The 37 things serious climbers bring with them to the mountains might look like a lot, but honestly most of us haul this stuff every single time we head out. It breaks down into safety gear, the climbing basics, first aid, and a few extras that make the day better.
I threw in a bonus item at the end (#38) that a lot of climbers kick themselves for forgetting, so read to the end or scroll down. I know how you do.
Whether you’re pulling together gear for your first climb or you’re just looking for a few things to make your days out more comfortable, here’s what’s worth packing every time you go climbing in the mountains.
How the 37 Things Serious Climbers Bring With Them to the Mountains Break Down
I’ve grouped everything into four buckets so it’s easy to scan and pack: gear that keeps you safe, the basic climbing necessities, other helpful odds and ends, and first aid. Grab what fits your day and leave the rest.
Gear to Keep You Safe While Climbing
1. Harness
Probably the most important piece a climber owns, your harness is what keeps you tied to the rope so you don’t deck when you fall. There are plenty of styles out there, but buy new and buy from a shop you trust. Used harnesses can hide microabrasions that you’ll never spot with the naked eye, and that’s exactly the kind of hidden damage that turns into a gear failure. If you want a starting point, here’s my favorite harness for climbing.
2. Belay & Rappel Devices
A belay or rappel device is the small piece that clips to the belayer’s harness and controls the rope. Depending on how much rope sits between the device and the anchor or clip, you can keep the rope tight or give it some slack. There are a bunch of styles too, like tubular, assisted-braking, and figure 8 devices. Here is my favorite belay device. Whatever you run, the device lets you hold a climber’s weight without any extra special equipment.
3. Carabiners
Carabiners are metal loops with a spring-loaded gate that connect things together. In climbing you’ll run into a few types: screw-gate locking, auto-locking, and non-locking. They also come in different shapes and sizes depending on the job.
Screw-gate and auto-locking carabiners usually attach belay devices to harnesses, or quickdraws to top anchors when you want that extra bit of safety. Non-locking carabiners live on quickdraws and help you carry gear around.
4. Quickdraws
A quickdraw is two carabiners joined by a semi-rigid piece of webbing. You clip the rope through them to connect to the bolts and anchors. Most climbers carry a dozen or so, in a mix of short, medium, and long. You’ll use them all the way up the route and at the top anchor, reaching for different lengths depending on the reach and the shape of the climb to keep the rope running clean.
5. Rope
Your rope is the main safety piece in roped climbing. Without it, there’s nothing keeping you off the ground when you fall. Ropes come in different lengths, thicknesses, and sealants.
Thickness drives the weight, and a lot of climbers like thinner rope to cut down what they carry on the approach and while leading. Just remember the thinner the rope, the faster it runs through a belay device, so make sure your device is rated for the diameter and only go thin if you’ve got an experienced belayer. Once you own one, it pays to take care of your rope so it lasts.
The sealant changes how durable and water-resistant the rope is. If you’re climbing on ice or rappelling past waterfalls, a dry rope is the move because the coating cuts down water absorption and helps the rope last longer.
6. Helmet
A climbing helmet protects both belayer and climber from rockfall and dropped gear. Unlike a skate or bike helmet, it’s built to guard the top of your head and usually doesn’t cover the sides or back. It’s also really light, so you can move your head and neck freely without fighting it.
Basic Climbing Necessities
7. Rock Climbing Shoes
Outside of safety gear, your shoes are the most important tool you own. Climbing shoes are built to put your weight out onto the tips of your toes, and the sticky rubber grips the foothold or rock so you can stand on tiny holds with confidence. Here are my favorite climbing shoes for bouldering.
Most climbers size down from their street shoe so there’s no dead space for the toes to wiggle or the ankle to shift, though it’s worth reading up on how tight your climbing shoes should fit. The shape matters too. There are three main toe profiles: flat (the toe sits flat and doesn’t curve), moderate (the toe turns down a little), and aggressive (the toe points down hard). Pick the one that matches the climbing you do most.
8. A Chalk Bag With Chalk
A chalk bag is a climber’s best friend. Chalk’s whole job is to dry your hands so sweat doesn’t wreck your grip mid-climb. It helps you hold on to holds longer without pumping out or greasing off. Here is an article about climbing without chalk. Most chalk is magnesium carbonate, though some, like Black Diamond Black Gold, mix in Upsalite to soak up even more moisture. Texture runs from super fine to super chunky, and if you’re not sure which you want, here’s chunky versus fine chalk.
9. Water Bottle
Like any sport, you’ve got to stay hydrated to climb your best. Most climbers drink up well before they start and then top off between climbs. It’s rare to sip while you’re actually on the wall since a bottle is heavy and you’ve only got one free hand at a time. If you don’t mind the extra weight, a hydration pack is a great way to drink hands-free without getting your hands wet.
10. Sling
A sling, or runner, is a loop of cord or webbing that does a bunch of jobs. Climbers use them to carry gear like quickdraws up the wall, to extend a quickdraw when you need length, to thread rope through an anchor when the bolts don’t have chains, and plenty more. They’re usually flat or tubular and come in different materials. The Mammut Contact sling, for example, is Dyneema, which is pound for pound one of the strongest fibers around, well stronger than steel. Most slings run under $10.
