Heading to a new indoor rock climbing gym but not sure what is the right sports attire for rock climbing? Want to avoid a fashion faux pas in the gym? You are in the right place as we find what to wear in a rock climbing gym!
I once had the same questions and witnessed different climbing fashion styles in the gym. Over the years, through trial and error, I have found a style that works best for me and have advised my new climber friends to do the same.
The good thing is indoor climbing “what to wear” items are generally more forgiving compared to many other extreme sports that require a rash guard or a tight suit for mobility and agility.
In this article, I will answer all the doubts and queries you may have when it comes to appropriate rock climbing attire in your gym. (P.S. You may already have them in your wardrobe!)
DISCLOSURE: This article is linked to an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees. I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. I hope you find the information here useful! Thanks!
The Right Attire For Rock Climbing:
So, what to wear when indoor rock climbing? If it is your first time climbing, I recommend a comfortable gym shirt and a pair of loose pants or stretchy leggings to climb smoothly on the wall.
You want a breathable shirt to keep you cool and dry out sweat quickly (rock climbing is a full body workout!) and long pants to protect your knees from scraping against the wall.
It is okay to climb in a sports bra as that is what many women climbers in the gym do as well! Like all sports, go for a sports bra that provides support while providing you a frictionless range of motion as you reach for holds. Also, sports bra makes all climbers’ backs look good.
Men’s Rock Climbing Outfit:
Tops: Cotton sports top, tank top
Bottoms: climbing pants, basketball shorts, jogger pants, hiking pants, yoga pants, three quarter pants, capri pants
While there are no rules about climbing shirtless, some conservative rock climbing gyms may discourage such practices. Some gyms do have a no-shirtless policy as well so it is better to be safe than sorry.
So even if climbing shirtless helps you cool down (and show off your well-defined abs), it is better to climb with your shirt on whether you are indoor bouldering or indoor climbing.
If there’s a must-buy climbing pants for men, the prAna Stretch Zion Pants II has gotten rave reviews from many climbers for its strechability and durability.
Women’s Rock Climbing Outfit:
Tops: Sports bra, crop top, tank top, cotton shirt
Bottoms: Hiking pants, leggings, yoga pants
I personally think that the ladies have more leeway when it comes to rock climbing fashion! You can pair any casual attire and it still looks good as a set of indoor rock climbing clothes.
You may be wondering why we aren’t talking about shoes. All gyms will provide rental climbing shoes so you will still need to change out of your sneakers and sandals. If weather permits, you can wear a pair of sandals to the gym for an easier shoe change. Bring socks if you are using shoe rentals.
Planning to get your first pair of rock climbing shoes? Check out our guide on the best indoor climbing shoes for beginners.
How Should I Wear My Hair To Rock Climbing?
When rock climbing, keep your hair tied up, either in a ponytail, bun, or braids. If your hair is beyond shoulder length, it is best to keep it in a bun or you may risk your hair getting caught in equipment gear such as anchors, ropes, or belay devices.
Personally, I have always kept my hair tied up whether I am bouldering, top-roping or lead-climbing. I usually clip my fringes to the side as it does obstruct my vision especially when I am trying to search for the next climbing hold.
Is It Better To Rock Climb In Shorts Or Pants?
It is better to rock climb in pants than shorts to protect your knees from cuts especially when you are using your knees as an aid for climbing (or bumping into a hold by accident). In addition, your climbing harness and your pants will become best friends rather than enemies as it doesn’t roll up like shorts!
However, it often comes down to preferences. There are many climbers who prefer shorts over pants as it provides a wider range of motion. If you are in a dilemma, opt for capri pants for breathability and flexibility!
Do Climbing Harnesses Go Over Or Under Shirts?
Climbing harnesses must go over your shirt (or clothes) for safety reasons. Hence, you want to tuck your shirt underneath your harness or better yet, tuck it into your shorts or pants! Tighten the harness around your waist so that it sits comfortably above your hip bone or around your belly button. Leg loops should be tightened as well.
If you are looking for a comfortable harness, I recommend the Petzl CORAX Climbing Harness as it has a leg loop and a back waist cushion.
How About Climbing In Sweat Pants?
Sweat pants or joggers are perfect for climbing as they are both loose and stretchy! However, you do not want too loose pants that may slide off with your harness or get caught on some holds. It may also feel a little hot wearing sweatpants especially if your climbing gym is not air-conditioned.
Are Jeans Okay For Rock Climbing?
Surprisingly, jeans are okay for rock climbing if they are stretchable enough to do splits. A pair of jeans can be super convenient especially if you dislike changing out of your normal clothes. They are also more durable which is why sometimes you may see seasoned climbers wearing jeans when climbing outdoors!
Get a pair of jeans like Black Diamond’s climbing jeans that has stretchable and breathable material so you can send your project comfortably.
