Best Beginner Climbing Gear
Updated How we research
BLACK DIAMOND ATC-Guide Belay Device for Trad and Multi-Pitch
Black Diamond's ATC-Guide, a tube belay device with guide mode for trad leaders and multi-pitch climbers.
Black Diamond Super Chute Rope Bag, Deep Torch, One Size
Black Diamond's Super Chute rope bag in Deep Torch, a one-size chute-style bag that keeps a rope clean and tangle-free.
A first rack is chosen for tolerance rather than performance, because most specifications that make gear better for a strong climber make it worse for a new one. Shoes should be flat lasted and at most mildly downturned, sized so the toes are straight and just touching the end rather than curled, since aggressive shapes exist to stand on edges you cannot use yet. A harness wants adjustable leg loops if you climb across seasons, four gear loops so racking gains an obvious order, and a belay loop you can inspect for wear. For belaying, a tube device quoting a rope diameter range that covers roughly eight and a half to eleven millimetres handles any gym rope and any rental, and it teaches you to feel rope through the brake hand in a way a mechanical device does not. Pair it with one pear shaped screwgate instead of a handful of small locking carabiners, because a wide top bar lets the device orient itself. Chalk in block form lasts longer than loose powder and makes less mess. A helmet is only optional indoors. What does not matter yet is chalk texture, brush bristle stiffness, or rope diameter, which is decided by whatever rope you are lent.
The short version
We compared 10 picks. Our scores range from 6.5 to 8.8 out of 10.
- Best overall:BLACK DIAMOND ATC-Guide Belay Device for Trad and Multi-Pitch. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.8/10.
- Also great value:Black Diamond Super Chute Rope Bag, Deep Torch, One Size. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Solid build:BLACK DIAMOND RockLock Screwgate Locking Belay/Rappelling Carabiner, Black. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Harness. Features score of 7/10, overall 8.3/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
- 1.BLACK DIAMOND ATC-Guide Belay Device for Trad and Multi-Pitch8.8/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 2.Black Diamond Super Chute Rope Bag, Deep Torch, One Size8.6/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 3.BLACK DIAMOND RockLock Screwgate Locking Belay/Rappelling Carabiner, Black8.6/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 4.Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Harness8.3/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 5.Petzl Boreo Climbing Helmet - Red S/M8.2/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 6.Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes7.7/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 7.Climb Club Premium Climbing Chalk Blocks 100% Magnesium Carbonate 2oz7.6/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 8.TWO STONES Boar Hair Rock Climbing Brush with Ergonomic Handle7.6/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 9.CAMP Climbing Tape - Blue6.9/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 10.YY Vertical Bear Rock Climbing Chalk Bag for Adults and Kids6.5/10See on AmazonCheck price
#1Black Diamond's ATC-Guide, a tube belay device with guide mode for trad leaders and multi-pitch climbers.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10
- + Guide mode lets you belay a follower directly off the anchor
- + Works with double and twin ropes for long rappels on multi-pitch routes
- + Proven design taught in countless trad and multi-pitch courses
- - No assisted braking, so careful brake hand technique is essential
- - Guide mode takes practice to set up and release under load
#2Black Diamond's Super Chute rope bag in Deep Torch, a one-size chute-style bag that keeps a rope clean and tangle-free.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Chute design lets you stuff the rope in quickly and pull it out untangled
- + Built-in tarp keeps the rope off dirt, sand and gym floors
- + One size fits most single ropes used at the crag
- - Not a backpack, so you still need a pack for the rest of your gear
- - Deep Torch color may show dirt more than darker bags
#3Black Diamond's RockLock screwgate in black, a pear-shaped locking carabiner for belaying and rappelling.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Pear shape gives room for a Munter hitch or GRIGRI loading
- + Screwgate is simple to use and easy to check visually
- + Black Diamond build quality for regular belay use
- - Screwgate can loosen if not checked during long sessions
- - Heavier than lightweight wiregate lockers
#4The Black Diamond Momentum, a comfortable, budget-friendly harness that is a favorite for gym and sport beginners.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Pre-threaded buckles make it quick and simple for beginners to fit
- + Comfortable padding suits long gym sessions and top-rope days
- + Strong value from a major climbing brand
- - Bulkier than lightweight harnesses for alpine or long approaches
- - Listing does not give size, so check the chart before ordering