Other Helpful Gear
11. Climbing Bag For All Your Gear
Hauling all your gear is pretty much impossible without a bag to put it in. A climbing bag can be a plain backpack or something built specifically for climbing gear. A lot of climbers reach for a daypack or other hiking pack because they spread the weight better across your whole back instead of just your shoulders.
12. Rope Bag/Tarp
A rope bag usually has a tarp built right in, so you can carry the rope, keep it protected in transit, and keep it clean and off the dirt and rocks when you flake it out.
13. Stiffy
A stiffy is a long, stiff quickdraw. It helps you reach anchors that are just out of range, which is clutch when you’re tired or can’t quite get to the next clip. You still get to clip in and rest when you need it.
14. Stick Clip
A stick clip lets you clip the rope into the first bolt from the ground, so you’re not risking a groundfall to get that first piece in. It’s a long pole with a small head that hooks your quickdraw and rope up to the first bolt. Three common ones are the Super Clip, the Squid, and the Beta Stick, and each has its strengths for getting that first anchor set.
15. Jump Rope
A jump rope is a great way to warm up and get your blood moving before you pull on. There are plenty of ways to warm up, but jumping rope wakes up your whole body from your toes to your fingertips, so you know you’re ready to climb.
16. Grip Trainer
Hand injuries are some of the most common in climbing, and skipping a grip warm-up bumps your risk. A grip trainer is an easy way to wake up your hands and fingers before you climb. They’re small and light, so they’re easy to toss in your bag and use anywhere. I like ring trainers because they don’t clack like the spring-loaded ones.
17. Belay Glasses
Every belayer knows the worst part of belaying is craning your neck to watch the climber, especially on a steep route. Belay glasses use prisms and mirrors so you can look straight ahead and still keep eyes on the climber above you. Your neck will thank you.
18. Towel
“A towel is just about the most massively useful thing,” as the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy put it. Beyond wiping your hands, you can use it to keep gear off the ground or wrap up in it like a blanket when you’re cold.
19. Puffy Jacket
Another belayer’s best friend is the most common jacket you’ll see out in the mountains: a puffy. They’re warm and block wind well, which makes them perfect for the elevation and the shifting weather you run into while climbing.
20. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes work in a climbing pack the same way travelers use them in a suitcase. They’re great for keeping gear and other stuff separated. A lot of climbers load the heavy things like rope at the bottom of the pack for better weight distribution, and cubes make it quick to pull gear in and out without dumping everything on the ground.
21. Headlamp
A headlamp is a climber’s best friend. Even if you top out before dark, the hike back can take longer than you planned, and a headlamp gets you back to camp or the car safely and hands-free.
22. Belay Gloves
Belaying means running rope through your hands over and over, and that can rub them raw. Belay gloves put a barrier between your skin and the rope. One thing to think about is which part of your hand grips the rope. The belay gloves at the climbing shop usually have the fingertips cut off, and since I use a lot of my fingers, those don’t work for me. I’ve tried a bunch, but I always come back to the $8 work gloves from Lowe’s.
23. Cliff Bars/Granola Bar
Just like hiking, it’s always smart to keep some calories in your pack. Cliff bars and other energy bars are a great pick-me-up to keep you moving and give you the juice to keep climbing.
24. Deodorant
There’s not much to explain here, other than every climber should have it in the bag. Few things are worse than catching a whiff of yourself as you reach for the next hold, or hiking back to the car next to someone who’s ripe. If you’re worried about the environment, there are plenty of deodorants that work and are kinder to it.
25. Essential Oils
Essential oils are a bit of a curveball, but for the mental side of climbing they can help you dial in your focus and sense of calm. Some folks also find them soothing on tired muscles or good for a little energy boost.
First Aid
26. Climbers Tape
Climber’s tape is just athletic tape in different widths and colors. The most common use is when your hands tear or you get a flapper, so you tape up and keep climbing. Plenty of climbers also tape a healing hand before pulling on to keep from reopening a tear or tweaking a ligament.
27. Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer isn’t just for when things get dirty out in nature. It also cuts the chalk off your hands. It’s not the best thing for cleaning a real wound, but it’s a packable option for minor scrapes.
28. Climbing Salve
Climbing salve is fantastic for any climber’s hands. After a long session, rub a thin layer on and it fills the dry spots and cracks with a soothing, cooling feel. It also keeps your skin more flexible, so tears and cracking are less likely.
There are a few options like Climb On, Joshua Tree, and Climb Skin, or my personal go-to, a homemade climber’s salve with melaleuca and peppermint that works as a great antiseptic and cooling agent.
29. Nail File/Sandpaper
The number one way to head off flappers is to keep your calluses in check and sanded down. A nail file and sandpaper are light, easy tools for exactly that. They knock down rough spots and snags on your skin, and they keep your fingernails in line too.
30. Skin Clipper/Nail Clipper
Sometimes a file isn’t enough and you need clippers. Nail clippers have rounded edges, while skin clippers have a straight edge. That flat edge makes skin clippers easy to use on skin and they still work on nails, so they’re a solid pick. You can use them before, during, and after climbs.
