Our comprehensive checklist for sport climbing can keep you from forgetting anything important. Note: Not every climber will bring every item on this list.
Printer-friendly versionClimbing Gear Basics
Hardware quantities depend on your route.
- Rope
- Belay/rappel device
- Locking carabiners
- Nonlocking carabiners
- Runners—singles and doubles
- Quickdraws
- Chalk and chalk bag
- Route description or guidebook
- Rope bag
- Daypack
- ______________________
Personal Basics
- Helmet
- Harness
- Rock shoes
- Hand protection (belay/rappel gloves; tape)
- Sunglasses (with retention strap)
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- First-aid supplies (see our First-aid checklist)
- ______________________
Other Gear and Clothing
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Knife or multi-tool
- Multifunction watch
- Two-way radios
- Cell phone in protective bag
- Water bottles (filled)
- Water treatment method
- Duffel (catch-all for climbing gear)
- Lunch
- Energy bars, gels, chews, trail mix
- Energy beverages, powdered drink mixes
- Wicking T-shirt
- Shorts, pants, tights
- Skin-shielding items (hat and clothing)
- Insulation (vest, jacket, pants, hat, gloves)
- Rainwear
- Emergency reflective blanket
- ______________________
Other Personal Items
- Insect repellent
- Toilet paper
- Sanitation trowel
- Hand sanitizer
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Signaling mirror
- Approach shoes
- Socks (synthetic or wool)
- Bandanna or buff
- Permits
- Bag for collecting trash
- Notepad
- Pen/pencil
- ______________________