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Expert Advice > Rock Climbing Gear Checklists

Rock Climbing Gear Checklists

Bouldering

You don't need much gear to go bouldering. The following, plus comfortable clothing that won't restrict your movement, can help you make the most of your training time.

  • Rock shoes
  • Chalk bag
  • Chalk
  • Crash pad

Top-Roping

Top-roping is a great introduction to climbing. It offers the security of an anchor at the top of the climb, allowing you to make mistakes as you learn. Gear for top-roping includes your personal gear and that used to set up the anchor.

Personal Gear:

  • Rock shoes
  • Harness
  • Locking carabiner(1)
  • Belay device
  • Helmet
  • Rope(9.8mm-11mm)

For setting up anchors:

  • Locking carabiners(1-2)
  • Nonlocking carabiners (6-8)
  • Runners(3-6)
  • Tubular webbing(20-60 ft.)
  • Medium to large stoppers/hexes/nuts(10-12)
  • Nut extraction tool

Optional:

  • Rope bag
  • Chalk bag
  • Chalk
  • Leather belay gloves
  • Tape—for hands if crack climbing

Lead Climbing—Sport

In addition to top-roping equipment:

  • Carabiners—D nonlocking (10-14)
  • Quickdraws or quickdraw sets(10-14)
  • Carabiners—bent-gate D non-locking (10-14)
  • Runners—single(4-6)

Lead Climbing—Traditional

In addition to top-roping equipment:

  • Carabiners—nonlocking(12-28)
  • Quickdraws or quickdraw sets(6-8)
  • Runners—single(6-10)
  • Passive camming devices(3-6)
  • Wired stoppers—small(6-12)
  • Carabiners—large locking(1)
  • Carabiners—locking(2-6)
  • Runners—double(2-4)
  • Spring loaded camming devices(SLCDs)(6-10)
  • Quantities will vary depending on the climb.

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