Where to Buy Rock Climbing Gear
Wondering where to buy rock climbing gear? Oh, you’re in for it now. You’ll own more pairs of climbing shoes and belay devices than you need before you know it.
The number one thing to remember when buying rock climbing gear is that you can never spend too much money on something responsible for keeping you safe. Instead of using your friend’s old harness, invest in something straight from a manufacturer. Or understand how to inspect climbing gear.
This wondrous world of climbing you’re embarking on will take you to new places and empower you to push yourself, all with the comfort and confidence of owning your gear. So, where can you buy rock climbing gear?
Tips for Buying Rock Climbing Gear
● Suppose you’re concerned about buying rock climbing gear from a third party like Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, or your friends. In that case, you should always check to ensure the gear is UIAA-certified.
The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) has existed for many years and has become the standard for determining satisfactory equipment. When their safety label is seen on a piece of gear, it states that an accredited, independent third party has tested it and that it satisfies the requirements of the UIAA standard. This means that the gear has undergone rigorous testing and meets the highest safety standards in the industry.
Always inspect any gear as much as possible before purchasing from a third party. It’s unlikely that a seller will knowingly sell you worn-out or unsafe gear, but you never know! If you’re unsure what to look for, do a quick Google search for how to identify safe climbing gear. Look for signs of wear and tear, check for any damage or fraying, and ensure all the parts are in good working condition.
● Rock climbing shoe brands are notorious for not having a standard sizing. What you may be in one brand could be a completely different size in another, and even another size in a different brand from those two!
Always remember, try before you buy! If you can try on shoes before you buy them, do it! If you must order shoes online, then go with the returning method. Of course, only do so if you can afford to buy multiple pairs at once. This way, you can be reassured that you’re getting the right fit.
The returning method is a flexible and resourceful way to find the perfect fit. It involves choosing a pair of rock climbing shoes you think you need and adding a half-size and half-size
down to your order. Once you receive your shoes in the mail, try all three and return the two that don’t fit!
Where to Buy Rock Climbing Gear
This is what you’re looking for, so we’ll get right to it. Many outdoor companies sell rock climbing gear. Some sell their brands, such as Black Diamond, Petzl, Metolius, etc., and other third-party companies like Backcountry or REI are great options when looking for a wide range of equipment.
Since this is your first time buying rock climbing gear, it’s best to visit a store directly to physically see and feel each piece of equipment you’re looking for. You may think you’re a certain size in a harness, but you won’t know how it fits until you try it on! A brick-and-mortar business will be a great option to help you figure out exactly what fits. Use these when you need shoes, a harness, gloves, a helmet- and any sort of thing that will depend on your body size.
Online sites are a great option when you just need carabiners, quickdraws, slings, belay devices, or any gear that doesn’t care what size you are. If you’re looking for a specific brand, navigate to their site, and voila!
What Rock Climbing Gear to Buy
Before you click around a website and pick out rock climbing gear, you should know what you need to get started. Not all beginner climbers will want the same gear when they start. Consider the style of climbing you enjoy and what you plan to do with it!
Shoes—Ditch renting shoes at the gym and grab your own pair. This should be your first piece of rock climbing gear. The difference between using a shoe with rounded edges (sometimes holes in the toes) and a shoe with a crisp edge is unmistakable. You’ll never go back!
Harness – An essential piece of gear to grab. With some trial and error, you can find a perfectly fitting harness and learn precisely what you want out of it.
Chalk + Chalk Bag – The last piece of gear you should grab is a chalk bag and some chalk. Keep your hands dry when you’re sending your projects! You can find various designs like mountains, your favorite cartoon, or even little monsters. A chalk bag is a game-changer for the sweaty hand climber!
