Gear to get you out there | Black Diamond

Equipment

Bag

You won’t get far without your bag to carry your equipment in but here are some things to look for:

• Sturdy and comfy straps
• Pockets for all of your small gear that is best kept separate from the main
• A built-in tarp to keep your equipment dry when you are pulling it all out
• Brightly coloured to be seen in an emergency

Harness

If you are going to be sport climbing, you will need a harness. With all the other gear you’ll be carrying, a lightweight harness like Black Diamond’s Solution is perfect.  It’s purpose-built for sport climbing and comfortable even when projecting routes for long periods of time.

Helmet

A no-brainer… even walking around the crag when others are climbing can be a danger. Wearing a helmet gives some good security that you won’t be taken out by a bit of choss kicked off by a climber. Protection is key!!!

Shoes

This is my biggest issue… which shoes to take to the crag! Usually this will come down to the style of routes and the rock type. A good rule of thumb for me is a pair of comfortable shoes and a pair of downturned aggressive shoes for sending.

Ropes and Hardware

Rope + Rope Bag with Tarp

When it comes to ropes there are many diameters and lengths. I usually use a 9.5-9.8mm rope. They are lightweight enough to carry 60-80m into most crags and give you a good rope to clip with. Check your rope ends before you head out there and make sure you chop back any damaged ends. For the bag, just make sure it has a decent tarp to keep your rope dry outdoors.

Quick draws 12-15

You can usually get away with 12 quick draws for a day of climbing. Share the load with your climbing buddy as you will only need enough for one route, unless you are projecting different routes. Always check your quickdraws for wear and tear before heading out, you don’t want any issues at the sharp end!!!

Belay Device

Don’t forget your belay device!!! Whether Gri Gri, birdie, Revo or ATC make sure it’s in your pack and cleaned. Remember a build-up of grit and sand can put unwanted friction on your rope and extra wear.

Slings

I carry a few slings for extending quick draws, setting up the hang board and making anchors. They are pretty handy for a lot of things so I always throw a few in my pack.

Carabiners (locking)

Always carry a few locking carabiners for a variety of uses around the crag.

Ascender

Ascenders are a great tool if you are rapping in to look at a project and want to ascend your line. Or for getting yourself out of trouble on multi-pitch routes. Ascenders can also be a great tool if your climbing buddy is projecting a route and you need to give a solid belay with a lot of time hanging on the rope.

Accessories

Chalk + Chalk Bag

Most places allow chalk so this is a no brainer for most climbers. I always carry at least my chalk bag then potentially a packet of chalk to do a refill if I’m away for a long weekend of climbing.

When you need the chalk to stay on a little longer and need the extra friction, liquid chalk is a great secret weapon to have in your arsenal for sending

Warming up tools – rubber ring, portable hang board, bands

When we climb indoors we always do a decent warm-up. Outdoors it’s a little harder so make sure you bring some tools to get the muscles activated and fingers recruited. For me this is a simple routine with a thera band and some hangboarding on my Awesome Woodies crag board to get recruited. The last thing you need is getting injured because you didn’t warm up. And you also want to be in the best shape to send your project for the day.

Brushes – big and small

If you are climbing in a new area or an area that gets a lot of growth, you’ll need brushes. Brushing holds will increase the level of friction between your fingers and the rock. And it keeps the dirt from feet and hands off of the holds.  I carry a heavy-duty brush and a couple of smaller Black Diamond bouldering brushes.

Tape

I’m not sure where I would be without tape. Fingers get torn when you are climbing hard and without tape, the day would be over. Taping up to avoid making injuries worse is pretty important in my opinion. It’s also great for so much more. I have used my climbing tape to tape shoes on, knee pads, fix stick clips and much more.

Essentials

Nutrition

Fueling your efforts at the crag is key so I always carry a pack of OSMs. These are New Zealand-made oat bars and come in different flavours. They pack plenty of carbs, are easy to eat throughout the day, and are pretty dense – ideal for packing. At the end of the day, I’ll have something high in protein to start my body recovery for more climbing the next day.

Water Bottle

I have made this mistake a few times. Getting to the crag without water means a long day of being dehydrated and not performing to your potential. Big days of climbing in the sun can be dangerous without proper hydration so always pack a water bottle. A 1.5-2l bottle should do for most days but if you are in warmer climates maybe pack more.

First Aid Kit

If you are climbing for long enough you will see some gnarly stuff at the crag. From climbers banging their heads on rocks, a bad fall or a loose rock smashing you in the leg. A first aid kit can provide relief until help arrives or until you can get to the local hospital. Keep it stocked up and check it from time to time, especially after you have used it

Head Torch

For long walk-ins always carry a head torch as you never know what might hold you up. It’s a good idea for short walk-ins too. If there is an incident late in the day or you simply run over time. You can always climb in the dark to get gear back from the wall. They are useful for packing up and checking you have not left anything behind at the end of the day.

Skin Care Post Climbing

After destroying your fingers and skin all day you might want something to start the healing process. Climb on or Rhino Skin will do the trick, especially carry these if you are on a long trip!!!