1. Self-locking Carabiner
Rock climbers use carabiners quite a bit, whether you’re the person climbing, or the one belaying. The nice thing about carabiners too, is that they typically last a long time. This makes them both a functional and fun gift, that’s likely to last your giftee quite some time. And self-locking carabiners have become the go-to carabiners because of how quick and easy they are to open and close.
2. Manual-locking Carabiner
These are great for an anchor on a route, because once they’re locked, they won’t be coming undone. There are some climbers that actually prefer manual-locking carabiners so much that they only use these. Manual-locking carabiners are solid and versatile. Having 1-2 of these in a pack is always handy, because you never know when you’re going to lose, break, or leave a carabiner behind.
3. Toss-away Carabiners
Although, the best type of carabiners to have a surplus of are “toss-away carabiners.” These types of carabiners are more affordable, while still meeting all the safety requirements. If you’re shopping for someone that is constantly pushing themselves on hard routes, or someone that tends to forget where their basic carabiners are, then these are great options.
4. Belay Device
Another essential piece of gear that’s used and abused from the get-go, is a belaying device. (I’ve personally lost these in the past and having a back-up is fantastic.) Although, with so many different designs out there here are two options that hit the low and high price points: (1) an auto belay, or (2) a regular belay. Hopefully one of these will work for who you’re shopping for.
5. Multi-pitch ATC Device
While we’re going over climbing essentials, a multi-pitch ATC could be a wonderful gift for someone that’s considering multi-pitch climbs. This is where a pair of people climb long routes that require them to reset at anchors points, so that they can climb beyond the length of their rope. This is how rock climbers traverse impressively high routes. To do this though, you need a specialized ATC like this.
6. First Aid Kit
This is a very basic gift, but one that’s crucial for all climbers; whether they’re indoors or outdoors. There are so many different types of first aid kits out there, and just about any will do. My wife and I personally use this one, since it’s compact and made of lightweight materials so it doesn’t add too much more to our pack.
7. Chalk Ball or Refill
Chalk isn’t used by all climbers, but I would guesstimate that 99% of rock climbers use some form of chalk. Because of that, we go through a lot of it. It’s the climbing equivalent to toilet paper; it’s always needed. In the same boat is a chalk ball, which can be reused and last years. However, because of the endless stress chalk balls undergo, it’s not uncommon for these to break. Creating another potential gift that’s very likely to be appreciated and put to work immediately.
8. Liquid Chalk
I’m personally not a fan of liquid chalk, but some people do prefer it over regular chalk. This is the kind that I see quite a bit of in different climbing gyms.
9. Thin Climbing Socks
Rock climbing shoes are uncomfortable enough as they are. And depending on the person, you either listen to the people that swear by being barefoot in your climbing shoes, or you use socks and add a little bit of comfort. If that’s you or the person you’re shopping for, then these socks are a great option.
10. Big or Small Brushes
Brushes are a wonderful tool to have when stuck on a route or boulder problem. Indoor rock climbing holds very quickly fill with chalk and can make a route harder than it was intended to be. So, depending on how often and where the person you’re shopping for typically climbs, then a large or small brush could be a fantastic fit. A big brush is better for indoor climbers and/or bouldering, while a small brush is better for outdoor rock climbers and/or sport climbing.
11. Comfortable Short or Long Sleeve Shirts
Comfort is key when climbing. The more comfortable you are, the more relaxed, focused, and fun you’re going to have. And the affect that clothing has on this is huge; especially if you’re someone that tends to either be extremely cold or molten hot. So, here are two different lightweight, flexible, and breathable options; (1) a short sleeve shirt, and (2) a long sleeve shirt.
12. Comfortable Climbing Pants or Shorts
As for the bottom half, then these are a great (super expensive) options for both pants and shorts. I know a lot goes into clothing choices, personality, height, weight, gender, style, etc., because of this I’m just sharing options that are designed to be ideal for rock climbers; whether indoor or outdoor. However, if there’s a favorite pair of shorts and/or pants that the person you’re shopping for constantly wears, then perhaps buy them a replacement pair. Then the used ones can be used for climbing.
13. Daisy Chain
These last 3 ideas are very dependent on what type of climber you’re shopping for. A daisy chain is a piece of equipment I’ve only seen used outdoors, because they’re for the end of route. A climber ties into the anchor bolt and their harness with the daisy chain. I’m sure someone at some point has used a daisy chain indoors, but that’s not a common occurrence.
14. Climbing Book
Depending on where your giftee lives, and if they want to explore the surrounding areas and climbing spots, then this could be an eye-opening gift. For example, my wife and I purchased this Southern Utah and Northern Arizona climbing book. We went to so many different places around us that we had no idea existed. We love this book to this day because of the amazing experiences it offers.
15. Child Climbing Harness
Something my wife and I can’t wait to experience in the future is rock climbing as a family with kids of our own. Because of this, in the late hours of the night I’ve looked at different climbing harnesses for kids. I personally don’t have experience with these as of today, however, this one I’ve seen used at a couple different gyms and outdoor routes.
I hope you found both useful and exciting rock climbing gift ideas here. If you’re looking for gift ideas perfect for new rock climbers, or you just want some other ideas to consider, then check out this gift guide.