#5The red Petzl Boreo in S/M, a tough everyday climbing helmet with good visibility for smaller-headed climbers.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10
- + Bright red shell is highly visible on busy crags and in photos
- + Rugged construction survives drops and being crammed into packs
- + Solid value for beginners who want a Petzl helmet that lasts
- - S/M range rules it out for many adult climbers with bigger heads
- - Hardshell design runs warmer than vented foam helmets in summer
#6Black Diamond's Momentum is a comfort-focused strap shoe with a knit upper, made for new climbers doing laps at the gym.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Breathable knit upper stays cooler and more comfortable than stiff synthetic shoes
- + Strap closure gets you in and out quickly between routes and boulder problems
- + Flat, forgiving shape suits beginners who want to climb for hours without pain
- - Knit upper wears faster than leather when jammed into rough cracks outdoors
- - Generic listing omits gender and version, so check the sizing chart carefully
#7Climb Club's premium chalk blocks in 100% magnesium carbonate at 2oz, a simple block chalk for crushing into a bag.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 100% magnesium carbonate means no added drying agents or fillers
- + Block form lets you crush chalk to the texture you prefer
- + 2oz block is easy to toss in a gym bag for a few sessions
- - Blocks need crushing before use, which adds mess
- - 2oz runs out fast for climbers who chalk up constantly
#8TWO STONES' boar hair climbing brush with an ergonomic handle, a comfortable brush for cleaning holds.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Boar hair bristles clean chalk without damaging holds
- + Ergonomic handle makes brushing easier on long sessions
- + Great for both gym and outdoor bouldering
- - Single brush does not reach tight pockets as well as a thin brush
- - Brand is less known than Metolius or Sublime
#9CAMP's blue climbing tape, a colorful tape from an Italian climbing brand for finger support and crack gloves.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Blue color stands out from standard white tape
- + CAMP brand is trusted for climbing accessories
- + Suitable for both finger taping and hand protection
- - Check the tape width and roll length before ordering
- - Colored tape may cost more than basic white rolls
#10YY Vertical's Bear chalk bag for adults and kids, a fun animal-themed chalk bag for gym climbers.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Bear design adds personality for kids and adults
- + YY Vertical is a known climbing accessory brand
- + Suitable for gym sessions and casual outdoor use
- - Novelty shape may be less practical for fast chalking
- - No belt loop or brush holder, so plan separate storage for your brush
Before you buy: trade-offs we flagged
No pick is perfect. These are the main compromises we noted for the top products in this guide, so you can check they will not matter for you.
- No assisted braking, so careful brake hand technique is essential (BLACK DIAMOND ATC-Guide Belay Device for Trad...)
- Not a backpack, so you still need a pack for the rest of your gear (Black Diamond Super Chute Rope Bag, Deep...)
- Screwgate can loosen if not checked during long sessions (BLACK DIAMOND RockLock Screwgate Locking...)
- Bulkier than lightweight harnesses for alpine or long approaches (Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Harness)
- S/M range rules it out for many adult climbers with bigger heads (Petzl Boreo Climbing Helmet - Red S/M)
- Knit upper wears faster than leather when jammed into rough cracks outdoors (Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes)
Frequently asked questions
›What is the best choice among beginner climbing gear?
BLACK DIAMOND ATC-Guide Belay Device for Trad and Multi-Pitch is our top overall pick. Black Diamond's ATC-Guide, a tube belay device with guide mode for trad leaders and multi-pitch climbers. It earns our score of 8.8/10, based on fit for the job, features, build and value.
›What is a good budget option?
Black Diamond Super Chute Rope Bag, Deep Torch, One Size is the strongest low-cost pick in this guide. Black Diamond's Super Chute rope bag in Deep Torch, a one-size chute-style bag that keeps a rope clean and tangle-free.
›How much should I expect to spend?
Picks in this guide span See on Amazon price bands (roughly: $ = under $30, $$ = $30 to $100, $$$ = over $100). We never display exact prices because they change constantly, so the buttons above always show Amazon's current price.
›How were these products chosen?
We shortlist products that fit the job this guide solves and compare their published specifications, such as size, capacity, materials and what is included. Each pick gets an editorial score out of 10 for fit, features, build and value, and we write the pros and cons from those details. Our score is not an Amazon customer rating. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, which never affects the ranking.
Climbing Nest independently selects every product; we may earn a commission from links above.
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