Basic Equipment to Start Rock Climbing

Here is a breakdown of the essentials with estimated costs.

Top Roping:

1. 60 meters (195 feet) of dynamic rope $110
2. 60 feet of static rope (for anchors) $18 ($.30 per foot)
3. 2 - 30 foot 1 inch tubular webbing sections $21 ($.35 per foot)
4. Harness $40
5. Shoes $80 - $110
6. 3 - locking carabiners $51 ($17 each)
7. ATC belay device $15
8. Chalk bag and chalk $21

Approximate Total $356 (+ tax)

Beginner Trad Rack:

1. 60 meters (195 feet) of dynamic rope $110
2. Harness $40
3. Shoes $80 - $110
4. 3 - locking carabiners $51 ($17 each)
5. ATC belay device $15
6. 25 oval carabiners $112.50 ($4.50 each)
7. 11 24" spectra (or nylon) slings $66 ($6 each)
8. Full set of 9 or 10 nuts $70 ($7 each)
9. 5 mid-sezed hexes $40 ($8 each)
10. nut tool $7
11. Chalk bag and chalk $21

Approximate Total $642.50 (+ tax)

Beginner Sport Rack:

1. 60 meters (195 feet) of dynamic rope $110
2. Harness $40
3. Shoes $80 - $110
4. 3 - locking carabiners $51 ($17 each)
5. ATC belay device $15
6. 10 quickdraws $125 ($12.50 each)
7. Chalk bag and chalk $21

Approximate Total $472 (+ tax)

If you are purchasing your equipment over the web (for better prices) be sure to go to the local store to try on your shoes. Spend lots of time checking shoes and fits. Remember to make them as tight as you can bear. They will stretch some and you want them tight. Once you have found your exact size and preferred brand, then you can order them on the web. These prices are only estimates and the equipment listed is only the bare essentials to get started. Soon after, you will have a multitude of carabiners. It also a good idea to get a climbing helmet. You will find that a backpack helps hike up the trail to the climbing areas with all of your heavy equipment (i.e.: rope). Also, a couple of 2 - 3 foot sections of 1 inch tubular webbing works great to keep your static rope safe from abrasions from rock ledges and anchor points.

Another important part of climbing is your at home (or away from the wall) exercise. One of the most popular for endurance is jump rope. Make sure that the rope is sized correctly (ie: step on it and adjust the handles to your armpit height) and leather. Also, gripping devices are usually better for helping injuries than strengthening hands. However, I found that when I first started climbing, grip exercises helped a whole bunch. I keep a gripmaster in my car and beside my computer. There is also an array of squeeze balls by my office computer and TV remote controls. If you want to go crazy, check out www.ironmind.com for some intense pinch and grip excercise equipment. Don't forget to weight train. It is important to work all of your muscles, not just lats. or forearms. Muscles work in conjunction with each other and therefore must be trained together in order to achieve their highest potential. If you are completely gung-ho, check out the training page.

I hope this helped some. -Vaughn.