5 Climbing Essentials I Wish I Bought Sooner
Real Gear I Still Use - Perfect for Beginners!
Crux and Crown
When I first started climbing, I had no idea what gear I actually needed versus what was just extra fluff. Over time - and a few gear fails later - I’ve narrowed it down to a few core essentials that I now consider non-negotiable.
If you’re new to climbing, whether at the gym or venturing outside, these five items will make your sessions smoother, more comfortable, and a lot more fun.
Bonus: they’re all beginner friendly and I’ve posted links below!
Carabiners! The unsung hero of your climbing pack. You don’t realize how useful carabiners are until you don’t have one. I used to think they were only for rope systems, but us climbers use them for everything! Clipping shoes to your pack, keeping tape handy, hanging your chalk bag, or even keeping your Nalgene secure and close. These Black Diamond MiniWire Rack Pack Carabiners are lightweight, affordable, and the exact ones I always keep on hand.
Why beginners need them:
Your gear will grow fast—these help you stay organized. They're also handy for hanging stuff at the gym or clipping shoes to your harness on outdoor hikes!
2. Climbing Tape - Your Fingers Will Thank You!
Even as a beginner, your skin and fingers take a beating. Whether you're nursing a flapper or just need finger support, climbing tape is essential!
Why beginners need it:
One bad crack climb or just a sharp plastic hold can rip your skin. Tape helps prevent that and keeps you climbing longer. I keep a roll in all my climbing bags!
Good chalk is a game changer for grip, especially on those hot and humid days. Chalk reduces the amount of moisture on your hands, increasing friction between your skin and the hold, and helping you send the route! I, personally, recommend using liquid chalk once at the beginner of your climb session, and reapplying with good ole powder chalk as needed.
Why beginners need it:
You'll climb better, slip less, and feel more confident on the wall! Over time, you'll see a difference in the brands and types of chalk out there. I prefer the chalk I've linked above!
I used to think belay glasses were just for seasoned sport/lead climbers, but after a few long belay sessions, my neck was TOAST. Cue belay glasses: they let you watch your climbers without cranking your neck back the whole time.
Why beginners need it:
If you're belaying friends - tope rope or sport/lead - these will literally save your neck and posture. I had never heard of them until a few years into climbing, then once I knew about them I resisted them for too long. Yes, you may look like a budget scientist from a sci-fi movie, but hey - your neck will thank you.
"Have you actually tried a route if you haven't brushed it first??" - a wise climbing coach as she watched me fall off my project over and over
That line stuck with me - because it's true! I used to overlook the power of brushing your holds, but once I started using a climbing brush regularly, especially on projects I kept falling off of, I realized how much chalk and grime really affect your grip.
Why beginners need it:
Brushing isn't just good etiquette - it actually helps you send. A quick scrub before you climb can make the difference between slipping off and finally sticking that move. I carry one everywhere I climb - gym or crag!
If you're new to climbing, or been climbing for a while, these are 5 items I genuinely recommend. I still use them every session, and they've made a huge difference in how comfortable and prepared I feel on and off the wall.
Thanks for reading and feel free to use any of the links provided above to see the exact items I use in my climbing. Climb on!
- Crux and Crown
