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So, you’ve been to the climbing gym, and now you’re hooked. The indoor holds are fun, but the call of real rock is a whole different beast. Climbing outdoors is an incredible experience, but it requires a few key pieces of gear to do it safely. As a beginner, it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what you actually need.

Fear not! This guide will break down the essential gear for a basic outdoor sport climbing setup. Remember, this is a starting point. Your kit will grow over time as you gain experience and explore different types of climbing.

The Essentials: The “Go-Bag” Basics

Before we get into the group gear, let’s talk about what’s personal and non-negotiable for every climber.

  • Harness: Your harness is your connection to the rope. It should be comfortable and fit snugly around your waist and legs. As a beginner, a standard all-around harness is perfect. Look for one with adjustable leg loops for comfort and a good number of gear loops for racking your quickdraws. Dual adjust is most popular these days allowing you to centre the belay loop. 

  • Climbing Shoes: These are your climbing ‘hands’ for your feet. They should fit snugly without being painful. The goal is to feel the rock and have good edging power. Don’t buy a super aggressive, downturned shoe as your first pair; a neutral, comfortable shoe is a much better choice for a beginner.

  • Helmet: A must for outdoors. Rocks can fall, and climbers above you can accidentally drop things. A helmet protects your most important asset. It should fit well and be comfortable enough to wear for long periods. Lightweight helmets are great for long days but when starting out a general mountaineering helmet will do the job. 

  • Belay Device and Locking Carabiner: This is the tool you’ll use to manage the rope and keep your climber safe. An ATC is a great, simple, and reliable belay device for beginners. Pair it with a locking carabiner, preferably a screw-gate or twist-lock, which is a key piece of safety equipment. It’s good to have a dedicated carabiner for your device, the ACL versions help prevent cross loading and are recommended with your belay device. 

  • Chalk Bag and Chalk: This keeps your hands dry, giving you a better grip on the rock. It’s not strictly a safety item, but it’s essential for comfort and performance – plus style! 

The Group Gear: What to Share

This is the gear that’s often shared between climbing partners. Don’t feel like you have to buy all of this yourself on day one. Partnering with a friend who has some gear is a great way to start.

  • Rope: The lifeline! For sport climbing, a dynamic rope is what you need. A good length for most crags is 60m.  A 9.6mm or 9.8mm diameter is a great choice for beginners—it’s durable and easy to handle.

  • Quickdraws: These are what connect the rope to the bolts on the rock. A standard sport climbing rack will have 8-10 quickdraws. You’ll use them to clip the rope into the bolts as you climb.

  • Sling and Locking Carabiners: A 120cm sling and two locking carabiners are essential for building a safe anchor at the top of a climb. This is how you’ll safely clip into the bolts to be lowered or rappel down.

  • Cordellete or Additional Sling: Having an extra piece of cord or sling can be very useful for creating redundant anchor systems or for abseiling. 

  • Rope Bag: Keeps your rope clean and organized, protecting it from dirt and abrasion. Look for one with a built in tarp to provide a good amount of ground cover.

Beyond the Basics: Nice-to-Have but Not Essential (Yet)

  • Belay Gloves: Protects your hands while belaying, especially if you’re working with a heavy climber or doing a lot of climbing.

  • Belay Glasses: If you are tired of looking up all the time buy a good pair of belay glasses and save your neck! 

  • Climbing Brush: Great for cleaning holds on the rock.

  • First Aid Kit: Always a good idea to have one in your pack.

  • Headlamp: Crucial if you’re climbing late in the day.

  • Final Thoughts on Getting Started

Getting outdoors is the next logical step in your climbing journey, but it’s important to do it safely. Here’s my best advice:

  • Take a Class: Most local Alpine clubs offer “Intro to Outdoor Climbing” or “Anchor Building” course. This is the single best investment you can make.

  • Go with an Experienced Friend: Don’t go to the crag alone for your first time. Find a mentor who can teach you the ropes and point out common mistakes.

  • Practice, Practice, Practice: Practice your knots, your belay technique, and your communication skills on the ground before you ever get on the rock.

Building your first outdoor climbing kit is an exciting step. Start with the essentials, learn from experienced climbers, and always prioritise safety. The world of real rock awaits!