Rock Climbing

Best Rock Climbing Gear for Beginners and Sport Climbers

Essential climbing equipment for gym, sport, and trad climbing. From beginner harnesses and shoes to advanced protection, these are the most trusted picks from the climbing community.

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01
Petzl Grigri+ Belay Device

Petzl Grigri+ Belay Device

The industry-standard assisted-braking belay device for sport climbing and gym climbing. The Grigri+'s anti-panic handle and top-rope mode provide an additional safety layer for new belayers.

Rising·Score +22
02
Edelrid Swift Pro Dry 8.9mm Rope

Edelrid Swift Pro Dry 8.9mm Rope

A versatile single rope with dry treatment for outdoor climbing in varied conditions. The Swift Pro's compact diameter and low weight make it ideal for sport routes and moderate trad climbing.

Steady·Score +12
03
Mammut Crag Sender Helmet

Mammut Crag Sender Helmet

A lightweight ventilated climbing helmet with hybrid foam and polycarbonate shell construction. The Crag Sender's balanced weight and adjustable fit make it comfortable for long days on multi-pitch routes.

Steady·Score +12
04
Petzl Spirit Express Quickdraws

Petzl Spirit Express Quickdraws

Lightweight sport climbing quickdraws with a bent-gate clip-end carabiner for easy rope clipping under stress. The Spirit draws are used by gym climbers and route climbers at all performance levels.

Steady·Score +12
05
Black Diamond C4 Cams

Black Diamond C4 Cams

The gold standard in spring-loaded camming devices (SLCDs) for traditional climbing. Black Diamond C4s are available in sizes covering most crack widths and are trusted across decades of trad climbing.

Steady·Score +8
06
Petzl Reverso 4 Belay Device

Petzl Reverso 4 Belay Device

A multi-function tube belay device usable in auto-block mode for belaying a second on trad routes. The Reverso 4 is a versatile, lightweight belay/rappel device carried by trad and alpine climbers.

Steady·Score +8
07
Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes

Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes

An aggressive downturned performance shoe for overhanging sport routes and bouldering. The Instinct VS's precision toe box and high-tension rand deliver exceptional sensitivity on small footholds.

Steady·Score +6
08
Ocun Twist Tech Chalk Block

Ocun Twist Tech Chalk Block

High-quality magnesium carbonate chalk that maximizes hand friction for climbing. Block chalk is preferred by many climbers for its purity and longevity compared to powdered chalk.

Steady·Score +5
09
Wild Country Zero Friend Cams

Wild Country Zero Friend Cams

A lightweight and reliable cam set used by trad climbers worldwide. Wild Country's Zero Friends offer excellent hold in parallel cracks and are a popular budget-friendly alternative to Black Diamond C4s.

Steady·Score +5
10
La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes

La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes

The classic beginner climbing shoe with a flat last, comfortable fit, and reliable friction rubber. The Tarantula's accommodating shape allows new climbers to wear shoes for full sessions without foot pain.

Steady·Score +4
11
Black Diamond Momentum Harness

Black Diamond Momentum Harness

The most recommended beginner climbing harness — adjustable, comfortable, and UIAA certified. The Momentum's pre-threaded Speed Adjust waistbelt buckle makes it easy for new climbers to don correctly.

Steady·Score +3
12
Black Diamond Notion Chalk Bag

Black Diamond Notion Chalk Bag

A simple, functional chalk bag with a stiff rim for easy one-handed chalking. Essential friction-enhancing equipment for every climber, used in gyms and on outdoor crags worldwide.

Steady·Score +2
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Petzl Grigri+ Belay Device

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