Must haves for a beginner climber

Hello! My name is Nicole and my fiance is getting into climbing. To be supportive of the adrenaline habit that is replacing his military career (yay!) I want to get him everything he may need to start for Christmas. I am not a climber and I am also a super busy nursing student so I don't have hours and hours to research. Would anyone mind helping with a list of basic equipment? So far, I have a helmet (proper gift from a nurse right!?) an ascension rope clamp, an altimeter and compass, and I suppose I need rope, boots, and warm gear. Is there a certain type of gloves that are best? What are the specs on rope? I know there are tons of items I am not thinking of…thanks for any suggestions!

How about a few sessions with an AMGA licensed guide??

Hi Nicole. The answer will depend on what type of climbing you're talking about. If you're talking about learning general rock climbing, you start with a harness, chalk bag, shoes, locking biner, and a belay device. Then make friends with someone who has the rest of the gear and can teach you how to use it.

Can you return the altimeter? Just saying...

Ditto the gift certif. for a day or two with a guide.

For his belay device get a petzl reverso or an ATC guide, with a locking carabiner. He should size the shoes or boots himself because the fit has to be just right. The rope depends on what type of climbing he is doing (rock climbing, mountaineering, ect) but it should be 60 meters long, UIAA certified, and made by a reputable company like Bluewater or Sterling.

Life insurance.

Some partners

Bob M wrote:Hi Nicole. The answer will depend on what type of climbing you're talking about. If you're talking about learning general rock climbing, you start with a harness, chalk bag, shoes, locking biner, and a belay device. Then make friends with someone who has the rest of the gear and can teach you how to use it.

I agree with all of what Bob said. This is very basic gear and I also agree with partnering with someone who will teach him basic belay skills and commands as well as basic climbing techniques and saftey. Check and see if there are any climbing gyms in your area. They can teach proper belay and basic knots they he will need to know and he can meet partners at the gym also. Good luck to both of you.

nicole future falk wrote:Hello! My name is Nicole and my fiance is getting into climbing. To be supportive of the adrenaline habit that is replacing his military career (yay!) I want to get him everything he may need to start for Christmas. I am not a climber and I am also a super busy nursing student so I don't have hours and hours to research. Would anyone mind helping with a list of basic equipment? So far, I have a helmet (proper gift from a nurse right!?) an ascension rope clamp, an altimeter and compass, and I suppose I need rope, boots, and warm gear. Is there a certain type of gloves that are best? What are the specs on rope? I know there are tons of items I am not thinking of…thanks for any suggestions!

Hi Nicole
I will echo what others have said. Training is key. Many of us build confidence in climbing through mentors and those cost $.

To answer your question: He/you will likely begin with toprope climbing - likely at the climbing gym (winter). Harness, ATC or GriGri, Shoes, Chalk, Helmet (although no one wears a helmet at the climbing gym)

Find a local climbing gym and they often will at least teach you proper belay for a cheap price. When ready - pay for some local guide or school to teach essentials such as how to build anchors etc.

Also - buy him this: amazon.com/Crag-Survival-Ha…

A mentor

Thanks for all of the great suggestions! I think the first thing I am going to get is a gift certificate to the local climbing gym! Tparis; did you miss the #1 rule of "don't be a jerk"? I think the downgrade from risk of getting blown up in the middle east to mountain climbing is one I will take, but thank you for reminding me that this is dangerous. It was a helpful comment.
Jon, he does want to do mountain climbing but I like the idea of buying him indoor climbing gear so he can have something to do locally and get ready for a big climb. Thanks to everyone you have really helped!

Still the bible of mountaineering:
amazon.com/Mountaineering-F…

Also, an ATC, while heavier, will last longer than a Reverso.

Some classes outdoors with a local guide service would go over well, and keep him safer out there. If you have any interest in climbing he would probably love to have you along, even if it's just at the local gym. If you're not interested in climbing yourself then it might be better to just let him go play.

If he is interested in glacier type mountain climbing, buy him a guided trip up one of the volcanoes in the pacific NW. Check out mountain madness or IMG guide services. Rent as much gear as possible. He might not like that style of climbing--long grind up a snow covered incline.

Indoor climbing gym is different than the beginner climbs up volcanoes. Think stairmaster type climbing for volcanoes vs. Total body pulling for rock climbing.

Info already provided for rock climbing in previous posts.

Lots of good advice here. Please let me underscore the importance of a mentor. As you already know, climbing is not one of those things you can kinda figure out by yourself, as you go, like golf or tennis. And it is so-o-o true that as a novice, you literally "don't know what you don't know." A more experienced partner who has the knack for teaching is a godsend - and cheap, fun life insurance!

Keep in mind also there is a difference between "mountain climbing" and "rock climbing"

Many peak baggers call themselves "climbers" but will never touch a rope - these require the things you mention like altimeter, map and compass, tents etc...

Also - most insurance policies contain clauses that state they don't cover accidents "where ropes are involved"...

kinda confused by your handle but whatever.....

REI or Backcountry.com gift cards, but if he wants to be a mountaineer, skiing will be key, so if so, get a stay n ski package with lessons and rentals and the future will come sooner than you expect!

You need a big 'Bro, size 4, and I can sell you mine for 90 bucks. A must for all newbie climbers, you can figure out someway to use it some day.
I think the lessons and instruction book ideas above are all great starters for you. Learn several fool proof ways to belay confidently, how to set up a top rope either in a class or from experience by climbing several days with those who do know and can teach you. Following others is a great way to start, not just the 2 new climbers out on their own. Watch alot, learn, practice.

Kirby1013 wrote:A mentor

Priceless ^^^^ But also hard to find

The ability to belay safely.
Knott trying to be mean, but this is so much
more important than your ability to climb.
If you can't belay, you'll never find a partner to
climb with.
Practice it, both hands, when cold, when dark,
when wet, etc. . .

Jake Jones wrote: If he gets hooked, the best gift you could give him (after this initial one) is to let him follow his passion and not give him grief for wanting to climb all the time if you're not involved. It has been known to happen. Good luck to your fiancee and well wishes for you both.

You might consider trying it yourself some day. Many of my happiest times have been climbing with my wife.