Trad Climbing Checklist

Notes: This list is intentionally extensive; not every climber will bring every item on every outing. List is for day use.

For printer-friendly version, click Print Checklist (PDF) at right.

For multiday trips, add gear from our Backpacking or Family Camping lists.

Climbing gear basics

(hardware quantities depend on route)

• Rope
• Belay/rappel device
• Large locking carabiner for belay device
• Additional locking carabiners
• Nonlocking carabiners
• Nuts
• Hexes
• Cams
• ____________________

• Nut tool
• Gear sling
• Runners: singles (60cm) & doubles (120cm)
• Quickdraws
• Chalk
• Chalk bag
• Route description or guidebook
• Climbing pack
• ____________________

Personal basics

• Helmet
• Harness
• Rock shoes
• Hand protection (belay/rappel gloves; tape)
• ____________________

• Sunglasses (with retention strap)
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• First-aid supplies (see our First-aid checklist)
• ____________________

Gear and clothing options

• Map (with protective case)
• Compass
• GPS
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Knife or multi-tool
• Multifunction watch with altimeter
• Matches/lighter/fire starter in waterproof container
• Two-way radios
• Cell phone in protective bag
• Emergency reflective blanket
• Repair items
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________

• Water bottles (filled)
• Water treatment method
• Lunch
• Energy bars, gels, chews, trail mix
• Energy beverages
• Powdered drink mixes
• Wicking T-shirt
• Shorts, pants, tights
• Skin-shielding items (hat and clothing)
• Rain jacket
• Rain pants or bibs
• Insulation (vest, jacket, pants, hat, gloves)
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________

Other personal options

• Insect repellent
• Toilet paper
• Sanitation trowel
• Hand sanitizer
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Signaling mirror
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________

• Approach shoes or boots
• Socks (synthetic or wool)
• Bandanna or buff
• Permits
• Bag for collecting trash
• Notepad with pen/pencil
• Trip itinerary left w/friend & under car seat
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________

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