What To Bring Indoor Vs Outdoor Climbing Equipment
Indoor rock climbing requires way less equipment compared to outdoor climbing as you are not dealing with any loose rocks. Here’s what to wear whether you are indoor rock climbing or outdoor rock climbing:
Indoor Climbing Equipment:
1. Climbing shoes: Rock climbing requires special shoes to “stick” on the walls. Hence, it is best to find a climbing shoe that is one size smaller than your street shoe size (If you are US 9, you should get US 8). You can also rent climbing shoes.
2. Belay device & Carabiner: A mechanical equipment used by the belayer to control the rope when belaying. Many indoor climbing gyms have switched to Assisted Braking Devices (ABD) such as Petzl Gri-Gri instead of traditional belay devices such as the Black Diamond ATC to reduce the risk of accidents.
3. Climbing Harness: The most important safety gear when you are doing any roped-climbing. This is where you tie-in your rope or clip your belay device.
4. Chalk: to absorb any moisture on your hands and allow you to grip the climbing holds better.
5. Rope (optional): if you are lead climbing, gyms will require you to bring your own rope. You want to look for a dynamic climbing rope to absorb shock and falls.
In addition, you want a climbing rope that is neither too fat (too difficult to pass through the belay device) nor too thin (not enough friction to create a “bite”). A diameter of 9.9 mm to 11 mm is best. A 30 to 40-meter rope is just enough for indoor routes. Climbing rope is also available for rent in most gyms.
6. Climbing Brush (optional): Can’t grip the holds because it is too chalky or contains too much grime? A climbing brush may be the solution to help you send your problem!
What to wear in bouldering? You only need a pair of climbing shoes and some chalk!
Outdoor Climbing Equipment:
Outdoor rock climbing is a different ball game as there are no equipment set up on these natural rock formations. At most, there are climbing bolts built in by a dedicated climbing community in your area.
If this is your first time figuring out what to wear when outdoor rock climbing, here’s your list:
1. Helmet: a must-have item, especially when you are dealing with loose rocks on sport climbing/trad/multi-pitch routes. It will save your life when you need it the most.
2. Quickdraws: Consisting of two carabiners connected by a strong textile sling, it is used to attach to a bolt, rope, or your climbing harness. You may require at least 15 quickdraws depending on the length of your route.
3. Cams: For trad climbers only. Used only when there are no climbing bolts. You can get a range of Black Diamond cam sets as a start.
4. Climbing shoes: You will need a pair of shoe that can endure long hours on the rocks with good friction. The La Sportiva Mythos Eco is a great pair for all day comfort outdoors.
5. Belay device & Carabiner: The Petzl Gri-Gri is commonly used in outdoor routes to reduce the chances of accidents.
6. Climbing Harness: This is where you place your climbing gear such as quickdraws, cams, and Personal Anchor System (PAS) (while keeping you safe)
7. Chalk: Although there is more texture on outdoor climbing routes, you will definitely need chalk to prevent those sweaty hands at the crux.
8. Rope: Buy a separate rope for your outdoor route as it will get down and dirty. You need at least 60 metres in length of rope (Longer routes may require 80-metre rope). The EDELRID rope is a popular choice.
9. Mosquite repellent: Mosquitos be gone!
What NOT To Wear When Indoor Rock Climbing?
• Avoid wearing baggy clothes or any other clothing that may restrict your movement.
• Please don’t wear normal sports shoes to climb on the walls. It’s unsanitary and you will get death stares.
• Gloves are rock climbing taboo fashion. While it may protect your hands from calluses, it will make it more difficult for you to grip the climbing holds. Climbing is all about having as much friction to stay on the wall.
• Don’t wear loose jewelry and accessories such as your expensive watch, bracelet, earrings, or/and necklaces as you may scratch them on the walls. However, some climbers do wear fitness trackers or smartwatches on the wall.
If you choose to do so, please have a protection case over your watch as it will get scratched badly.
• For bouldering, please don’t wear a harness or chalk bag. You do not need a harness as there is no rope involved in bouldering.
Also, you may end up injuring yourself falling on hard parts of the harness or having your harness catch on unintended holds and send you falling. For your chalk bag, you may accidentally fall on top of it and spill your precious chalk all over the climbing mat.
Can You Wear Headphones While Climbing?
This is a touchy subject, many climbing gyms will ban you from wearing headphones when climbing as it can be a safety hazard.
Headphones or earphones while on the wall may help you focus on your route but may hinder communication with your belayer or climber. You do not want to be hearing wrong commands such as “slack” instead of “take” if a fall is about to happen!
So if you are wondering if you can wear your AirPods while climbing, your sound quality may be amazing but your safety may not be. If you do choose to wear them while you are auto-belaying or bouldering, always keep one ear off your earphones to pay attention to your surroundings.
(P.S. I did wear my AirPods to an auto-belay climb and was stopped by the gym climbing marshall.)
Conclusion
I hope this answers all your questions about what to wear for indoor rock climbing! If you have any questions about what to wear climbing indoors or what to bring to your gym (i.e. can you bring a laptop?), check with their local staff and they will be happy to guide you on their do’s and don’t’s as well.
More Beginner Guides:
Comments are closed.