Rock Climbing Kit List

You don't need to wear anything special for  rock climbing at easily accessible crags. Get in touch if you are unsure about what to bring. I am always happy to advise, and can often make time to visit a shop at either the beginning or end of the day if required.  

Please don't pay too much attention to the suggested models, they are just recommendations for if you are considering buying your own gear.

Clothing

It's most important that your clothing doesn't restrict movement. If you are going to a mountain crag or sea cliff  it is a good idea to avoid natural fibres, such as cotton Synthetics and wool dry much quicker. I normally wear the following:

Approach shoes or fell running shoes (the lighter the better if you have to carry them up routes).

Hardwearing, unrestrictive trousers.

Baselayer Tee shirt or sun hoody.

Thin Fleece - with a long body that won't pull out of your harness ideally.

Windproof top - These are one of the most versatile bits of kit you can own adding an amazing amount of warmth for very little weight. Ideally it should have a hood and stuff away into a pocket and can be clipped  into the back of your harness.

Extra layer - a spare fleece or thin primaloft jacket is a good idea. Mountain crags can be chilly places even in summer.

Thin hat, and buff. They don't weigh much but can be handy on chilly belays.

Thin leather gloves - Great for rope work, belaying, and keeping your hands warm on chilly stances. I use cheap ones from hardware stores. It is worth adding a clip-loop of thin cord so you can clip them to your harness.

Waterproof top and bottoms. Ideally we won't be climbing in the rain, but sometime we have too. They also keep you much warmer on windy days. Lightweight options are best for summer climbing.

Climbing Equipment

Rock shoes - as with all footwear fit is everything. Go to a good shop and try lots on.

Harness - A simple model with four gear loops, and fixed legs loops works well for the vast majority of climbing. I'm using the Edelrid Ace currently, and really rate it.

Helmet - A modern, lightweight model like the Edelrid Salathe or Petzl Meteor is the best option. .

Belay Plate - A DMM Mantis paired with a DMM Phantom HMS karabiner would get my vote.

Two extra screw gate karabiners - for attaching yourself at belays. I like the DMM Phantom HMS.

Two extra snap gate karabiners - for clipping things like your gloves, windproof top, and trainers to your harness. Any will do.

Nut Key - For removing gear. I like the Black Diamond Nut Tool. You'll need a krab to rack it on too.

Chalk Bag, chalk, and some 6mm cord to tie the bag around your waist.

Beer towel for cleaning your boots before each climb.

Other stuff

Rucksack - 35 to 45 litres should be plenty. A simple climbing sack like the Aiguille Alpine Stratos is pretty much perfect, and easier to to pack, than complicated hill walking bags with airflow back systems.

Walking poles (optional) - worth having for those knee busting descents.

Headtorch - always worth having, just in case.

Drink - no more than 1.5 litres. In colder months a flask of hot juice is worth bringing.

Food - I normally bring a sandwich (bagels are good as they don't fall apart in your sack), a big of nuts/dried fruit, and an apple.

Camera (optional) - kept around your neck on a loop of thin cord. Though these days I take all my photos on my phone - It's a good idea to tie a loop of cord through the case so can clip it to you, and not drop it.

Stuff you don't need

I will be carrying group safety equipment: first aid kit, bothy bag, and abseil tat. There is no need to double up on these, so please don't bring them.