The thrilling and difficult sport of bouldering involves scaling rock structures, frequently without the use of ropes or harnesses. The appropriate equipment can make a huge difference in your safety and enjoyment as a beginner. We will list the best 10 pieces of equipment for beginners in this article.
Bouldering Shoes
Bouldering shoes are designed specifically for rock climbing and are essential for beginners. These shoes provide grip and support, making it easier to climb and maintain balance on the rock surface. When selecting a beginner climbing shoe, consider factors such as comfort, fit, and durability. Some of the recommended beginner climbing shoe brands include La Sportiva, Five Ten, and Scarpa.
La Sportiva Solutions are high-performance bouldering shoes designed for technical routes and overhangs. They feature a patented P3 rand for consistent edging ability, aggressive downturned shape for better grip, and a highly sensitive and precise fit. The upper material is breathable and moisture-wicking, while the Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber outsole provides excellent friction and durability. La Sportiva Solutions are a reliable choice for climbers of all levels seeking a precise, sensitive, and aggressive bouldering shoe.
Climbing Chalk
Climbing chalk is a necessary tool for bouldering. It helps to reduce hand sweat and provide grip on rock surfaces. Different types of chalk are available, including loose chalk, chalk balls, and liquid chalk. Beginners should consider using loose chalk, which is easy to apply and provides a good grip. Some of the recommended beginner chalk products include Friction Labs, Black Diamond, and Metolius.
Friction Labs Gorilla Grip Climbing Chalk is a high-quality chalk that is ideal for bouldering. The chunky texture of the chalk helps to reduce the amount of chalk dust, making it easier to apply and reducing the need for frequent re-chalking. This is especially important for boulderers who need to maintain a firm grip during long and challenging climbs.
The unique blend of magnesium carbonate used in Friction Labs Gorilla Grip Climbing Chalk provides a superior grip and lasting power, which is essential for bouldering. The chalk is also free of any harmful additives, ensuring that it is safe for both the climber and the environment.
Bouldering Crash Pad
A crash pad is a cushioned pad that is placed on the ground below the boulder. It provides a soft landing and helps to reduce the risk of injury. Beginners should consider a crash pad with a thick foam layer for better cushioning. Some of the recommended beginner crash pad brands include Metolius, Black Diamond, and Mad Rock.
The Metolius Session II Crash Pad is a high-quality bouldering pad designed for the safety and comfort of climbers. The pad features a durable construction that is built to withstand the rigors of bouldering, with a 900d polyester shell and 4″ foam interior that provides excellent impact absorption.
The pad’s hingeless design ensures that it lays flat, providing a seamless landing surface for boulderers. It also features adjustable shoulder straps and waistbelt for easy transport, and a flap-closure system that keeps the pad securely closed during transport.
The Metolius Session II Crash Pad is ideal for boulderers of all levels who want a reliable and durable pad to ensure their safety during bouldering activities. It measures 48″ x 36″ when open and 24″ x 36″ when closed, providing ample coverage for a variety of landing situations.
Bouldering Brush
A bouldering brush is an essential tool for cleaning the climbing surface. It helps to remove dirt, debris, and chalk buildup, providing a better grip on the rock surface. Different types of brushes are available, including boar hair brushes, nylon brushes, and wire brushes. Beginners should consider using a nylon brush, which is gentle on the rock surface and effective in cleaning. Some of the recommended beginner brush products include Metolius, Black Diamond, and Mammut.
The Metolius Bouldering Brush is a must-have accessory for any boulderer. This brush is designed to effectively clean and maintain the surface of bouldering holds, helping climbers to achieve better grip and reducing the risk of injury.
The brush is durable and lightweight, with a wooden handle and natural boar’s hair bristles that provide excellent cleaning power. The bristles are gentle enough to use on delicate rock surfaces, yet tough enough to remove dirt, chalk, and grime.
Climbing Tape
Climbing tape is an essential tool for protecting the hands and fingers from cuts and abrasions. It is often used to wrap around the fingers to provide better grip on the rock surface. Different types of tape are available, including athletic tape and climbing-specific tape. Beginners should consider using climbing-specific tape, which is designed to be durable and provide better grip. Some of the recommended beginner tape products include Evolv, Metolius, and Black Diamond.
Evolv Magic Climbing Tape is a high-quality tape designed specifically for climbers who need to protect their fingers, wrists, and other body parts from injury during training or climbing sessions. It is also useful for taping up any cuts, blisters, or other minor injuries that may occur during climbing activities. It is made of a breathable and stretchy cotton material that provides excellent grip and support while minimizing irritation and chafing.
This tape comes in a convenient roll that can be easily stored in a climbing bag or backpack. The tape is easy to tear by hand, making it quick and easy to use when needed. It is also water-resistant, ensuring that it stays in place during sweaty or wet conditions.
