Prepare to embark on a challenging and fulfilling climbing activity. To start your rock climbing journey, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with safety protocols and techniques. New climbers often ask, “What to wear rock climbing?”
Rock climbing has no strict clothing requirements, unlike team sports with specific uniforms or swimming, where there’s little flexibility. While there’s no one-size-fits-all outfit for climbing, we’ve gathered some tips to help you dress comfortably and enhance your climbing experience.
Table of contents
- What to Wear Rock Climbing Indoors
- Factors to Consider
- Accessories for Indoor Rock Climbing
- What to Wear When Rock Climbing Outdoors
- Layering for Outdoor Climbing
- Can You Wear Jeans While Rock Climbing?
- Can You Wear Gloves While Rock Climbing?
- Choosing the Right Shoes for Rock Climbing
- Conclusion
- Recommended Articles on Outdoor Gear and Hiking Shoes:
What to Wear Rock Climbing Indoors
When climbing indoors, you don’t have to worry about the weather. So, picking an outfit is pretty simple. We recommend wearing comfortable and breathable clothes that let you move freely. Choose clothes that make climbing easy and comfortable during your session at the climbing gym.
Your regular workout outfit may already be suitable when choosing indoor climbing attire. However, if you need help figuring out where to start, we suggest investing in a breathable T-shirt, tank top, tracksuit, and shorts or Hiking leggings with UV protection. These clothing options will provide the comfort and flexibility you need to effectively navigate the indoor climbing walls.
Factors to Consider
Flexibility
Flexibility is key in rock climbing. Prioritize clothing that allows unrestricted movement, ensuring that your arms and legs have the flexibility they need to get those challenging holds.
Comfort
When climbing indoors, prioritize comfort over durability. Choose lightweight climbing fabrics that allow comfortable movement, as indoor climbing accentuates a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Choose clothes that fit well without being too tight. Avoid wearing baggy clothes that might interfere with your movement or get tangled in the climbing rope. Opt for shorts or pants that comfortably fit under a climbing harness to ensure a smooth and hassle-free climbing experience.
Gear
Consider whether you’ll need to wear a harness for climbing, except for bouldering, where it is necessary. If a harness is required, it’s essential to wear a top that is long enough to be tucked into the waistband.
If you prefer shorts, make sure they are long enough to cover the area under the leg loops of the harness and come a few inches above the knee to ensure proper coverage.
Materials
It’s advisable to avoid synthetic fabrics for climbing as they can retain moisture and potentially make you feel cold. Instead, opt for natural fabrics like wool and cotton. These materials have better breathable properties and can help regulate your body temperature more effectively while climbing.
Footwear
In this article, we will provide more information about climbing shoes. However, if you are interested in top-roping or lead climbing, you should bring a pair of shoes for belaying. Choosing climbing shoes that cover your toes is most suitable.
Accessories for Indoor Rock Climbing
Jacket
A lightweight jacket is a handy addition to your climbing gear. It provides a light and warm layer that you can easily slip on when needed. This is particularly useful when you’ve worked up a sweat on your climbing route.
Equipment
Most gyms provide or rent essential equipment such as ropes, harnesses, and belay devices. However, if you prefer to use chalk, it’s recommended to bring your chalk bag and chalk.
Avoid wearing gloves or caps while climbing. It’s important to have direct contact between your hands and the climbing holds to maintain a secure grip. Over time, your skin will naturally toughen up as you continue climbing sessions.
QYou could use a bouldering crash pad to avoid critical damage in case of a fall.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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BLACK DIAMOND Men's Momentum Rock Climbing Harness... |
$64.95
$59.88 |
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PETZL GRIGRI Belay Device - Belay Device With... |
$109.95
$79.00 |
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|
X XBEN Outdoor Climbing Rope 10M (32ft) Rock... |
$17.99
$16.65 |
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What to Wear When Rock Climbing Outdoors
When planning for outdoor rock climbing, consider your clothes carefully. You’ll be exposed to the sun, heat, and dust all day, so choose clothing , whether it’s outfits for summer to chilly fall hiking clothes, that can adapt to weather changes.
Additionally, opt for durable fabrics that can withstand the abrasiveness of rock surfaces. Prioritizing these factors will ensure comfort and protection during your outdoor climbing experience.
Keep the following options in mind when picking your attire:
Tops for Rock Climbing
When selecting t-shirts and tops for rock climbing, choosing garments with breathability and sweat-wicking properties is essential. These features help keep you comfortable and dry during your climbing sessions.
Additionally, ensure that the length of the top is sufficient to tuck it securely under your harness. This prevents any interference or discomfort caused by the top riding up while you climb.
If you already own t-shirts or vests designed for other sports, such as running or hiking, they can often be suitable for rock climbing.
These types of athletic apparel are typically made from performance fabrics that offer breathability and moisture management, making them ideal for intense physical activities like climbing. Such tops are readily available on Amazon.
During colder seasons, it’s recommended to layer up for added warmth. Wear a long-sleeved shirt underneath your top to provide an extra insulation layer. This base layer helps trap heat close to your body and keeps you comfortable in lower temperatures.
By considering these factors and selecting appropriate t-shirts and tops, you can ensure optimal comfort and performance during rock climbing.
Pants for Rock Climbing
While regular trousers are comfortable for climbing at the gym, choosing something more tight-fitting and made from thicker material when rock climbing is advisable.
Specialized climbing trousers are available, but if you already own hiking trousers, they can be a great alternative. These trousers are typically made from thicker and more durable materials. As a result, you’ll have better protection against abrasion.
