Are you looking for the best rock climbing gear for beginners? Did you know you can save a lot of dough by getting a climbing gear package instead of buying all your gear separately?
Today, most major climbing gear manufacturers offer a package deal for their entry level climbing gear at a deep discount. These packages are also known as a climbing harness package.
Since these gear sets are only aimed at beginners they only have indoor rock climbing equipment in them. This should be fine for most of you since outdoor climbing is much harder to get started with. After climbing at the gym for awhile you will want to upgrade your equipment. Here is a list of the best gear for climbing:
Although this is a good start check out this REI article for a complete list of all the gear you could ever need.
For now, you will probably want to just stick with a beginner set of climbing gear. This is the most cost-effective way to get the gear you need.
Most packages contain at least the following:
- Climbing Harness
- Chalkbag
- Belay Device (ATC)
- Locking Carabiner
- Chalk (maybe)
This gets you started climbing in the gym in no time! This also will save you from having to rent that smell uncomfortable gear from the gym. You’ll look cooler too!
The only thing that a rock climbing gear package doesn’t contain is climbing shoes. If you don’t have a pair yet make sure to check out your top selection of Beginners Climbing Shoes Here!
Let’s go over the best rock climbing starter kits.
Rock Climbing Gear Package
Men’s Gear Packages
Black Diamond Momentum Harness Package
Harness: Momentum
- Belay Device: BD ATC belay device
- Carabiner: RockLock
- Chalkbag: Mojo
- Extra: BD White Gold Chalk
You will be ready to rip up the gym with the gear package!
Mad Rock Mars Harness
Harness: Mars
- Belay Device: Wingman
- Carabiner: HMS Screwgate
- Chalkbag: Kangaroo
- Extra: Chalk Ball
This is a good way to get started with some good gear at a great price.
Women’s Gear Packages
Black Diamond Primrose Women’s Harness Package
Harness: Primrose
- Belay Device: BD ATC belay device
- Carabiner: RockLock
- Chalkbag: Mojo
- Extra: BD White Gold Chalk
It’s a good deal too!
Mad Rock Venus Deluxe Climbing Package
Harness: Venus
- Belay Device: Wingman
- Carabiner: HMS Screwgate
- Chalkbag: Kangaroo
- Extra: Chalk Ball
Buying Climbing Gear Individually
If one of the packages listed above is not exactly what you are looking for then you might want to put together rock climbing gear kit for yourself.
This is especially good for climbers who have tried out different gear and are looking for a specific set of gear. Your choice of gear will reflect what type of climbing you do.
For example, if you only lead climb occasionally, a simple harness and ATC belay device will more likely work for you. If you are more serious about lead climbing you might want to look into a more advanced harness and an auto-locking belay device.
If you want to learn more about the different types of climbing check out this article.
Climbing Harness
A climbing harness is an essential part of a climbers gear set. This does not only keep a climber safe but also keeps the climber comfortable.
Depending on what type of climbing you are doing, spending 6+ hours in a harness a day is not uncommon. Getting one that fits your needs and has a quality build is very important.
If you are a beginner rock climber, a simple harness for any major manufacturer will probably do. If you are a more advanced climber you might want to find a harness that fits your exact needs.
See the following review of the best climbing harness on the market: Best Harness
Climbing Belay Device
A belay device is a very important piece of equipment. At its core, these devices are very simple, but failure is absolutely not acceptable.
Some belay devices are more complicated than other so before you purchase a device you have to be 100% sure you know how to use it.
The two main type of belay devices are:
- ATC
- Auto-locking
An ATC is a very simple tube style braking device that usually can double as a rappel device. This is the most common style of belay device and is common for beginners. The main advantages of this style are low price and simplicity.
An auto-locking device (such as a GriGri) adds an extra layer of safety to the mix. If your belayer doesn’t hold the brake side of the rope down during a fall the device will cam and lock the rope. This is both good and bad. Climbers will often become too comfortable with this style of device and assume nothing wrong can ever happen (which isn’t true by a longshot: climbing accidents).
Whichever belay device you chose just remember to be careful and educated on what you are doing.
Review of the best climbing belay devices coming soon: Coming Soon
Locking Carabiner
A good quality locking carabiner is just as important as a good belay device. Locking carabiners are used to attach your belay device to your harness.
You can go as simple or as overdesigned as possible with this one. The important thing is that you get something that you will always have locked during a climb and is simple and easy to use.
It is good practice to have multiple locking biners on you at all times during climbing. They can get you out of a jam in more than one instance.
Review of the best locking carabiners coming soon: Coming Soon
Chalk and Chalk Bag
Climbing chalk and chalk bags seem so simple, but it is something that you will use every time you climb.
A chalk bag is more than less a one time purchase. It is a way for a climber to add some customization to there gear set. Make sure to get something that fits your personality and climbing style.
Climbing chalk is something that, up until a few years ago, were all considered equal. Since Friction Labs has come on the scene, many other chalk companies have been springing up.
A pro tip is to try out as many different types of chalk as you can. This will ensure you get the chalk that works the best for you and then buy that stuff in bulk!
Review of the best climbing chalk and best chalk bag coming soon: Coming Soon
Staff Picks
Here are the staff picks for building your own Rock Climbing Gear Package.
If you have any other comments, questions, or concerns please let us know in the comments section below.
Have Fun Crushing Y’all!
Owner and Operator of Every Last Rock. He is dedicated to spreading the Stoke about all things climbing. Often found Bouldering around the US and obsessively training.
