcro used to cinch the shoe down, the rand and the rubber.

Types

• Chalk bag and chalk
  Chalk bags and chalk are also not absolutely necessary, but if your hands are sweating while you climb, these items will help alleviate the feeling that you are slipping off holds. Climbers began using chalk as they developed a more gymnastic style of climbing. Chalk bags come in many styles, but typically are small and deep. They are tied around the waist and have cinch strings to keep them shut so that chalk doesn't fall out when they're not in use. Various types of chalk exist, but most are fairly similar to the chalk you will find at a gymnastics studio.