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 a printer-friendly version, click Print 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 extraction 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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