So, you’re trying to get into rock climbing and need to know how to get started. Let’s first discuss what you should wear to enhance your experience. Even if you are nowhere close to a pro, at least you’ll begin to look like one.
When you go to a rock-climbing gym, you should wear attire that is both comfortable and functional. Try to avoid baggy clothing that will get in the way of your climbing experience or clothing that is too restrictive. It is recommended to wear a long-sleeved breathable top, comfortable pants, rock climbing shoes, and a sports bra for ladies.
While ‘not too loose and not too tight’ may sound like a confusing version of a rock-climbing Goldilocks, the basic idea is that you need attire that allows you to be flexible but also won’t have you accidentally grabbing a jacket sleeve or stepping on a pant leg instead of a rock. Ready to learn more?
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What Should I Wear to a Climbing Gym?
Generally, rock-climbing attire for women and men is going to be the same. Long-sleeved or short-sleeved tops depending on preference, leggings or longer shorts, shoes meant for bouldering, and you’ll be good to go!
Activewear for Women
When it comes to activewear for women, you’ll want to first consider your level of experience.
If you are new to rock-climbing, a breathable long-sleeved shirt may be the right option to help you avoid getting too many scrapes on your arms.
While you should expect to get a little banged up during your first few tries, you can prevent a bit of damage by opting for a protective layer such as the Icebreaker Merino Women’s Oasis top.
Shorts may not be as ideal, as women’s shorts tend to be a bit shorter and could be uncomfortable with a harness.
A sports bra that fits well and is also comfortable to move in is going to be a must, so that there is no more tension that necessary in your shoulders as you pull yourself up.
Activewear for Men
The same as we mentioned for women, first timers would do well to wear a shirt with long sleeves that can act as a buffer.
A top like the Under Armour long-sleeved t-shirt can provide a nice layer between your skin and the rocks.
As men’s’ shorts tend to go about halfway down the leg, shorts or long pants are both suitable, comfortable options.
Can I Wear Sneakers for Rock Climbing?
In short, no. You should not be wearing sneakers to rock climb.
Sneakers are not appropriate footwear for rock climbers because their size and lack of adequate grip make them exceptionally difficult to climb in.
If you are starting out, you can rely on the rental shoes that your gym most likely has to offer.
It is much better to use rock-climbing shoes as most gyms won’t allow you to climb barefoot for hygiene reasons. Additionally, wearing sneakers can significantly alter your technique and you don’t want to begin your climbing career by forming bad habits.
Tips For Choosing Climbing Clothes
So, when it comes to choosing clothes to climb in, you will want to focus on functionality over all else.
- Your clothing should be comfortable, breathable (lightweight options will make you feel less weighed down and are easier to move in), and layers are also going to be quite beneficial.
- Going back to the idea of longer sleeves, perhaps instead of a shirt, you’ll opt for a lightweight jacket which you can remove if you get overheated.
- If you choose this route, you’ll want another breathable top underneath that outer layer to ensure that everything fits well and doesn’t get too bulky.
Cute Rock-Climbing Outfits
While functionality needs to come before all else, you can still rock a cute outfit! (Get it? Because you’ll be rock-climbing!)
You can even invest in a cute pair of climbing pants if this is something you decide you enjoy. On top of having breathable, stretchy material, the fit of the pants is especially handy for all of the different maneuvers.
Try out a pair of Ucraft Xlite Women’s Rock Climbing and Bouldering Pants to not only look, but to also feel the part.
You can really pair anything with your rock-climbing pants, so long as it makes you feel confident and capable of climbing.
What Gear Do I need for Gym Climbing?
In a gym, most things that you need will be provided. This is a perk of climbing in an area that has the equipment and support, especially for those that are beginning their rock-climbing journeys.
As mentioned before, you’ll want to utilize climbing shoes, which can most often be rented from your rock-climbing gym.
Next, you’ll need to use some chalk to keep your hands dry for grip. You don’t want to slip because you can’t properly hang on to a hold (one of the rocks that you are grabbing.) Again, any climbing gym should provide this for you.
After that, you can rely on a gym to have a harness and a rope to ensure that you are safely supported and won’t be injured if you slip.
Rock Climbing Tips
Wondering where to get started in terms of your actual rock-climbing practice?
- Climb with your feet and use your core to help pull yourself up. Don’t rely solely on your arms and shoulders to do the heavy-lifting or you’ll be worn about before you’re even fully warmed up.
- Take breaks. Rest when you can so that you don’t expend too much energy all at one time. This will lead to you feeling like you’ve done more than you have and can create bad habits early on. Know when it is time to let your body take a quick break.
- Deep breathing will help you maintain a healthy circulation of oxygen that is vital as you deeply use muscles that may not be in your daily exercise routines.
Rock Climbing Jargon
As you may have noticed above, we mentioned a ‘hold’ which is the rock that you grab with your hands to pull your body up.
When we spoke about a harness and rope, these things will be held by a ‘belayer’, a person who stands on the ground and feeds you rope as you climb upward. You would be the ‘lead’, the person climbing, in this scenario. The belayer will be there if you slip and fall to grab the rope and keep you from plummeting downward.
A ‘pitch’ is used more often in outdoor climbing, but it means a section of a climb that is connected by a single length of rope.
Finally, if someone mentions a ‘crag’ they are also referring to outdoor climbing, as this means a rock feature such as a cliff that is going to be climbed.
Now, take this newfound lingo, your attire, a good attitude, and get to climbing!