Here is our list of best rock climbing gear list for beginners to start their sport climbing in 2021. There’s nothing better than carrying a pack full of shiny quickdraws, a new rope, a lightweight helmet, fresh rubber and some snacks to the base of your favorite sport route or a crag you’ve never visited.
With more climbers than ever heading to the crags this year, be sure to play nice and have a backup plan. The best way to get over your fear of falling is to go and take a few safe whippers.
Mammut 9 Crag Sender Dry
A slick new rope for 2021, the nine-millimetre Crag Sender Dry is a light, triple-certified rope for sending hard projects. It’s designed for hard onsight attempts, difficult redpoints and fast multi-pitch pushes up fixed-gear climbs.
It has dry treatment on both the sheath and the core. The coated yarns allow fibres to glide over each other, reducing friction. It comes lap-coiled by the factory, so it’s ready for the climb.
Black Diamond Zone LV
This much-loved Black Diamond shoe, which excels on steep sport climbs, comes in a low-volume model.
The Zone LV features a slightly downturned last and molded sticky rubber.
They have knit uppers that breathe well and double straps that help lock in your foot.
The soft flex midsole helps on slab routes, but also provides excellent precision on edges. The LV is a perfect choice for climbers with a lower-volume foot.
Grivel Trend
If you’re looking to stand out at the crag this year, then the Trend harness is for you.
The sport climbing harness has one buckle, an ergonomic shape and is extremely comfortable thanks to the turned-up padding.
The best feature is the four fashion styles: leopard, python, abstract and black. The leopard harness has fuzzy felt on the hip belt and leg loops.
Edelrid Shield II
The Shield II is a lightweight and durable helmet that has an innovative closure system and excellent ventilation.
It offers great protection for long and demanding sport climbs.
The straps fold into the helmet, which saves space in your pack on approaches and descents.
It has a rear adjustment dial that lets you adjust the fit quickly and easily. Its lightweight, comfort and stylish looks make this is a helmet suitable for all sizes of climbers.
Rab Kaon Jacket Review
This is a great layer for shoulder-season crag climbers or anyone projecting routes in shady areas.
It’s very packable, breathable and light. The insulated hoodie has a synthetic fill, which is optimal to protect against moisture.
You can leave it on under a shell. It has 800-fill power goose down, a big chest pocket, elastic cuffs and comes in an athletic fit.
The two colours it comes in are Firecracker and Ebony. Highly recommended.
Arc’teryx Kestros Pants Review
The Kestros is a solid performance climbing pant. The fabric is lightweight, durable and has a four-way stretch that works well thanks to the articulated patterning.
The low-profile waistband fits under a harness. The tapered leg and elasticized cuff allow for good visibility of your footwork while climbing.
One of the best sport climbing pants on the market.
Black Diamond HotForge Hybrid Quickpack Review
A six-pack of Black Diamond 12 cm HotForge Quickdraws. They feature two new HotForge sport climbing carabiners, one straight gate and a coloured wire gate for clipping.
In between is a durable polyester dogbone. They’re easy and smooth to clip and great to grab when projecting.
The integrated “straitjacket insert” keeps the bottom biner in a perfect clipping position. Highly recommended for sport climbers.
Black Diamond Black Gold Review
Black Diamond Black Gold is an inexpensive chalk that helps you perform at your best on any route.
It’s available in a variety of different-sized bags and is a favourite among top climbers. It gives good, long-lasting coverage and the friction you need.
Of all of the chalk on the market, this is our favourite for sport climbing projects.
If you have the sweatiest hands in the room, as this chalk is for you.
Edelrid Ohm
A great solution to the old problem of having one climber heavier than their partner.
It adds friction so a lighter climber can control the catch of a heavier climber. The Ohm prevents the belayer from being pulled up, which can be dangerous to the belayer and climber.
It dynamically adds friction, so the catch is soft. It adds no friction while feeding rope to a lead climber.
Recommended weight difference between lead climber and belayer is 10 to 40 kg.
Petzl GriGri
The GriGri is the go-to belay device for sport climbing. It’s compact and lightweight and can be used with single ropes from 8.5 to 11 mm.
The assisted braking function makes belaying more convenient when holding a climber or catching a fall.
The design of the camming mechanism enables excellent descent control.
We have also reviewed Trad Climbing, Van Life, Bouldering, and Gym Climbing gear.