Best Boulder Gears
The Growth and Versatility of Contemporary Climbing Gear
The equipment and apparel used for rock climbing have changed significantly since the sport’s inception. Even though today’s sport climbers might not look as good as the lycra-clad climbers of the 1980s, we do have access to a far wider variety of specialty apparel, such as extremely stretchy climbing jeans and sports bras made specifically to fit the wider backs of climbers.
However, the cost of this specialized boulder gear may put off those new to rock climbing. You do not need to spend a fortune on the newest climbing apparel immediately to have a productive and enjoyable session at the crag. Most people discover they can get by with what they already have if they put a little creativity into it.
The Technical and Economical Climbing Apparel from Boulder Gear
Boulder Gear uses cutting-edge materials; all their jackets have at least a 10K waterproof rating, and their Tech line has stretchable fabric in four directions. The 20K/20K ratings and 6-percent elastic construction of the more expensive BG Tech+ models provide even greater mobility. Most impressive is that no item in the line costs more than $250 MSRP.
Boulder Gear tries to incorporate street style into its products, such as the Jawstone jacket with its nylon-canvas fabric and highly technical construction. In light of this, a selection of lifestyle and performance fleeces, such as the Highland Fleece jacket, made entirely of polyester and features heathered interlock microfleece for breathability and warmth retention, complete the 2014–15 product line. This jacket is a great choice for layering.
Considerations Regarding Practical Clothing for Climbers
Here are some points to consider:
Loose Clothing and Scarves
- Please avoid wearing clothing that is too loose, which can catch on holds and equipment.
- Avoid catching items such as scarves by tucking them into t-shirts.
Harness-Compatible Shorts and Tops
- Think about whether wearing a harness is necessary. If so, stay away from crop tops and go for a long top to tuck into the waistband.
- If you wear shorts, ensure they reach beneath the leg loops. Particularly for women, longer biking or hiking shorts that fall a few inches above the knee are ideal.
Setting Up Cold Climbing Gyms
- Many gyms are located in potentially poorly insulated structures like churches, warehouses, or quarries.
- These places can get extremely chilly in the winter, so dress appropriately.
- Warm socks, a hat, a fleece, and a belay jacket (or additional fleece) are suggested items.
Shoes
Shoes are the most essential equipment for a climber, after technique and willpower. Over the years, our testers have worn down the rubber on hundreds of shoes on various surfaces, including cracks, slabs, and steepness. We have selections from all the leading brands in our reviews of men’s and women’s climbing shoes. Check out our reviews for a detailed comparison if you want specific shoes, like the best for crack climbing or bouldering. We even have our highest recommendations for the best climbing shoes for kids. Yes, we evaluated the top women’s approach shoes in addition to testing the shoes for men.
Helmets and Harnesses
We have tested helmets for ten years as a team and have gotten our hands on it if it is available for purchase. We have used these brain buckets for single-pitch sports and multi-pitch tournaments. Comfort, adjustability, weight, durability, ventilation, and headlamp compatibility were all factors considered by our testers when evaluating each helmet. We have evaluated the top climbing harnesses for men and women—an essential item you should never skimp on. Also, do not overlook child safety harnesses.
Ropes and Belay
A rope must feel comfortable in your hands, but it requires more than that. The cost of ropes is high. You want them to be durable, light, and provide the greatest catch. Effective dry treatment is also beneficial. It all comes together in a top-shelf rope. Our testers ran dozens of ropes through a ringer, took notes, and made recommendations to create the list below, which includes our top two choices. The next essential item in every climber’s pack is a belay device.
Climbing Packs
Regretfully, a quality climbing pack will keep your climbing intensity the same. You shouldn’t, however, unthinkingly purchase the first one you come across. In addition to lasting longer and carrying better and more efficiently in difficult areas, a solid pack may save some pump if you carry it en route! Have fun.
Climbing Slimline Brushes
Nothing is worse than taking a whip after sliding off a fully caked hold, whether bouldering, sport climbing, or traditional climbing. Some gyms may have telescoping handle brushes for hard-to-reach areas, but a good handheld brush is the best way to eliminate crimps and slopers and bring back the friction.
