So you want to rock climb indoors, but you’re not sure what to wear? Here are some tips to help you choose the right gear for a safe and fun experience.
Indoor rock climbing – what to wear?
When you’re first starting out climbing, it can be tricky to know exactly what to wear. You want to be comfortable, but you also want to be able to move easily and not overheat. And of course, you want to look cool!
The good news is that indoor rock climbing is a pretty casual sport, so you don’t need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. Just make sure you have the following items:
-Comfortable clothing that you can move easily in
-Climbing shoes
-Chalk bag
-Harness
Once you have the basics, you can start to experiment with different styles and see what works best for you. But don’t worry – there are no fashion police in the climbing gym!
The benefits of indoor rock climbing
Rock climbing is a challenging and rewarding sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Climbing indoors can provide many benefits, including the ability to train year-round, regardless of the weather. Indoor rock climbing can also help climbers to improve their technique and build strength and endurance.
The best indoor rock climbing gear
When you’re first starting out climbing, the process of acquiring all the proper gear can be daunting and expensive. The sport has a reputation for being gear intensive, and while it’s true that you need some specific equipment to climb safely, you don’t need to break the bank to get started. Here’s a list of the essential gear you’ll need to start rock climbing indoors.
Shoes: One of the most important pieces of gear for climbers, shoes are what allow you to stand on small holds and make precise footholds. Unlike running shoes or sneakers, rock shoes have very stiff soles and no cushioning, which makes them uncomfortable to walk in but ideal for placing your feet on small holds. Shoes should fit snugly—they will stretch about a half size with use—and your toes should be slightly curled inside the shoe. Many gyms rent shoes, so it’s not essential that you buy your own right away. If you decide to purchase shoes, expect to spend between $60 and $150.
chalk: Chalk is used to absorb moisture from your hands so they don’t slip off the holds. You can buy chalk in small bags or loose at most climbing gyms or outdoor retailers; a good starting amount is about 3 ounces.
chalk bag: A chalk bag is a small fabric pouch with a drawstring closure that you wear around your waist while climbing. It has a small loop on the back that fits over your belt, and some bags have loops that attach to your harness as well. Most gym climbers prefer a bag with a built-in brush holder so they can keep their brushes handy for route cleaning (we’ll get to that later). Chalk bags range in price from $10 to $30.
Belay device: A belay device is a mechanical device that is threaded onto your rope and used to control the rope during belaying (when you are holding the rope for your partner as they climb). The most common type of belay device is called an ATC (air traffic controller), which is what we recommend for beginners; it is versatile and easy to use. Some gyms require climbers to use auto-belay devices, which are mechanical devices that clip onto your harness and automatically take in slack as you climb, eliminating the need for a partner; if this is the case at your gym, you won’t need a belay device. Belay devices cost between $20 and $30.
Harness: Your harness attaches around your waist and legs and connects you to the rope; it is probably the most important piece of safety gear for climbers. Gym harnesses are usually made of nylon webbing and have adjustable leg loops so they will fit over any type of clothing; outdoor harnesses may be made of thicker webbing or breathable fabric like mesh and often have padded leg loops for comfort while hiking in them. Gym harnesses cost between $40 and $70; outdoor harnesses are generally more expensive, costing between $70 and $150.
Indoor rock climbing – the perfect workout
is a fun, engaging way to get active, and it’s great for people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s a great workout for your entire body, but it’s especially good for building upper-body strength.
Most people wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that they can move around in easily. You don’t need special shoes – sneakers are fine. If you have long hair, you might want to tie it back so it doesn’t get in your way.
There is no need to bring any special equipment with you – everything you need will be provided at the climbing gym.
Indoor rock climbing – for beginners
Rock climbing is a great way to stay fit and have fun, but it can be daunting if you’ve never tried it before. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Wear comfortable clothes that you can move easily in, like yoga pants or shorts and a t-shirt. Make sure your shoes are snug but not too tight – you don’t want them slipping off while you’re climbing!
The most important thing is to have fun – don’t be discouraged if it’s tough at first. You’ll get the hang of it with practice.
The challenges of indoor rock climbing
Whether you are a beginner or experienced climber, the challenge of indoor rock climbing is to find the right balance of clothing that will help you perform to the best of your abilities, without causing you to overheat or underperform.
The main considerations when choosing what to wear rock climbing are:
-The climate of the indoor facility
-The type of rock wall you will be climbing
-Your own personal preferences
In general, indoor rock climbing facilities are going to be much colder than outdoors, so you will want to dress accordingly. A good base layer should be tight fitting and made of a moisture wicking material, such as merino wool. You will also want to consider a mid layer for additional warmth, as well as a windbreaker or softshell jacket for the colder days. Depending on the type of wall you will be climbing, you may also want to purchase a pair of speciality shoes designed for either bouldering or sport climbing.
Indoor rock climbing – stay safe
When you’re rock climbing indoors, it’s vital that you wear the right gear to stay safe.
Climbing shoes are a must – they’ll help you get a grip on those tiny footholds. Look for shoes with good toe rubber, and make sure they fit snugly without being too tight.
Chalk is another essential – it absorbs sweat and gives you a much-needed dry grip. A chalk bag attached to your belay loop will stop chalk getting everywhere except where you need it.
A harness is a must for indoor rock climbing – there’s no way to belay without one. Your harness should fit snugly and be comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time.
Finally, a rope is essential for any kind of rock climbing, indoor or outdoor. A 60m rope will usually be long enough for most routes in an indoor wall, but check before you start climbing.
Indoor rock climbing – have fun!
Wearing the right gear when you go indoor rock climbing is important for two reasons – safety and comfort. If you’re not comfortable, you’re not going to have as much fun. And if you’re not safe, well, that’s just not good.
Here are some general guidelines for what to wear when you go indoor rock climbing:
-Shoes: You need good quality, well-fitting rock climbing shoes. They should be snug but not too tight, and they should have a good rubber sole for grip.
-Pants: comfortable pants that you can move in easily, like yoga pants or track pants. Avoid jeans – they’re too restrictive and can be uncomfortable.
-Top: Again, something comfortable that you can move in easily. A t-shirt or tank top is fine, but avoid anything too loose or baggy that could get caught on something.
-Belay device: This is a piece of safety gear that attaches to your harness and helps control the rope while belaying (assisting) another climber.
-Chalk bag: A small bag to hold chalk powder, which helps keep your hands dry while climbing.
-Harness: A must-have piece of safety gear, a harness attaches you to the rope and anchors you into the wall.
-Helmet: While not always required, a helmet is a good idea – especially if you’re just starting out.