Bouldering Bag
A bouldering bag is essential for carrying all the gear needed for bouldering. It should be lightweight and easy to carry, with enough space to hold all the gear. Beginners should consider a bag with padded straps for comfort during transportation. Some of the recommended beginner bouldering bag brands include Black Diamond, Petzl, and Metolius.
The Black Diamond Street Creek Gear-Pack is a backpack that is perfect for outdoor bouldering activities. With a spacious main compartment and multiple pockets, this pack can easily accommodate all the gear you need for a day out on the rocks. Its durable and water-resistant material will keep your gear safe and dry in all kinds of weather conditions.
One of the standout features of the Black Diamond Street Creek Gear-Pack is its padded laptop sleeve. While this feature is great for commuters, it can also be useful for boulderers who need to access guidebooks or maps on their laptops while out in the field. Additionally, the backpack’s padded shoulder straps and back panel make it comfortable to wear for long periods of time, allowing you to focus on your climbing rather than your gear.
Bouldering Pants
Bouldering pants are designed to be comfortable and flexible, allowing for a full range of motion during climbing. They should also provide protection from abrasions and cuts. Beginners should consider pants with reinforced knees and seat for better durability. Some of the recommended beginner bouldering pants brands include Prana, La Sportiva, and Black Diamond.
The Prana Stretch Zion Bouldering Pants are a top-of-the-line option for boulderers looking for comfort, durability, and freedom of movement. Made of a stretchy, abrasion-resistant fabric, these pants are designed to withstand the rigors of climbing while providing maximum comfort and mobility.
One of the standout features of the Prana Stretch Zion Bouldering Pants is their gusseted crotch and articulated knees, which allow for a full range of motion without any restriction. Additionally, the pants feature a ventilated inseam gusset, which allows for air flow to keep you cool and comfortable during long climbs. With a variety of pockets for storing gear, and their stretchy fabric and articulated design, these pants will keep you moving freely on the rock.
Climbing Accessories
Other common and beloved accessories for bouldering include chalk bags, beanies, and gloves. Chalk bags provide a convenient place to store chalk, while beanies help to keep the head warm during cold weather. Gloves are useful in protecting the hands from cuts and abrasions. Some of the recommended beginner climbing accessory brands include Metolius, Black Diamond, and Petzl.
The Black Diamond Moonlight Beanie is a stylish and functional beanie designed for outdoor activities, including bouldering. Made of a soft and stretchy fabric, this beanie provides warmth and comfort during cold weather climbing sessions.
One of the standout features of the Black Diamond Moonlight Beanie is its lightweight and compact design, which makes it easy to pack and carry in your climbing bag. It also features a sleek and simple design, with a small Black Diamond logo embroidered on the front. This beanie is available in a range of colors to match your personal style.
Climbing Holds
Climbing holds are artificial rock surfaces used for training and practicing climbing techniques. They are available in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and can be mounted on a climbing wall or used independently. Beginners can benefit from using climbing holds to practice different climbing techniques and improve their grip strength. Some of the recommended beginner climbing hold brands include Metolius, Tension Climbing, and So iLL.
Metolius Climbing Holds are a popular choice for climbers and boulderers looking to add variety and challenge to their climbing walls. These holds come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing for endless possibilities in setting up routes and boulder problems.
One of the standout features of Metolius Climbing Holds is their high-quality construction and durability. Made of polyurethane, these holds are strong and resistant to wear and tear, making them a great investment for climbing gyms and home walls. They are also easy to install and come with all the necessary hardware.
Training Equipment for Bouldering
Bouldering requires strength, endurance, and flexibility. As a beginner, it’s essential to train and improve these aspects of your physical fitness. Some of the recommended training equipment for bouldering include fingerboards, hangboards, and resistance bands. Fingerboards and hangboards help to improve grip strength, while resistance bands are useful in improving flexibility and overall fitness. Some of the recommended beginner training equipment brands include Metolius, Tension Climbing, and Black Diamond.
The Metolius Light Rail Training Board is a popular training tool for climbers and boulderers looking to improve their finger strength and grip endurance. With its compact size and lightweight design, this training board is perfect for home use or for taking on the go.
One of the standout features of the Metolius Light Rail Training Board is its versatility. It features a variety of holds, including crimps, pockets, and slopers, allowing for a wide range of training exercises. The board also comes with a training guide and a mounting template, making it easy to set up and start training right away.
In conclusion, bouldering is an exciting sport that requires the right gear for safety and enjoyment. As a beginner, investing in essential gear such as climbing shoes, chalk, crash pad, brush, tape, bouldering bag, pants, accessories, climbing holds, and training equipment can make things a lot more enjoyable. With the right gear and training, you can develop the skills and strength needed to enjoy bouldering to the fullest. Remember to always prioritize safety and have fun!
