A no-nonsense guide to climbing gear — what to buy first, what to rent, and what you can skip as a beginner.
Beginnerschedule6 min read
One of the barriers to climbing is the perception that you need a lot of expensive gear. The reality is much simpler. For indoor climbing, you need very little to get started, and most of it can be rented at the gym.
This guide breaks down what gear actually matters, when to buy versus rent, and how to avoid overspending on equipment you do not need yet.
Climbing Shoes: Your First and Most Important Purchase
Climbing shoes are the single most impactful piece of gear you will buy. They have sticky rubber soles and a snug fit that lets you stand on small holds and feel the texture of the wall through your feet.
For your first pair, prioritize comfort over performance. Aggressive, downturned shoes look cool but are designed for advanced overhanging routes. A flat or slightly downturned shoe with moderate stiffness is ideal for beginners. You should be able to wear them for 30 minutes without significant pain.
Visit a climbing shop or outdoor retailer where you can try multiple brands. Climbing shoe sizing varies wildly between manufacturers. Your street shoe size is a rough starting point, but fit matters more than the number on the box.
Expect to spend $60-120 on a solid beginner shoe. Brands like La Sportiva, Scarpa, Evolv, and Black Diamond all make quality entry-level options. Do not buy the cheapest shoe available — the rubber quality makes a real difference in grip and durability.
Harness, Chalk, and Chalk Bag
If you plan to do any roped climbing, you will need a harness. A basic sport climbing harness costs $40-70 and will last for years with normal use. Look for one with adjustable leg loops and decent padding for comfort during longer sessions.
Chalk keeps your hands dry and improves grip. Loose chalk in a chalk bag is the most common setup. A basic chalk bag costs $15-25, and a bag of loose chalk runs $5-10 and lasts months.
Some gyms require liquid chalk instead of loose chalk to reduce dust. Liquid chalk applies as a paste and dries quickly, leaving less residue in the air. It costs slightly more but is less messy. Having both options available is ideal.
For bouldering only, you can use a chalk bucket (a larger bag that sits on the ground) instead of a hip-mounted chalk bag. Many boulderers prefer this because you chalk up between attempts rather than on the wall.
What to Wear Climbing
Wear athletic clothing that allows a full range of motion, especially in the hips and shoulders. Stretchy pants or shorts and a t-shirt work perfectly. Avoid jeans — they restrict hip movement for high steps and wide stances.
Many climbers prefer pants over shorts to protect their knees and shins from scraping against the wall. Lightweight joggers or climbing-specific pants with gusseted crotches are popular choices.
Avoid loose or baggy clothing that can catch on holds or obscure your view of footholds. Fitted but flexible is the goal.
Remove rings, watches, and bracelets before climbing. Jewelry can get caught on holds, scratch the wall surface, and interfere with your grip. Many climbers keep a small carabiner on their bag to clip their watch to during sessions.
What You Can Skip as a Beginner
You do not need a belay device right away — gyms provide them with rentals and most have auto-belays. Once you get belay certified and start climbing with partners regularly, invest in your own.
You do not need a crash pad unless you are bouldering outdoors. Indoor gyms have padded floors.
You do not need fingerboard training tools, grip strengtheners, or campus boards. These are for intermediate to advanced climbers working on specific weaknesses. For your first six months, just climbing is the best training.
You do not need climbing-specific clothing brands. Regular athletic wear works perfectly fine. Save your money for shoes and gym membership — those are the two expenses that actually affect your experience.
lightbulbPro Tips
check_circleBuy shoes in person, not online — fit varies too much between brands to guess your size
check_circleStart with a flat or neutral shoe and upgrade to a more aggressive shape after 6-12 months
check_circleKeep a small towel in your gym bag for wiping sweat off your hands between climbs
check_circleWash your chalk bag every few months — accumulated moisture and skin oils reduce chalk effectiveness
check_circleAsk experienced climbers at your gym for gear recommendations — they know what works in your local conditions
helpFrequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to spend on starter gear?
For indoor bouldering: climbing shoes ($60-120) and chalk setup ($20-30) — total around $80-150. For indoor roped climbing, add a harness ($40-70) and belay device ($20-35) — total around $140-255. Everything else can be rented or is not needed as a beginner.
How long do climbing shoes last?
With regular use (2-3 times per week), a pair of climbing shoes typically lasts 6-12 months before the rubber wears through. You can extend their life by resoling them ($40-60) rather than buying new shoes. Many climbers resole their favorite shoes multiple times.
Can I climb in regular sneakers?
Technically yes, but it significantly limits what you can do. Sneakers have thick, flexible soles that cannot feel holds and do not grip the wall surface. Rental climbing shoes at the gym cost $3-5 and make an enormous difference in what routes you can complete.