Love the outdoors and adventure in the mountains

Building a Climbing Rack – Suggested Racks

We are often asked what kit people should buy when starting out climbing and so we wrote up this list – we hope it helps.

1. Climbing Equipment and Rack for Seconding on a Climbing Wall

* Climbing Harness – Go to a good climbing shop and try a few on and hang in them. The harness should be padded on the waist and legs and have a minimum of 5 gear loops if you intend climbing outside. The DMM Renegade is a good reference point.

* Rock shoes – Again you need to go to a shop and ask for advice/try loads on. Rock shoes are a culture shock – your toes should touch the end of the shoe, they should be comfortably tight and if you twist the shoe your foot should twist as well without any slippage. Then once you have your perfect fit bear in mind that all shoes stretch ..buying shoes for the first time is difficult so take your time..The Red Chili Saucilito, Scarpa Vantage and Sportiva Cliff are good starting points

* Belay Device – The DMM bug is good for all-round use, whilst the Petzl Verso and Reverso3 are class leaders.

* Locking Carabiner for Belay Device – DMM Sentinel, Belay Master or Ultra O screwgate are all good

* Chalk bag and Chalk – Down to you ….just make sure you can get your whole hand in …essential for sea cliff climbing. Carry it on 1.5mm of 5mm cord that can be used as an emergency prusic or abseil tat.

2. Climbing Equipment and Rack for Leading on a Climbing Wall

As above plus:

* Quickdraws for the wall – Think ahead and buy draws that will serve you when you move outside as well.

* Rope – Walls trash ropes so a lot of people go for a specific short (cheaper) rope for wall use. Mammut Promo in 30m or 40m lengths is a good choice plus it can be used for both leading and top-roping short routes outside Read more