Why Clothing Matters for Rock Climbing
You may question how important the right wear is for rock climbing, as long as you can stretch your arm a bit and hike your leg, you’ll be fine, right? Wrong. Rock climbing clothing isn’t just vital for your mobility, but for supporting your body too, but many can’t differentiate indoor vs outdoor clothing. Climbers now have access to specialist pieces, like sports bras that are specifically designed for the broader back of climbers, and jeans curated for climbers with a super stretch.
The climbing industry is flooded with options for rock climbers both indoor and outdoor, but finding the pieces right for your body is paramount(ain).
Indoor Climbing Gear: Comfort and Mobility
The general consensus for indoor rock climbing is a little more straightforward, the conditions are kinder than outdoor so there’s fewer precautions to take. Gym gear that gives you full flexibility is a great starting point, lightweight fabrics are fine given the smoother texture of the indoor rockface.
Slim fitting garments are most suitable. If the skin tight look isn’t your go-to, that’s perfectly okay, but avoid incredibly loose fitting clothing as it can interfere with your movement and get caught on the rope. It’s important to bear in mind that your harness will need to fit over your outfit, this is why we advise on sticking to a comfortable yet practical attire.
Most rock climbing centres offer shoes to rent, so you needn’t worry about sourcing those yourself. However you’ll want to bring comfortable footwear to wear in between climbs. If you’re really serious about indoor climbing and you’re tired of shoe-sharing at your climbing gym, investing in your own pair of shoes means you can find the fit that suits you most comfortably. Adapt Outdoors stocks La Sportiva’s diverse range of climbing shoes for those ready to take the next step, if you will.
Outdoor Climbing Gear: Durability and Weather Protection
Initially, approach your outdoor rock climbing outfit like you would a hike. Check the expected weather conditions for the trip, and the terrain you’ll be climbing. Outdoor rock faces can be harsh and unforgiving, you’ll want to dress accordingly so your gear doesn’t fall victim to rips or tears and compromise your comfort during the climb. Best for this is clothing that’s tighter fitting but with a thicker makeup. While leggings can be a popular option, they don’t tend to be hard wearing when it comes to rock climbing, you can however get your hands on specially designed climbing leggings, which can do the job.
When it comes to how to dress your top half, breathable, moisture wicking materials are key. You exert a lot of energy whilst scaling, to keep your body temperature regulated you need fabrics that can work with you. You also want to make sure it’s long enough to fit under your harness, that friction burn…not fun. Existing gym tops are a great option, if you’re climbing in a colder climate then a long sleeved base layer would be recommended.
It’s also important to consider your mobility, your lats are a predominant muscle used for rock climbing, so if you opt for a sports bra make sure it won’t restrict any movement. Climbers sports bras are best as they’re designed with this in mind, allowing for maximum movement to meet your true climbing potential.
Footwear, climbing shoes are a non negotiable. Regular trainers or alternative sports shoes don’t have the grip or flexibility needed for a safe and successful climb. Consider that you’ll likely have a walk up to the crag where you’ll begin to climb, so find shoes that can provide you optimal comfort for both walking and climbing. The selection at Adapt Outdoors caters for all climbers, and all terrains.
Climbing Shoes: Finding the Right Fit
Your climbing shoes will be your best friend when you’re cliffside, as long as they’re the right ones for you. La Sportiva is a respected brand in the climbing world, offering high quality shoes that blend comfort with practicality. The Unisex Tarantula climbing shoes have an unlined upper, providing unparalleled moisture management whilst retaining that needed comfort for long climbs. Its unique, adjustable closure system means it can adapt to all foot types and shapes too.
The Men’s Finale is a perfect option if you know you’re taking on a longer route. Made with sustainability at their core with metal free eco-tanning, laces made from recycled materials and soles designed to facilitate the re-soling process, this particular pair of shoes are a gift to both your feet and the environment. This shoe is built with the Vibram® XS-Edge technology which provides top level grip and durability. If you’re looking for a comfortable shoe to start your climbing journey, this might be the one for you.
Essential Accessories for Indoor vs Outdoor Climbing
Now we’ve covered how to dress, let’s touch on accessories you’ll want to bring along with you for an outdoor climb. For starters, a climbing harness and belay device is crucial, as long as a well fitting helmet. The dangers rock climbing can pose to your skull shouldn’t be taken lightly, it’s vital this is a part of your kit. As well as these key components, items like a carabiner are useful for quickly connecting components during your climb. Adapt Outdoors holds an expansive range of accessories to complete your climbing kit, be sure to tick them off your checklist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Climbing Gear
Your biggest climbing downfall can be present before you’ve even begun to scale the rockface. It starts with your clothing. If you opt for wear that carries too much fabric you’re at risk of hindering your climb as your kit gets caught in your clothing, resulting in an unsafe and unsuccessful tangle.
The most important part of the set up is your harness, wearing loose or baggy clothes that can prevent the harness being fitted correctly will compromise your comfort and potentially your safety too. Wear practical, sensible clothing for your climb, and you needn’t fear the consequences.
You should now be feeling confident that you’ve got the knowledge to pull together a climbing kit fit for a pro. Remember, you don’t need the advanced gear all at once, so dress accordingly and prioritise the pieces that ensure your safety, the skill will come in time. For the best choice of footwear and climbing accessories, visit Adapt Outdoors.
