What to Pack for Your First Outdoor Climbing Trip
It’s finally happening! You’ve been anticipating, anxiously waiting, looking forward to this moment. You’re not pulling on plastic this weekend. Instead, you’re climbing on real rock! Rock climbing! The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the feeling of nothing but freedom out in nature.
Are you ready? Do you have everything you need? Take the stress out of packing, and let's get you settled. Discover the essentials, the nice-to-haves, and what you can leave at home for your first outdoor climbing trip.
Climbing Gear Essentials: Your Safety Comes First
Your gear checklist will vary depending on the style of rock climbing you’re planning to do. Here is a general checklist to help you determine whether you’re bouldering, sport climbing, or trad climbing. You may not, and likely won’t, have all of this gear if it’s your first time outdoors, but you and your partners should collectively have it.
Harness (pretty necessary, right?)
Climbing shoes (broken in, but not blown out!)
Helmet (don’t skip this, rocks fall)
Belay device + locking carabiner
Chalk bag and chalk (extra chalk is always nice to have/offer)
Rope (if you’re leading or top-roping)
Quickdraws or trad rack (depending on the route type and your partners’ preference)
Personal anchor system or slings
Crashpad!
Clothing and Layers: Dress for the Crag, Not the Gram
Sure, you can snap your picks lookin’ all cool when leading your first route or taking your first big whip, but don’t forget to have backups at the base. You’re not in a climate-controlled environment anymore. The weather can change fast, and depending on where you’re climbing, it can change incredibly fast. Be prepared. Use this checklist while you pack!
Weather-appropriate layers (light insulation, sun protection, rain shell)
Flexible, breathable pants or shorts
Extra pair of socks and base layers (if you’re far from the car and have rain potential)
Hat and sunglasses (sun = brutal)
Approach shoes or trail runners (unless you enjoy sandal hiking, no judgement here!)
Food, Water, and Crag Comfort
This one is a no-brainer. At least, it should be. You won’t have a water fountain or retail shop to grab a kombucha when you’re thirsty; you must pack your own pick-me-ups. If there is only one thing you take from this checklist, bring water. (Take more though, be smart about your first outdoor rock climbing trip.)
Plenty of water (hydration bladder or bottles)
Snacks: protein bars, trail mix, fruit (anything to munch on, really)
Full lunch if you're out all day. Seriously.
Camp chair or crash pad (even if you're not bouldering, it's comfy!)
Sunscreen and bug spray
Poop kit or wag bag (Leave No Trace, folks)
Emergency and First Aid: Don’t Be That Guy
It never happens to you until it does, right? The best thing you can do is be prepared. (The next best thing after that is to know how to use your first aid kit.) From flappers to sprained ankles to downright gnarly falls, it’s best to be ready for anything. You don’t have to carry everything yourself, but make sure your party is prepared with the following:
First aid kit (with tape, tweezers, blister stuff)
Headlamp (yes, even if you plan to leave early)
Map, guidebook, or downloaded topo
Whistle and multi-tool
Emergency bivy or space blanket (likely unnecessary if you’re a short jaunt from the car)
Optional but Awesome Extras
You’ve got the essentials packed! Woo! There are just a few other things you could bring on your first outdoor rock climbing trip that you can toss in your bag. (Some of these you should bring.)
Finger tape and nail clippers (this should be a must, actually)
Climbing journal or logbook
Camera or phone for pics (but don’t drop it!)
Portable speaker (have the utmost respect if you bring one of these… and no EDM battles)
Trash bag for micro-trash (be a good outdoor steward)
Stoked attitude and solid climbing partner (trust in your partner is key)
Packing for your first outdoor rock climbing trip is quite simple, really. Once you have the basics, it boils down to the comforts. Do you want a nicely packed sandwich for lunch or some trail mix? Are you bringing a camp chair, or are you cool with chilling in the dirt?
Don’t Forget The Stoke
One thing to remember about rock climbing in the great outdoors is that it is an extremely special opportunity, one that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Respect the space you’re in and the people around you, and you’re sure to have a wonderful time. Now go get after it and enjoy your first rock climbing trip outdoors!