For busy people wanting to find little adventures and escape the humdrum
What’s In My Backpack: Crag Climbing
What’s In My Backpack: Crag Climbing

What’s In My Backpack: Crag Climbing

If like me you’re relatively new to climbing then you may not yet have all the gear necessary to climb outdoors, focus first on buying the essentials for yourself, I.e. shoes, harness and helmet, you can start to go to the crags with more experienced friends or with a guide and then you can slowly build up your gear.

Similarly, if you’re climbing in a group then check gear before you leave to avoid taking too many ropes and unnecessary weight as you’re going to have to carry it on the approach!

Here’s our list of essentials:

  • A rope.. this should be at least 60M and in good condition.
  • Harness
  • Climbing shoes: these are my first ever pair, I got them from Scarpa
  • Chalk bag (and chalk)
  • Approach shoes: I bought these shoes from Salomon as they’re great for hiking and have the toe cap protection for scrambling on rocks for a climbing approach
  • Belay device
  • Quickdraws
  • Extra carabiners
  • Sling
  • Helmet: I love the colour of my new Petzl helmet!
  • Lightweight backpack: this one is from decathlon and has a waist strap to manage the weight better, it can also be used for multi-pitch climbing.
  • Thermos flask in the winter for tea or your favourite hot beverage. I always carry my Chilly flask, although it isn’t ideal for tea drinking!
  • Water flask or reservoir
  • Snacks: trail mix, cereal bars, sandwiches- just make sure to take your rubbish away with you.
  • Extra bag for rubbish
  • Leggings/climbing trousers
  • T-shirt
  • Long sleeve tee
  • Some extra layers for the cold: down jacket, windproof jacket, fleece, gloves, hat, neck warmer. At this point you may need to consider a bigger bag!
  • When it’s hot: extra water, cap, sunglasses, suncream!!

Leave us a comment with any suggestions you have!

Emily x x

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