Rock climbing can be done indoors or out.It's important to fit yourself right for your climb.It is important to wear clothes that are loose and comfortable.You should dress for the weather if you are outdoors.Adding the right gear will keep you safe.You can enjoy your climb if you have good basic clothing and gear.
Step 1: A loose, comfortable top is what you should wear.
A comfortable top will give you maximum freedom of movement.If you are climbing outdoors, consider long sleeves to protect you from the sun.If it is really hot, you might want to wear a tank top or short sleeves.
Step 2: Long pants are a good choice for protection.
Long pants will protect your knees.If you are climbing in a crack, your knees are going to be against the rock.Find pants that are loose and comfortable.Don't get them too long or loose because they can get in the way of footwork.To be safe, roll up long pants around your feet.
Step 3: If you want to stay cooler, wear shorts or capris.
If you prefer the freedom of movement they provide, look for a good pair of shorts, capris, or three-quarter-length pants.While protecting your knees, capris and three-quarter-length pants will keep you cooler than long pants.Wear shorts that are longer.The harness will go around your thighs.It is possible to protect your thighs from irritation from the harness.
Step 4: Synthetic fabrics are used for your tops and bottoms.
Synthetic materials will keep you dry.When your clothes are dry, you will stay cooler in the heat.Cotton will hold up for a long time, but it will take longer to dry, and will soak up sweat.Tencel, Gore-Tex, nylon, and polypropylene are some of the synthetic fibers.
Step 5: Light colors are best in the heat.
On hot days, wear light colored clothes.Light colors reflect light and keep you cooler than dark colors.Lighter colors can make you safer.
Step 6: There is a layer in the cold.
There are layers in the cold weather.Thin layers are better than one heavy layer.As the day gets hotter, you can remove layers.If the day gets cold, you can add layers.Start with a warm base layer that will absorb sweat.Adding an insulation layer will add warmth.There is a layer that protects you from the elements.You want your clothes to be loose enough to give you a good range of motion.
Step 7: The shoe has a hard rubber sole.
Climbing shoes are lighter and smaller than other athletic shoes.A versatile shoe with a hard rubber sole can handle a variety of climbs indoors and out.A hard sole will not wear out quickly and can hold an edge longer than a softer rubber sole.
Step 8: It's important to get the right fit.
Take your time trying on different brands.Aggressive climbing can be done with a tighter shoe.Advanced climbers prefer tight shoes with their toes bent in the toe box.A softer, looser shoe is suitable for less challenging climbs, climbs with different types of pitches, and for beginners.Unlined shoes are more comfortable, but they are not as durable.You can size up a little for comfort and still be safe on all kinds of climbs with a stiff sole.Synthetics will conform to your foot gradually, but leather shoes will stretch more than that.When buying a synthetic shoe, make sure it fits well.
Step 9: How you want your shoes to be fastened is up to you.
You can change how the shoes fit.The shoes are easy to take on and off.When your feet get hot, this is helpful.The most comfortable style is the slipper, but they need to be replaced often.
Step 10: There is a choice between a soft or stiff shoe.
Soft shoes are better for areas with slopes because they stick to the surface better.Your feet might get tired more quickly if you wear a soft shoe.Your foot won't feel the rock if you wear stiff shoes.A stiff shoe will help your feet.
Step 11: You can buy certified equipment.
Specific safety equipment is required for rock climbing.You should buy equipment that is certified to protect you.The International Climbing and Mountaineering Association has a database of certified equipment.Climbing equipment that is certified will say it is approved.The European standard for safety is CEN.Theuiaa.org has a database of safety standards and certified equipment.
Step 12: You need a helmet to protect your head.
You should choose a helmet for climbing.Football and bicycling helmets are not designed to protect you from falling debris on your head.Pick a helmet that is snug and comfortable.If you get hot quickly, choose a helmet with air flow.A helmet that is light-colored will keep you cooler in the sun.
Step 13: The harness should be comfortable.
If you fall, a good harness will keep you upright.Pick your harness based on the fit of your legs and waist.You can only fit a few fingers between your body and harness if your waist is tight.You will spend more time standing in your harness than you will climbing or hanging, so find one that is comfortable when you stand.Harnesses can be found around your waist or hips.If your hips are bigger than your waist, you will be most comfortable in a harness that fits around it.The leg straps should not be tight.The difference between your waist and leg straps is called the rise.If this is too short, you will not be comfortable.Try to find a rise that is adjusted.The mesh harness is lightweight and comfortable.There should be easy access to the gear loops.Make sure that they are not too far forward so that your gear won't hit your thighs or get in your way while you climb.
Step 14: Make sure to stock up on rope.
Ropes are used for lead climbing, breaking a fall, rappelling, and even hauling gear.There are a lot of things to consider when choosing your ropes.If your rope is static or dynamic, focus on length, diameter and size.You should get rope that is at least 60 feet long.Longer rope will give you more flexibility.There are a variety of diameters of rope.It's a good idea to start out with a thicker rope.It is easy to grab and locks into your carabiners.Ropes are best for lead climbing.There are static ropes.Dynamic and static ropes can be used.Make sure to check your rope for dead spots, or places where the core feels soft or damaged.
Step 15: Pick up some carabiners.
carabiners that clearly state they are for climbing and are certified to hold significant weight are a good choice.The locking devices and shapes of carabiners are specific to the sport.Pick your carabiners based on the two features.The D-shape is lightweight, versatile, and common.All carabiners have ratings in kilonewton that describe their force-bearing capacity in different positions, including along their spine and across the gate.When force is distributed along the spine, a carabiner is most effective.A pear shape has a larger basket to hold the rope and is used for belaying.You can choose between a carabiner that locks automatically when it is shut or one that screws shut.