Petzl Alto Crash Pad
Try real rock once you are at ease climbing in the gym. You will need a crash pad (a large foam pad that is exactly what it sounds like, designed to break your fall so you can climb without a climbing harness or belay device) and a strong mental toughness because outdoor climbing can feel as tough, if not more so, than indoor V4. You decide what is best for the former; for the latter, look to companies like Metolius, Mammut, Petzl, and Organic. We choose this particular pad because of its backpack strap carrying system, zipper closure, and folding taco share.
Climbskin Cream and Finger Board
Even though pulling on plastic will not hurt as much as pulling on real rock, it can still cause damage. This little file is useful to have in your kit for smoothing skin breaks and sanding down areas of callus accumulation. After a session, use the Climbskin balm to hydrate your skin and treat it to a rich blend of essential oils.
Finger Massager
Observe good hand hygiene. Keep your tendons safe. Give it some time in between tries. When your fingers feel worked over, use these amusing little massagers to release pressure and encourage blood flow. And prolong the duration of your climbing session as well as your career.
Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Light Pullover
Winter bouldering requires a lot of sitting, so wearing warm clothing is essential. You do not need to remove this airy pullover to get your send burn. A significant range of motion is possible due to the elastic face fabric and woven baffles, which can withstand severe abrasion from sharp granite and abrasive desert sandstone. (Women’s XS-XL; men’s S-XXL)
Hour Short-Sleeve Shirt
Unlike other wool tops, this full-merino tee retains its shape and feels buttery against the skin. When worn as a base layer, it kept testers perfectly toasty at rest, but when worn on strenuous approaches, it wicked sweat away from the lower back and armpits like a champ. One tester claimed that even after four days of travel without a shower, they were still in good scent thanks to the fabric’s inherent ability to resist odors. (Women’s XS-XL; men’s S-XXL)
Climbing Chalk Bucket
It has a zippered pocket that can hold your phone, wallet, and keys, and it has enough chalk inside to cover the entire boulder—do not do this. An additional pocket accommodates a training notebook, tape, and brush. Throughout transit, chalk cannot escape thanks to the Velcro and buckle system. Built with robust 1,000-denier Cordura nylon, it is available in over three dozen colors and can withstand numerous shoves between crash pads.
Rock Climbing Pants
As previously stated, the rock has the potential to be sharp and can easily rip clothing with thinner fabric. Although I love wearing harem-style trousers for gym climbing, when I head to the crag, I usually go for something a little tighter-fitting and made of a heavier material. Although many climbing pants are available on the market, hiking pants can make a great substitute if you already have them. If not, heavier tracksuits or gym shorts usually work well.
Just a quick note on leggings: they can rip very easily, even though many people choose to wear them when climbing outside! I have ruined a few pairs by toppling over while approaching the crag. If in doubt, opt for climbing leggings made of more durable material, like bamboo, or purchase some specifically designed, sturdy leggings.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are incredibly helpful for increasing your flexibility and strength while climbing. They work well for various exercises, including pilates and pull-ups, and climbers can use them to warm up before beginning a bouldering session. Check out our top resistance band workouts for climbers—they are a must-have item for your climbing gear.
Bouldering Mat
A bouldering mat is necessary for outdoor bouldering, but you will not need one at a wall. An excellent bouldering crash pad should be your shield against a hot date with the cold earth since it cushions your landing in the event of a fall or slip. By joining together, our bouldering pads provide a stronger protection barrier between you and the ground, reducing the risk of injury. Seek crash pads with good cushioning, portability, and durability.
Guide Book Case
An underappreciated piece of equipment is a guidebook case; damage from use can quickly destroy a guidebook and all the bouldering knowledge it contains. When you are out at the crag, our guidebook protectors shield your guidebook from harm. Climbers who travel frequently and wish to maintain the condition of their guidebook will find it especially helpful.
