The Climbing Primer

Gear & Equipment

What to buy, what to rent, and what the gym already provides. The good news is you need almost nothing to start: for bouldering it is just climbing shoes and a bit of chalk, since the landing pads are built into the floor. When you move on to roped gym climbing you add a harness and a belay device, and any outdoor climbing means a helmet too. These guides cover how climbing shoes should fit, snug and supportive without being painful, and the non-negotiable rule that ropes, harnesses, and hardware must be properly rated, in good condition, and cared for.

Gear & Equipment

5 guides

Gear & Equipment

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.

August 20, 2026

Gear & Equipment

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.

August 6, 2026

Gear & Equipment

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.

July 23, 2026

Gear & Equipment

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.

July 9, 2026

Gear & Equipment

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

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