Buying Gear for Indoor Rock Climbing - What Is in My Gym Bag

If you're curious about what to bring to an indoor rock climbing gym, you’re in the right place. When I started climbing last year, I rented all my gear from the gym. As I started visiting more frequently, renting became a bit expensive, so I eventually purchased my own gear. It took time to find the right shoes and gear that worked best for my climbing level and could support my progress. To save you time and effort, here are some recommended climbing essentials to bring to the gym.

First, you’ll need a sturdy bag for your gear. Any backpack with multiple compartments will work. I use the Lululemon City Adventurer Backpack 17L, which has several compartments, including a bottom one for my climbing shoes and an additional bag for sweaty workout clothes. It also has an outer pocket for my smartphone, a water bottle pocket inside, and a laptop compartment for added convenience. The material is water-resistant, keeping your items safe even in the rain.

When choosing climbing shoes, there are plenty of great brands. Two of the best on the market are La Sportiva and Butora. I opted for the Butora Endeavor Wide Fit Climbing Shoe. These shoes are great for both beginners and advanced climbers, meaning you won’t need to upgrade quickly as you improve. They come in narrow and wide versions, and the 100% organic hemp lining helps control stretch and odor. Be aware that Butora shoes run small, so it's recommended to size up by 1.5 sizes. For example, I wear a size 10 in climbing shoes, which corresponds to a regular shoe size of 8.5. The shoes should fit snugly but not painfully. If they hurt, size up.

Though most climbers don’t wear socks with their shoes (unless they're renting), I decided to buy four pairs of climbing socks to prevent odor buildup. Butora offers climbing-specific socks made from 100% organic hemp, just like their shoes. They fit snugly without restricting movement, and I find the X-Large size perfect for my feet. If you have larger feet, it’s best to contact the company to ensure they’ll fit.

A comfortable harness is another essential. While gyms typically rent harnesses, these rentals can be uncomfortable due to a lack of padding. A padded harness, like the Black Diamond Women’s XS Smoke Primose Harness, offers adjustable leg loops and great comfort. It’s well-constructed and highly recommended for longer climbs.

Chalk is also necessary for dry hands. I recommend either loose chalk or a chalk ball. While liquid chalk is an option, I find it dries too quickly. Preferences vary, so it’s worth experimenting to see what works best for you. A regular small chalk bag should suffice for rope climbing.

Most gyms provide belay devices and carabiners for rent, though some may allow you to bring your own gear. Always check with your gym first. For belay devices, the Petzl Grigri 2 is common and offers an automatic locking feature, which is ideal for beginners. The ATC device is also popular, but it lacks an automatic lock, so I wouldn’t recommend it for those new to climbing.

For carabiners, I recommend the Black Diamond Gridlock Screwgate Locking Carabiner and the Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate Carabiner.

If you still need help choosing gear, consider reaching out to Backcountry’s Gearheads, who are experts in outdoor equipment and can answer any questions you may have.