The Best Gifts for Rock Climbers

Help your climbing buddy take their GRIGRI game to the next level with the new NEOX Assisted Blocking Belay Device from Petzl. This little wonder is specially optimized for safer lead climbing, with cam-assisted blocking for a more smooth, comfortable belay and better braking when a climber falls or weights the system. It’s also compatible with the most common rope widths (8.5 to 11mm dynamic single strands), so it’s appropriate for a wide range of climbing styles.

Did your loved one recently discover the joys of the vertical world? If they’re still smearing and edging in their gym’s rental shoes, you’ll light up their holiday season with a pair of their very own. The Tarantulaces from La Sportiva are a classic for good reason; they combine comfort and performance to create an ideal all-around shoe. Equally sendy on real rock as they are on plastic holds, the Tarantulace will keep performing as a climber’s horizons expand to the great outdoors. 

For the creepy crawly climber in your life, indulge their odd side with this chalk-bag critter. The adorably-named Chalktopus from Midnight Lightning is more than just cute—it makes clumpy, unruly chalk a thing of the past. Place it in your chalk bag and it keeps the good stuff from spilling out, then squeeze it when needed and its soft tentacles evenly disperse chalk on your hands. Bonus: This bag grip is made with 68% total recycled content. $10.95

Beloved by alpinists, pebble wrestlers, and hikers alike, this lightweight puffy stays toasty when climbing temps drop. Its stretch side panels dump heat and allow plenty of movement, making it a perfect active layer for trying hard on a project or scrambling in the hills. The Atom Hoodie is so packable that the lucky climber in your life won’t hit the crag without it. With an expansive color pallet to choose from, you’ll find a hoody for anyone on your list. 

Set your adventure buddy up for success with the Black Diamond Momentum Harness Package. Designed to provide a newer climber with the essentials, this complete set includes a harness, belay device and locking carabiner, chalk bag and even a chalk ball. Decked out with this kit, they'll head to the gym and hop on routes with confidence.

Here's a climbing gift that your whole crew can benefit from. This chalk bucket from ORGANIC Climbing is big enough for everyone to share. Forget about spilling chalk in your backpack—the roll-down closure prevents a powdery mess. Made with upcycled scrap materials, each brightly colored chalk bucket is unique and handmade in the U.S.

Gifts can be harder to find for a seasoned climber. The longer someone spends in the vertical world, the more particular they may be about their gear. The key is to get them something they wouldn't splurge on for themselves. At just one pound, the lightweight REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair proves that even comfort can be packable. The foldable aluminum frame makes it easy to stash the chair in a climbing pack, so alpinists can stay comfy at the crag, around a campfire or even in the backcountry.

Got a gym rat in the family? Consistency is easier when you can bring your training home. This hangboard from Metolius is easy to install on a door frame, so a motivated crusher has no excuse to skip a workout. It features a variety of hold types in a tapered, ergonomic shape designed to help climbers avoid injuries. Athletes can build strength on edges, slopers, pockets and jugs right in their living room.

This six pack of quickdraws from Black Diamond is a great way to enhance a climber's outdoor journey. Combined with a partner's set of draws, they'll be ready to tackle plenty of routes on real rock. Experienced sport climbers will love the hybrid carabiner combination; a straight-gate carabiner on top reduces snagging on clothing while the bottom wiregate prevents the gate from fluttering during a fall.

Level up your loved one's crag snack game with a food storage container made to keep food hot or cold for hours. They can leave the bars at home and pack their favorite leftovers to help fuel them for climbing. Bites of hearty soup in chilly temps keep stoke (and nutrition) high. Likewise, a fresh quinoa salad or sliced fruit is refreshing during a summer session. The best part? The leakproof Hydro Flask Food Jar helps ensure hot or cool treats won't get slimy or squished. For those needing hydration higher off the deck, the Hydrapak 1 L Stow Bottle fits easily in a multi-pitch climbing pack.

For those wanting to focus on hydration, the HydraPak 1 L Stow Bottle fits easily in a multi-pitch climbing pack.

After hours of being crunched into down-turned shoes, every climber's toes deserve some pampering. The OOFOS OOriginal Sandals are made with a proprietary foam that helps absorb impact and allows the feet to move naturally on the footbed. Any hardworking sender will enjoy peeling off their aggressive shoes and slipping on these cushioned flip-flops. Plus, they help aid recovery, so climbers can get back on the wall more quickly.