frEssential gear for beginners in rock climbing
Want to start climbing? Here’s the essential gear you need to climb safely and have fun.
1. Climbing Shoes
- Straight shape, not too aggressive
- Snug fit without being painful
- Velcro closure for easy on and off
Examples of beginner climbing shoes : La Sportiva Tarantula, Scarpa Origin or EB Electron
2. Harness
Essential for rope climbing (indoors or outdoors), a harness allows you to safely tie into the rope.
A climbing harness has a lifespan of 2 to 10 years, depending on frequency and intensity of use.
It is an essential piece of safety equipment and must comply with the CE EN 12277 standard, ensuring reliability and strength.
Choose a harness that is:
- Adjustable (waist belt and leg loops)
- Comfortable enough to hang in when needed
For beginners, we recommend models such as the Petzl Corax, Black Diamond Momentum or Edelrid Jay which offer an excellent balance of comfort, simplicity, and affordability.
3. Belay Device + Carabiner
To climb with a partner, you need to be able to belay them safely!
The classic beginner setup:
- A Reverso-style device or a GriGri (assisted braking)
- A locking or auto-locking carabiner
Learn how to use your belay device before climbing. To get started with confidence, choose a Black Diamond ATC Guide, or a Petzl GriGri (extremely safe, even for beginners), paired with a BEAL Be Quick ou CAMP Orbit 2Lock.
4. Rope for outdoor climbing
Indoor gyms generally provide ropes, but for crag climbing you’ll need your own.
To get started, we recommend:
- Length: 60 to 80 meters
- Diameter: 9.4 mm to 10 mm (more durable)
- Single dynamic rope
BEAL. - Karma 9.8 mm - 70 mètres
For outdoor climbing, ropes like the Beal Karma 9.8 mm or Edelrid parrot are ideal for beginner and regular climbers.
5. Helmet
Often overlooked by beginners, the helmet is an essential piece of climbing safety equipment, especially outdoors.
It protects against falling rocks and impacts with the wall. Even at well-maintained climbing sites, risk is never zero!
BLACK DIAMOND - Half Dome
For beginners, models like the Petzl Boreo or the Black Diamond Half Dome provide great comfort at an affordable price.
6. Chalk Bag + Chalk
To prevent your hands from slipping, especially if you sweat.
What you need :
- A chalk bag attached to your harness
- Powder chalk, chalk balls, or liquid chalk
Choose a simple chalk bag like the BEAL Cocoon Clic Clac II or the MILLET Cimai Chalk, and opt for chalk balls or liquid chalk to reduce dust in climbing gyms.
7. Appropriate clothing
Climbing requires freedom of movement! Wearing the right clothes makes all the difference.
Think about wearing:
- A breathable technical T-shirt
- Stretch pants or shorts
- A fitted cut, but not too tight
To climb comfortably from your very first sessions, choose clothing from La Sportiva ou Montura specifically designed for climbing.
For extra comfort, you can wear a pair of thin socks inside your climbing shoes. This helps reduce pain, prevent friction, yellow toenails, and unpleasant odors over time.
For Bouldering
No rope or harness needed, but a few essentials are still indispensable!
Gear for bouldering :
- Climbing shoes
- Crash pad (landing mat)
- Brush for cleaning holds
Bouldering is ideal for beginners: short, fun climbing sessions that require very little equipment!
FAQ : Your most frequently asked questions
At what age can you start climbing?
Children can start as early as 6–7 years old in climbing gyms or bouldering facilities, with proper supervision. Junior climbing shoes and harnesses are available.
What budget should I expect for gear?
For beginners, expect to spend around €150 to €250 for a complete starter kit including shoes, harness, belay device, and chalk bag.
What backpack should I use to carry my gear?
A 30 to 40 L backpack is sufficient for indoor climbing. For outdoor climbing, choose a dedicated climbing pack with a rope tarp or a more durable haul bag.
When should I replace my climbing gear?
It depends on how often you climb:
- Climbing shoes: as soon as they are excessively worn or have holes.
- Harness and ropes: according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and with regular wear inspections.
- Belay device and carabiner: if visible wear appears, after an impact, or following a major fall.
How do I maintain my climbing gear?
- Climbing shoes: air dry, hand wash, insert EB Stick into each shoe and use EB Fresh spray to neutralize odors.
- Rope and harness: store away from moisture and UV exposure.
- Chalk: close the bag tightly after use.
Where should beginners climb?
You can start in an indoor climbing or bouldering gym, such as Wattabloc (Saint-Alban-Leysse, Savoie), which is ideal for learning safely and without overcomplicating things.
For outdoor climbing, prioritize beginner-friendly crags with easy, well-bolted routes.
Discover the best climbing spots in Savoie.
Why choose montaz for your climbing gear?
At Montaz, our team of enthusiasts helps you choose the best climbing equipment to get started. Whether you’re a complete beginner or simply curious about the world of climbing, we offer a selection of tested and approved products suited to every level.
Feel free to contact us by phone at +33 4 79 72 59 69, by email at conseiller@montaz.com, or visit our store for personalized advice.
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