Montrail Climbing Shoes

Montrail is another rock climbing shoes brand that you need to look out for...

This is a simple climbing setup that is appropriate for new climbers looking to do top rope (as opposed to lead) climbing.

* 1 Belay Device ($15-25) (Used to control climbers falls)

* 1 Chalk ($1-4) (Keeps hands dry)

* 1 Chalk Bag ($12-20) (Holds chalk and makes chalk easily available)

* 1 Harness ($40-80) (Attaches rope to the torso. Lots of different models are available depending on how much comfort vs weight you want. Most harnesses are called sport harnesses)

* 1 Locking Pear-Shaped Carabiner ($12-18) (This allows you to attach the belay device to the harness (as well as the rope). Pear shaped biners are larger than most allowing you to easily adjust the equipment)

* 1 Pair of Rock Climbing Shoes ($70-130) (Most climbers prefer tight climbing shoes to increase friction. I'd recommend not having it too tight, so it doesn't hurt, but no extra space). Check out Montrail Climbing Shoes if you want a good pair of rock climbing shoes.

* 1 Helmet ($55-80) (Using a specific climbing helmet is critical. These protect against vertical drops due to rock fall. Make sure you select a helmet with sufficient insulation for your weather)

* 2 Locking Carabiners ($6-10 each)

* 2 Slings ($3-5 each)

* 1 Climbing Rope ($110-200)

Climbers to lead on sport climbs will require quickdraws which are two carabiners connected with a runner. Trad Climbers will require a trad rack which includes cams, ball nutz, tricams, stoppers and hexes. This is used to create anchors so you can safely climb. Trad gear tends to cost much more than a sport rack. Sport Racks range from $200 - 500. Trad gear ranges from $600-2000.