Buying climbing gear

We know it seems scary due to the massive range of climbing equipment available, it also looks very expensive if you buy everything! relax you can do it in stages.

All you really need to start is yourself, if you join a club they will probably be able to lend you most of the equipment although many people prefer to purchase their own harness, , karabiner and belay device.

If you want to buy your own equipment, all you need to start is a pair of rock climbing shoes, harness, helmet, karabiner and belay device. Most indoor centres already have ropes so there is no need to purchase a rope when starting out, unless you want your own or are planning on climbing outdoors.

If you are going to climb outdoors you may find that you can team up with a climber or group who already have all the additional equipment you will need so you don't have to buy your own equipment until your hooked...... it wont take long.....!.

Climbing gear comes in many styles and colours all of which are personal choice. Don’t be fooled into thinking that more expensive and fancier designed equipment will provide enhanced safety than more reasonably priced equipment. All climbing equipment sold in the UK/EU has to have passed certain safety tests.

Beware of purchasing equipment from retailers that are not in the UK as some of the equipment they sell may not have passed the stringent UK/EU safety tests. More often than not the more you pay, you are paying for design and look although some but not all more expensive equipment will wear better than cheaper equipment. It is all down to personal choice and what you are willing or can afford to spend on it .

Climbing equipment like fashion clothing is updated all the time with manufacturers changing the colours and style slightly .A good idea is to try other people’s gear or ask them for advice - you can’t get better advice than someone who has used it. The main thing is take it in stages and don’t spend a fortune