Helmet

Yes, your helmet should be your very first purchase. Just like you must purchase car insurance before you can drive your car; you must make a helmet your first purchase. A helmet is insurance for your head. Let’s face it, rock climbing can be dangerous and just because you are new to climbing and only doing some indoor climbing right now; you will eventually be climbing outside. Make that helmet purchase now. When you climb outside, you might wear your helmet for hours and hours without a break. Comfort is key here. You want a helmet that is adjustable around the crown of your head and under your chin. Most helmets will be fully adjustable. Once you know what size of helmet and what brand you like, shop around. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to over $100. I like the Petzl Ecrin Roc Climbing Helmet

Shoes

Depending on how much your gym charges you to rent shoes, you have some time to shop around to see what you like best. Renting gear from your climbing gym is a great way to “try” gear. If your gym is big enough to carry different brands of shoes, you should try them all out. If you are lucky enough to have an outdoor shop with an indoor climbing or bouldering wall, you will have the easiest time finding a shoe you love. You’ll be able to try on a size that you think will work and then get right on a wall to see if it will work for you. The best tip I ever got in regards to buying a shoe is this: If it hurts your toes, it is too small. And, because you are a newbie, you should look for the right mix of fit, comfort, and performance. A super-tight fit will not matter to you until you feel that you need that fit to jump to the next level in your climbing. A lot of new climbers can get caught up in all the other shoe variables. It is really not that important. Leather will stretch considerably over time; synthetics will hold their shape better, but will stink to high heaven. Lace-up‘s are for performance – when you really want the shoe tight for some thin footwork. Velcro and slip-on‘s all have their pro’s and con’s. You must try on a lot of shoes to find what works best for you. My first pair of shoes were 510 Moccasym. They are super comfy now that they are stretched out. I’ve even had them re-soled 3 or 4 times. I have two pairs of velcro Evolv Evo’s. And, my performance shoe is the La Sportiva lace-up Miura. You’ll find shoes on sale for $40 – $60 and you can spend upwards of $150 for the higher end, performance shoes.

Harness

The same methodology applies to finding a harness that works for you as you used to find shoes. For me, leg loops with padding makes a giant difference. My first harness did not have padding on the leg loops. So, when I upgraded to a Petzl Sama Climbing Harness I was in heaven. You’ll want to pay special attention to how the harness fits you. Follow the manufacturers advice on how the harness should snug up over your hips and on your thighs. I’ve seen guys wear their harness like a baggy pair of pants. A poorly fitted harness can get you into trouble and throw you upside down or even dump you out of your harness – you don’t want that. Again, all the other variables like the number of gear loops on the harness will probably not apply to you for some time. You can go with comfort and price. Expect to pay $50 to $150 for your harness.

Belay Device

Allow me to refer you to a previous article about how a beginner should choose a first belay device. It is worth repeating: Master Your Device. No matter if you choose the Gri Gri 2 or a Black Diamond ATC Guide, you must read all of the manufacturers instructions and then practice being safe with your belay device.

Carabiner (for your Belay Device)

Again, this is a point of personal preference. Choose what you are comfortable using. If you like the idea of an auto-locking carabiner, buy it. If you don’t buy just a regular locking carabiner. Just Master Your Device. Part of your safety check before belay is “ON” is to look at your carabiner if you are belaying; and look at your belayer’s carabiner if you are climbing! Right now, I am enjoying belaying with the Petzl Gri Gri 2 and the Petzl William Ball Locker HMS, for both top rope and lead.

As you can see, you can make quite an investment in rock climbing gear. Keep in mind that you don’t have to buy anything to get started. Most gyms have fairly affordable gear to rent and that will save you from having to spend a ton of cash at first. Ease into your gear. Try as much gear as you can. Most climbing folks are super generous in allowing others to try their gear out. And finally, Master Your Device and climb safely.