Gear & Equipment
8 guides
How to Care For and Retire Climbing Gear
Learn how to inspect, clean, store, and retire climbing rope, harness, carabiners, and slings so your gear stays safe longer.
July 2, 2026
Do You Need a Helmet for Climbing?
Helmets are optional at the gym but essential outdoors. Learn when to wear one, what types exist, and how to get the right fit.
June 28, 2026
Climbing Gear for Beginners: What You Actually Need
A practical stage-by-stage guide to beginner climbing gear — what to rent, what to buy first, and what life-safety gear must be UIAA/CE rated.
June 25, 2026
Belay Devices Explained: ATC vs Assisted-Braking
Learn the difference between tube-style ATCs and assisted-braking belay devices, how each works, and which one beginners should learn on first.
June 22, 2026
How to Choose a Climbing Harness
Learn how to choose a climbing harness as a beginner — parts, fit, certification, and care explained simply so you can climb safely.
June 17, 2026
Chalk and Chalk Bags: What Beginners Need to Know
Learn what climbing chalk is, the different types available, and how to choose a chalk bag or bucket — practical advice for new climbers.
June 13, 2026
How Should Climbing Shoes Fit?
Learn how climbing shoes should fit for beginners: snug but not painful, no dead space, and why comfort beats aggression when you're just starting out.
June 9, 2026
How to Choose Climbing Shoes for Beginners
Learn how to choose climbing shoes as a beginner—what shape, closure, and fit to look for, when to buy your first pair, and what to skip entirely.
June 5, 2026