Similar to running, rock climbing’s gear essentials have little variety, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find creative adaptations of those necessities. That’s why I’ve put together a list of 5 sensational rock climbing gift ideas.
Let’s begin!
1. Chalk Bag
If there’s an easy go to in my family, it’s the chalk bag. Chalk bags are affordable, compared to most climbing equipment, and you can find some interesting design. For example, my brother was gifted a super fuzzy chalk bag once. He loved it!
This chalk bag adds an element to his climbing by bringing a smile to anyone who sees it. It’s equally functional too, because if he ever over chalks then he can quickly get some off thanks to how fluffy it is. (Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to clean compared to other bags.)
Chalk bags are a great way to give a personalized gift too. You can find styles that match the climber in your life, whether they’re formal and practical, or edgy and expressive, you’ll be able to find something unique to them.
2. Belay Glasses
These are seriously a great gift! You might take one look at some belay glasses like this, and think “No way am I buying that.” (My Dad had the same reaction when he asked my wife and I for gift ideas one Christmas and we showed him the glasses.)
But, I kid you not when I say that these glasses became an instant favorite among my siblings on the FIRST climbing trip days later. It can take a couple minutes to get used to them, but once you do, your head and neck won’t stop thanking you for all of the prevented soreness when belaying.
3. Chalk Powder
Some may call chalk the most boring gift possible, but the reality is that it can be a fantastic gift. (Depending on who you’re shopping for.) And FrictionLabs’ Unicorn Dust is our preferred chalk, but just about any gym chalk will do too.
Is it potentially comparable to buying someone toilet paper? Maybe? Depends on who you ask. Because if you’re shopping for a hard core rock climber, then you can’t go wrong.
But, if you want to have a little fun at the same time, then pick up some colored chalk powder.
These next two gift ideas are for someone with deeper pockets ($70+), where the price will change depending on how far you want to go and if you’re shopping for a highly dedicated climber.
4. Rock Climbing Gear Bag
There are countless options you could go with here, so I’m keeping it simple with two options that depend on the type of person you’re shopping for; (1) a casual climber and (2) an “all out” climber.
If you’re shopping for someone that enjoys climbing as a fun, healthy hobby and goes to their local climbing gym a couple times a week, then go with the Petzl Bug or Osprey Zealot 30 Pack. Both of these rock climbing packs will do an excellent job for someone that climbs in a gym, while offering a sturdy travel day pack.
However, if you’re looking for someone that spends more time outdoors and in the elements, then the Petzl Bug would be a better fit for them. Meanwhile, the Osprey Zealot is better fit for someone that exclusively climbs indoors and is likely to use their bag for both work and play.
Now, if you’re shopping for an “all out” rock climber, who’s climbing bag is a key part to their equipment, then the Osprey Mutant 38 Pack is a tremendous option. The Mutant 38 offers tons of storage, clips and straps for comfortable hiking and endless attachments, and internal customizability that lends itself beyond your typical rock climbing bag.
5. Hangboard
There are so many different options out there, and most climbers at rock gyms never touch hangboards more than once or twice, let alone consistently practice on them. But, like I said earlier, these gifts are for highly dedicated climbers. And hard core climbers will find the Tension Climbing Grindstone right up their alley.
These type of rock climbers love to see incremental growth, enjoy testing themselves, and want to climber harder, crazier routes. And the Tension Climbing Grindstone will help them do exactly that.
I hope you’re able to find something fun, practical, or both, for the rock climber in your life. Whether they’re your friend, co-worker, sibling, or you’re treating yourself.
Happy hunting!