Essential Gear for Indoor Rock Climbing: What You Actually Need
Photo by bady abbas on Unsplash
When you're just starting out with indoor climbing, the wall of specialized gear at your local shop can be pretty intimidating. But here's the good news: you need way less equipment than you might think to get started. This guide cuts through the marketing hype to focus on what's truly essential for your first few months at the climbing gym.
The Only Three Must-Haves for Your First Day
New climbers often overthink their initial gear purchases. For your very first climbing session, you only need:
Comfortable, athletic clothing - Nothing fancy required
A positive attitude - Seriously, this matters more than any gear
Rental shoes - Available at every climbing gym
That's it! Everything else can wait until you're sure climbing is your thing. Most gyms provide rental shoes, harnesses, belay devices, and chalk for beginners. Take advantage of this before investing your hard-earned cash. If you're feeling nervous about your first visit, our Indoor Rock Climbing for Beginners: A No-Intimidation Guide covers everything you need to know to feel confident walking in.
Your First Gear Purchase: Climbing Shoes
Once you've caught the climbing bug (and trust us, it's contagious), proper climbing shoes should be your first investment. Here's why they matter and how to choose them:
Why Climbing Shoes Matter
Regular sneakers just don't cut it on climbing walls because:
They lack the precision needed for smaller footholds
Their soft soles don't provide the necessary support
They don't have the sticky rubber that gives climbing shoes their grip
Finding Your Perfect Fit
Climbing shoes should fit differently than your street shoes:
Snug but not painful (your toes should be flat, not curled)
No empty space in the heel
Minimal dead space anywhere in the shoe
For beginners, prioritize comfort over aggressive performance. You'll be taking them on and off frequently as you learn, and painful shoes will cut your sessions short. Once you've got the right shoes, you'll be ready to learn the Common Indoor Climbing Techniques Every Beginner Should Master, which we'll cover in our next article.
Beginner-Friendly Shoe Recommendations
Look for these characteristics in your first pair:
Flat profile (not downturned)
Neutral last (not aggressively asymmetrical)
Padded tongue for comfort
Hook-and-loop (Velcro) closures for easy on/off
Popular beginner models include:
La Sportiva Tarantulace
Scarpa Origin
Black Diamond Momentum
Evolv Defy
Budget tip: Many climbing gyms sell used shoes at steep discounts. These can be a great way to get started without breaking the bank, especially since your first pair will wear out faster as you learn proper footwork.
Chalk and Chalk Bags: Your Second Purchase
Once you have shoes, a chalk bag and some climbing chalk make a smart second investment:
Why Chalk Matters
Climbing chalk:
Keeps your hands dry for better grip
Absorbs sweat during longer climbing sessions
Reduces skin irritation from repeated contact with holds
Chalk Options
Loose chalk: Most economical, comes in various consistencies
Chalk balls: Less messy, ideal for indoor climbing where excess chalk dust is frowned upon
Liquid chalk: Long-lasting base layer, popular for humid climbing environments
Chalk Bags
A simple chalk bag with a waist belt is all you need. Features to consider:
Stiff rim that stays open for easy access
Secure closure to prevent spills
Belt or attachment point that works with your climbing style
Budget tip: Basic chalk bags all serve the same function—don't get sucked into paying premium prices for fancy designs unless they truly spark joy.
When to Invest in Your Own Harness
After several sessions, if you're enjoying the roped climbing (top-roping or lead climbing) aspect of the sport, a personal harness makes sense:
Harness Essentials for Beginners
Look for:
Padded waist belt for comfort during falls and hanging belays
Adjustable leg loops that accommodate different clothing layers
At least four gear loops (you'll appreciate these later)
Belay loop that's easy to see and inspect
Beginner-Friendly Harness Recommendations
Good starter options include:
Black Diamond Momentum
Petzl Corax
Mammut Ophir
Remember: comfort trumps weight savings or specialized features for your first harness. These indoor skills will form the foundation for when you're ready to explore From Gym to Crag: Transitioning from Indoor to Outdoor Climbing.
Belay Devices: Necessary for Partners
If you plan to belay partners, you'll need your own belay device:
Types of Belay Devices for Indoor Climbing
Tube-style devices: Simple, versatile, and common (ATC, Reverso)
Assisted-braking devices: Added safety features but more complex (Grigri, Megajul)
As a beginner, follow your gym's recommendations—many now require assisted-braking devices for safer belaying.
What to Look For
Compatibility with your gym's ropes (usually 9.5-10.5mm)
Ease of use for beginners
Durability and construction quality
Budget tip: A simple tube-style device is significantly less expensive than an assisted-braking device, but the latter provides additional safety margins that many beginners appreciate.
Beyond the Basics: What Can Wait
These items aren't essential right away but become useful as you progress:
Climbing Tape
Used for:
Protecting skin on rough climbs
Supporting finger joints
Creating makeshift protection for small cuts
Brush
For:
Cleaning excess chalk from holds
Improving grip on polished or slick holds
Gym Bag
A dedicated climbing bag helps organize:
Shoes (preferably in a mesh pouch to reduce odor)
Chalk and chalk bag
Water bottle and snacks
Tape and other accessories
Fingerboard or Hangboard
Save this purchase until:
You've been climbing consistently for 6+ months
Your technique is solid
You understand proper training principles
For targeted exercises once you're ready, check out our upcoming guide on Strength Training for Indoor Climbers: Key Exercises to Improve Your Skills.
The Gear Progression Timeline
Here's a suggested timeline for gear acquisition:
First day: Rent everything
2-4 weeks in: Purchase climbing shoes if you're enjoying the sport
1-2 months in: Add chalk and chalk bag
2-3 months in: Invest in a harness if you're doing roped climbing
3-6 months in: Get your own belay device if you're regularly climbing with partners
6+ months: Consider specialty training equipment if you're committed to progression
Caring for Your Climbing Gear
Proper care extends the life of your investment:
Air out shoes after each session to prevent odor
Brush shoes occasionally to maintain rubber performance
Check harness for wear regularly
Store gear in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
From Rental Gear to Personal Kit
The transition from renting to owning climbing gear should be gradual. Each purchase should reflect your growing commitment to the sport and specific climbing style preferences.
If you're unsure about any purchase, talk to experienced climbers at your gym. Most are happy to share their gear wisdom and might even let you try their equipment before you buy.
Next Steps on Your Climbing Journey
Now that you understand the essential gear, you're ready to focus on what really matters: developing solid technique. Check out our Indoor Rock Climbing for Beginners: A No-Intimidation Guide for tips on making the most of your new equipment.
Stay tuned for our next article in this series, where we'll cover Common Indoor Climbing Techniques Every Beginner Should Master to help you make the most of your new gear!