If you’re like me, you love to rock climb, but you’re always stumped on what to wear. After all, you want to be comfortable while scaling new heights, but you also want to look good for thegram. Here’s a guide on how to dress for your next indoor rock climbing session.
Indoor rock climbing gear
Most indoor climbing gyms will have gear you can rent, but if you plan on rock climbing regularly, it’s worth buying your own gear. For beginners, the cost of gear can seem daunting, but you can start with the basics and add to your collection as you progress.
The first piece of gear you need is a good pair of rock climbing shoes. Shoes for rock climbing are designed to fit snugly and have sticky rubber soles for traction. They vary in price depending on the quality of the materials and construction, but you can get a good pair of shoes for around $100.
Next, you’ll need a chalk bag to keep your hands dry and improve your grip. Chalk bags typically cost around $20-$30.
If you’re planning on lead climbing (climbing with rope), you’ll also need a quickdraw (a device that consists of two carabiners connected by a webbing sling). A set of six quickdraws will cost around $60-$70.
Finally, you’ll need a belay device to control the rope while belaying (holding the rope) for another climber. A basic belay device like the Black Diamond ATC costs around $30.
In addition to the essential gear listed above, there are a few other items that are nice to have when rock climbing indoors or out. A harness will help keep you safe while belaying or taking falls, and most climbers also use some type of tape or padding to protect their hands from scrapes and scratches.
The best shoes for indoor rock climbing
When it comes to rock climbing, the shoes you wear can be the difference between a successful ascent and a frustrating fall. That’s why it’s important to choose the right pair of shoes for the type of climbing you’ll be doing.
Indoor rock climbing is a great way to stay fit and have fun, but it’s important to choose the right shoes for the job. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best shoes for indoor rock climbing:
-The type of sole: Stickier is better for indoor climbing because you’ll need good traction on the often-slippery surfaces.
-The fit: Your shoes should be snug but comfortable, with enough room in the toe area to allow for some movement.
-The style: Choose a shoe that has a Velcro closure system for easy on and off.
Here are some of our favorite shoes for indoor rock climbing:
-La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoe: A great all-around shoe that’s comfortable and performs well on all types of indoor climbs.
-Evolv Axel Climbing Shoe: A good choice for beginners, with a generous toe box and easy-to-use Velcro straps.
-Five Ten Anasazi LV Climbing Shoe: A high-performance shoe that’s great for advanced climbers or those who want to try more difficult routes.
The best clothes for indoor rock climbing
Your clothes can make a big difference when you’re rock climbing. If you’re not comfortable, you won’t be able to focus on the climb. And if your clothes don’t fit right, they can actually get in the way.
Here are some tips for choosing the best clothes for indoor rock climbing:
-Wear form-fitting clothes that won’t get in the way as you move. Baggy clothes can catch on the holds or impede your movement.
-Stick to breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo. You’ll be moving around a lot and sweating, so you want fabrics that will wick away moisture and help keep you cool.
- Choose layered clothing so you can adjust to the temperature in the climbing gym. If it’s too hot, you can take off a layer. If it’s too cold, you can put on a layer.
-Wear comfortable shoes that fit well. Your shoes should be snug but not too tight, and they should have good grip.
How to prepare for your first indoor rock climbing session
Assuming you don’t have any climbing experience, your first order of business is to find a good instructional program at a gym or climbing wall. Many offer beginner classes that will teach you the basics of rock climbing safety and technique.
As for what to wear, comfortable, form-fitting clothing is best. Avoid anything too loose that could get caught on the holds or equipment. Street clothes are fine, but if you’re planning on making climbing a regular activity, you may want to invest in some specialized gear. Climbing shoes, for example, have special rubber soles that provide better traction and support than regular sneakers.
A few other things to keep in mind:
-Climbing can be hard on your hands, so it’s a good idea to apply chalk before you start (this will help keep your hands dry and improve your grip).
-Hang onto your water bottle — you’ll be surprised how quickly you get thirsty!
-And last but not least, remember to have fun!
What to expect during your first indoor rock climbing session
Indoor rock climbing can be a great workout and a lot of fun, but it can also be intimidating if you’ve never tried it before. Here’s what you can expect during your first indoor rock climbing session.
