1. Gym Bag
When you first start going to a climbing gym regularly, carrying all your gear in your arms can get old quick. However, as my friend recommended to me, don’t spend too much on your first climbing purchases, just in case you get tired of it and stop going.
- 1-person bag
- So, following that great advice I would recommend just about any old or cheap drawstring bag that you have or could purchase for very little. For example, I still use my 10+ year old Adidas Alliance Sackpack for a gym bag. Due to its age, mine is a bit different than the current one, but it still has the large front pocket that’s perfect for putting your keys, wallet, phone, and other EDC items in.
- 2+ person bag
- After I climbed for a few years, and eventually went outdoors, I wanted something a little more durable and specifically designed for rock climbing. When I was searching and considering several different bags, I found a lot that seemed perfect for climbing outdoors that could also be used for indoors. But, since we mostly climb at our local gym, I wanted a bag more for indoor climbing that could also work well outdoors. We decided to go with So iLL’s 25-liter Dirt Bag. If you want to learn more about this bag, then you can read my review of it here.
2. Belay Glasses
If you or someone you know rock climbs most of the time at a gym, then belay glasses can be an amazing gift. They’re very good for those that mostly sport climb, compared to bouldering, and it’s amazing how well they relieve the neck strain that comes with belaying someone for 30+ minutes. Personally, my wife and I typically go climbing for 45-60 minutes every time we go, and usually by the 20-minute mark we notice the neck pain from always looking up at the climber. Once that pain begins, we grab the belay glasses and remedy that discomfort instantly.
3. Climbing Rope
The great thing about a climbing rope as a gift, is it can be used both indoors and outdoors. Plus, it’s one of the biggest purchases when it comes to the gear needed to climb outdoors. If you or the person you’re shopping for is starting to lead climb, then this could be an excellent gift! My wife and I only started lead climbing when we went outdoors, and it was a wild experience that first time. It was eye opening to how expansive and liberating the sport of rock climbing is. We ended up going with a recommendation that was made to us from some experienced climbers; an Edelweiss 9.8mm, 70-meter-long rope. It’s been phenomenal!
4. Climbing Rope Bag
When making a significant purchase like a smart phone, it’s usually a good idea to invest in a case or some kind of protection; especially if it’s going to be thrashed around every time it’s used. The same goes for a climbing rope that’s constantly in the elements, rubbing against sharp jagged objects, all while being a climber’s key point of safety. A climbing bag does exactly that; whether it’s keeping the rope out of an excessive amount of dirt, rain, etc. At the bare minimum though, a climbing bag helps keep the rope contained, organized, and knot-free.
5. Belay Device
To say a belay device is crucial for any climber, would be an understatement, unless you prefer free soloing. (In which case, all that’s needed is a pair of climbing shoes and a whole lot of confidence.) There are a bunch of different types and makes of belay devices, but to keep it simple, here are two solid gifting options.
- Manual Belays
- These are a dime a dozen. They’re relatively cheap, you can get them at most outdoor stores, and you can personalize them a bit with the different designs and colors they come in too. The two most common ones that I personally see at climbing gyms are (1) the Black Diamond ATC-XP Belay Device/Petzl Verso Belay Device, and (2) the Black Diamond Super 8 Belay/Rappel Device/Petzl Huit Figure 8 Descender.
- Auto Belays
- Even more common though, are auto belay devices that add extra levels of comfort and safety. We have used and loved our Petzl Grigri. Probably one of the best things I can say about it is that we haven’t had any problems with it. The Grigri is great to have when teaching people how to belay too; whether you’re sport or lead climbing. There are plenty of other auto belay devices out there, but this is a staple in climbing gyms.
6. “Toss-away” Carabiners
(This might sound a bit strange to someone that hasn’t climbed outside before.) “Toss-away” carabiners are used when you’re climbing a route, and you’re not able to pass a certain part, such as the crux. When this happens, you’re left with just a few choices; keep trying and hope you get through the whole route, leave one of your more expensive quick-draws (~$20+), or place the “toss-away” carabiner (~$10) in exchange for the last quick-draw you placed. (Depending on the person you’re purchasing these for, will determine how quickly these are used up.) With quite a few different carabiners that can be used as “toss-aways”, we use Camp USA’s Nano 22 carabiners; they’re a bit cheaper, while still meeting safety requirements.
7. Climbing Helmets
One last gift idea. One that’s great for those that love climbing outdoors, or someone that wants to try and do it more; a climbing helmet. When going from indoors to outdoors there’s plenty of additional gear that’s needed. Depending on who you ask, a climbing helmet may or may not be considered essential. If you ask my wife and I, it’s absolutely essential. If you ask one of my buddies, it’s nice to have. Due to this, I highly recommend gifting someone a climbing helmet. It’s one of those things that if someone is gifted it, they’ll at least have it and hopefully use it. (Plus, these don’t look nearly as bad as some bike helmets if you ask me.)