31. Advil
I went back and forth on this one, because there’s a real concern with taking ibuprofen or Advil while climbing. It masks pain, so it can nudge you into climbing when you should be stopping to avoid injury. Still, it’s worth having on hand just in case.
32. Chapstick
Chapstick’s main job is to seal moisture into your lips and protect them from drying out, which happens fast in the wind you usually get on the cliffside.
33. Sunscreen
Up in the mountains you’re at higher elevation and your sun exposure goes up, so sunscreen matters. At the very least, hit your face and ears. Sunscreen is greasy, so wipe any leftover off your hands before you climb. Chalk helps, but wash up with hand sanitizer or soap before you chalk for the best grip.
34. Lotion
After you wash the chalk off, lotion helps your skin recover. More elastic skin takes the beating of climbing better, and lotion helps your hands stay supple.
35. Bug Repellent
Any climber or hiker knows how much bugs matter. Beyond the itch of a mosquito bite, they can carry diseases that just aren’t worth the gamble. Like sunscreen, bug spray gets greasy, so wipe it off your palms before you pull on.
36. Bandaids
It’s really easy to scratch up your arms or legs while climbing, so clean the cut, dab on some triple antibiotic like Neosporin, and cover it with a bandaid. That way you can keep climbing without worrying about it getting infected or bleeding all over the route. Most climbers carry a range of bandaid sizes. If you don’t have one that fits, at least bring gauze so you can tape it down with your climbing tape.
37. Neosporin
Neosporin, or any triple-antibiotic, is worth keeping on hand because odds are good you’ll pick up a scratch that needs some care, and it’ll help disinfect it. Before you apply it, clean your hands and then clean the wound. Just remember it’s greasy, so wipe any leftover off your hands before you chalk up and get back on the wall.
38. Toilet Paper
Toilet paper is great for when nature calls out in the mountains. It’s also handy for cleaning up blood or a runny nose. Before you head out, know the rules for the area. If you can dig a cat hole and bury the TP, bring a little trowel. If you’re packing it out, bring a zip-lock bag or whatever you like for carrying it back.
Packing the right gear gets you to the mountains. What you do once you’re on the wall is what actually moves your climbing. If you want to get stronger without adding hours to your week, join the free Send Edition newsletter and get one short climbing drill in your inbox every week, about 15 minutes each. It’s a simple way to level up between trips.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most important things serious climbers bring to the mountains?
If you strip the list down, the non-negotiables are the safety pieces: harness, rope, helmet, belay device, carabiners, and quickdraws. Your shoes and a chalk bag come right after. Everything else on the list makes the day safer or more comfortable, but that core is what keeps you off the ground.
Do you really need all 37 things for every climb?
Not always. The full list covers safety gear, climbing basics, other helpful extras, and first aid so you can pick what fits your day. A quick session at the sport crag needs less than a long day deep in the mountains, so grab the core safety gear first and add the comfort and first aid items based on where you’re headed and how long you’ll be out.
Why can’t I use a used harness or old gear?
A used harness can hide microabrasions you can’t see, and that hidden wear is exactly what leads to gear failure. For anything that catches a fall, like your harness and rope, buy new from a shop you trust and retire gear once it’s worn or has taken a hard fall.
What first aid should climbers carry to the mountains?
A simple kit goes a long way: climber’s tape, a range of bandaids, gauze, a triple antibiotic like Neosporin, hand sanitizer, and climbing salve for beat-up skin. Tape and gauze also double as a fix for flappers and torn hands, which are the injuries you’ll run into most.
What should I pack first if I’m new to climbing?
Start with safety gear and shoes, then a chalk bag. Once you’ve got the core, layer in comfort and skin-care items like a puffy, headlamp, salve, and sunscreen. If you want help choosing specific gear, the buyer’s guides below break down shoes, belay devices, chalk, and more.
More Buyer’s Guides:
- The Top 5 Crash Pads For Bouldering: How To Decide Which Is Best
- Diy Hangboard With Jugs And Edges For Less Than $15
- 6 Of The Best Belay Devices For Beginner Climbers
- The Best 11 Climbing Shoes Under $100
- Climbing Chalk: Chunky Vs. Fine
- The Best Chalk For Climbing And Bouldering
- Rock Climbing Starter Kits For Beginners Compared
- Liquid Chalk Vs. Dry Chalk For Bouldering (Hint: Dry Chalk Is Better)
- Top 5 Gear You Need In Your Climbing Pack For The Best Experience
- What To Wear While Bouldering
- Should You Upgrade To An Assisted-Braking Belay Device?
- Everything You Need To Know About Climbing Chalk
- 37 Things Serious Climbers Bring With Them To The Mountains
- Clothing For Climbing In The Gym – What Should You Wear?
- Can You Climb Without Chalk?
- How Tight Climbing Shoes Should Fit For The Best Performance
- Harnesses For Rappeling
- My Favorite Harness For Climbing
- What You Should Wear While Climbing
- What Affects How Climbing Shoes Fit?
- How To Clean Your Grigri
- How To Care For Your Climbing Rope