First, you’ll need to sign a waiver. This is standard procedure at most climbing gyms and just means that you understand the risks involved in rock climbing and agree not to sue the gym if you get injured.
Next, you’ll need to choose your shoes. You can either rent shoes from the gym or bring your own. If you’re new to climbing, we recommend renting shoes from the gym so that you can get a feel for what kind of shoe is best for you. Once you’ve got your shoes, put them on and tie them tight – they should be snug but not uncomfortable.
Next, you’ll need to choose your chalk. Chalk helps absorb moisture and keeps your hands dry, which improves your grip on the wall. You can either bring your own chalk or buy some at the gym. We recommend buying gym chalk because it’s usually cheaper and of higher quality than store-bought chalk.
Once you have your shoes and chalk, head over to the bouldering area or belay station (if you’re topping rope climbing) to get started. The staff will show you how to put on your harness (if needed) and how to belay (if needed). If you’re bouldering, there is no need for a harness or belayer – just start climbing!
Climbing routes are typically color-coded so that climbers of all skill levels can find routes that match their abilities. For example, green might indicate an easy route while black might indicate an expert route. Choose a route that looks fun and challenging but not too difficult – remember, this is your first time!
Once you’re done climbing, don’t forget to stretch! Indoor rock climbing is a great workout for your arms and legs but it’s important to stretch afterwards so that your muscles don’t get too sore.
Tips for indoor rock climbing beginners
Indoor rock climbing can be a great workout and a lot of fun, but it can also be intimidating for beginners. There are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success and make your first indoor rock climbing experience a positive one.
First, dress appropriately. You want to wear comfortable clothing that you can move freely in, but avoid anything too baggy or loose. Baggy clothes can catch on holds and get you tangled up, and loose clothes can get caught on your harness or equipment. form-fitting yoga pants or leggings, a close-fitting t-shirt or tank top, and sneakers or climbing shoes are all good choices.
Second, make sure you have the right equipment. You will need a harness, belay device, chalk bag, and some kind of Climbing shoes. If you’re not sure what to get, most gyms will have rentals available.
Finally, take some time to familiarize yourself with the basic safety procedures for indoor rock climbing. Make sure you know how to properly tie knots, use the belay device, and handle the rope.
With the right preparation, indoor rock climbing can be a fun and safe activity for beginners.
The benefits of indoor rock climbing
Indoor rock climbing is a great way to stay active and have fun, whether you’re by yourself or with friends. It’s also a great workout, as it uses almost every muscle in your body. And because it’s done in a controlled environment, it’s much safer than outdoor rock climbing.
There are many different types of indoor rock climbing, from bouldering to lead climbing to top roping. Whatever type you choose, you’ll need to wear the proper clothing and footwear. In general, you’ll want to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that you can move easily in. For footwear, closed-toe shoes are a must – sneakers or running shoes are fine for beginners, but more advanced climbers may want to invest in specific rock climbing shoes.
The dangers of indoor rock climbing
Most people who enjoy rock climbing do so outdoors, where the consequences of a fall are typically not as severe as they would be if the same fall were to occur indoors. However, there are dangers inherent in both indoor and outdoor rock climbing, and it is important to be aware of them before embarking on either type of climb.
One of the most significant dangers of indoor rock climbing is the increased likelihood of hitting your head in the event of a fall. This is due to the fact that indoor climbing walls are often taller than their outdoor counterparts, meaning that there is further to fall. In addition, the padded floors that are typically found in indoor climbing gyms can give climbers a false sense of security, leading them to take greater risks than they would if they were climbing outdoors.
Another danger associated with indoor rock climbing is the increased risk of developing skin infections. This is because indoor climbing gyms are often crowded places, where climbers come into contact with each other and with equipment that may not be clean. This can lead to the spread of bacteria and other microbes, which can cause skin infections.
Finally, it is worth noting that many indoor rock climbing walls are made from synthetic materials such as fiberglass or polyurethane. These materials can release fumes that can be harmful to climbers, particularly if they are inhaled on a regular basis. For this reason, it is important to make sure that you climb in a well-ventilated area and that you take breaks frequently to avoid inhaling too much of these fumes.