Thicker tracksuits or gym shorts are also suitable options for outdoor climbing. The key is to choose clothing that offers durability and can withstand the roughness of the rock surfaces.
Leggings are a popular choice for climbing. However, it’s important to note that leggings can rip quickly, especially during falls or while climbing rugged rocks. If you prefer wearing leggings, consider investing in durable climbing leggings or opt for leggings made from bamboo.
These Patagonia Caliza Rock Pants are also a great choice and have the stretch you need while ensuring peak mobility and comfort under a harness.
Opting for clothing made from thicker and sturdier materials can mitigate the risk of tears or damage while enjoying your climbing adventures.
Get Patagonia Caliza Rock Pants on or REI from $109 (list price)
Sports Bra for Rock Climbing
Consider wearing a more supportive sports bra for the walk-ins or approaches involved in rock climbing. Climbing engages your lats and upper-back muscles heavily, so avoid anything restricting movement in that area.
If you develop a passion for climbing, you may find that regular sports bras become uncomfortable as your back muscles strengthen. Thankfully, there are climbing-specific sports bras available in the market that are designed to address this issue.
These bras are designed to provide climbers with the necessary support and comfort. Likewise, this ensures you’ll have a more enjoyable climbing experience.
Layering for Outdoor Climbing
Proper outer layers are imperative for rock climbing, especially when you are climbing outdoors. Layering becomes essential as you transition between patches of intense exertion while hiking or climbing rocks and standing still while belaying. The level of exposure and windiness can vary between different climbing locations, so it’s essential to be prepared.
When packing for your climbing day, it’s vital to have waterproof and warm clothing. This is not only a matter of comfort but also necessary for safety.
In the unfortunate event of an accident or injury at the rock, extra layers will help you stay warm and protect against potential scratches. Additionally, bringing a raincoat is crucial to avoid getting drenched and falling sick.
Ensuring that you have the proper outer layers will contribute to a more pleasant and safe climbing experience, allowing you to focus on the challenges of climbing rather than being hindered by uneasy or inadequate clothing.
Try to keep the following items with you at all times:
- Pack a belay jacket, whether synthetic or down, to keep you warm during rest periods. These jackets typically feature a zip system for easy access to your harness, providing comfort and warmth while you await the climb.
- Pack a fleece or two, depending on the temperature. Fleece jackets provide exceptional insulation and are excellent for chillier climbing conditions.
- Pack a warm hat and belay gloves for nippier conditions and a cap and sunglasses for sun protection in warmer weather.
- Pack a waterproof hardshell; it will be helpful in unexpected rain showers. Always try and go with waterproof trousers. Staying dry and protected will provide a more delightful climbing experience.
- Wear a breathable base layer underneath your climbing clothes in colder weather to avoid cooling down too much. This helps to retain body heat and keep you warm.
Can You Wear Jeans While Rock Climbing?
Some climbers wear skinny jeans while climbing or bouldering, which may make you wonder how they move freely—the secret lies in using lycra, also known as elastane or spandex.
Jeans made explicitly for climbing with extra stretch and a gusseted crotch allow unrestricted movement while protecting rough climbing holds.
Several well-known brands offer stretchy denim, not exclusively for climbing. You can find affordable stretchy jeans online or at most major retailers. This versatility lets you wear one pair of jeans casually and for climbing, offering comfort and flexibility.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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La Sportiva Mens Solution Rock Climbing Shoe,… | $199.00 $163.66 | View More | |
| 2 |
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La Sportiva Men’s Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes,… |
$88.95 |
View More | |
| 3 |
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Climb X Ravestrap Climbing Shoe, Phantom Black |
$99.95
$69.95 |
View More |
Ultimately, what to wear for indoor rock climbing depends on your convenience and preferences.
Can You Wear Gloves While Rock Climbing?
We do not recommend wearing gloves during rock climbing as they can hinder your ability to grip the rock effectively. While new climbers may experience discomfort and blisters, developing calluses over time will help. Go with hand warmers, thoroughly warm up, layer clothing, and enjoy hot beverages to keep warm.
However, gloves designed specifically for belaying can be worn to keep your hands warm and improve your grip on the rope. They may require some adjustment but can benefit climbers with cold hands.
Choosing the Right Shoes for Rock Climbing
It’s worth considering footwear for the walk-in approach to outdoor climbing. Wearing the right shoes can help prevent injuries and mishaps.
Climbing-specific approach shoes are available and are prepared to be more durable than regular trainers. They often come designed with sticky rubber soles for better grip.
Other alternatives can be hiking boots or trail-running shoes, as they provide reasonable support and traction during the approach. Regular trainers may suffice for less technical approaches. But if steep terrains are involved, we advise you to choose footwear with better traction.
It’s worth noting that flip-flops are not recommended for belaying at the crag. The significant forces involved in lead falls and the need for belayers to move quickly can result in in-shoe slippage, posing a safety risk.
For beginners, finding a well-fitting climbing shoe is crucial. The ideal fit strikes a balance between being tight enough to provide precision on smaller holds and comfortable enough to avoid constant pain.
Conclusion
We trust that this article has provided you with valuable insights on what to wear for rock climbing. Always prioritize your comfort when selecting a climbing outfit. Feeling at ease and unrestricted in your clothing is critical to fully enjoying your climbing experience.
Comfort and confidence should be your guiding factors. As a beginner, prioritize simplicity and functionality. As you advance, feel free to explore various styles and accessories. However, always remember that the climb itself should remain your primary focus.
So, gear up, stay comfortable, and enjoy the thrilling experience of rock climbing!
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Last update on 2025-02-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API