Gym Climbing Essentials

Get Inside and Pull Some Plastic This Winter!

Cold weather, snow and ice mean the end of outdoor climbing season, but that doesn't mean you can't keep training, keep sending and get stronger in the gym! While nothing beats climbing outside on real rock, gym climbing has gained rapid popularity growth over the past few years and offers a uniquely enjoyable, singular experience, as well as a great training environment. Climbing in the gym is different from climbing outside and there are a few essential pieces of gear that will make your gym climbing experience much more pleasant. Check out our guide to your gym climbing essentials and get psyched!

1. Aggressive, durable climbing shoes that are Velcro closure or slipper style

When climbing in the gym, you'll likely spend a surprising amount of time taking your shoes off and putting them back on again. Shorter routes and access to a concentrated number of boulder problems mean that you can wear your aggressive, performance-fit bouldering or sport climbing shoes while working on your project, then give your feet a break by slipping them off when you are belaying or resting. Look for an aggressive Velcro closure shoe like the La Sportiva Miura or the Evolv Shaman, a soft, technical slipper like the La Sportiva Cobra or a hybrid style slipper with a single Velcro strap like the Five Ten Team, the Evolv Nexxo, or the La Sportiva Solution. The gym tears your shoes up, so it's a good idea to have a pair or durable, easy to put-on or remove climbing shoes that you only use inside. Shop All Climbing Shoes Here!

2. Chalk bucket

When you're spending hours training or sessioning your project in the gym, it's convenient to have a large chalk bag to dip into periodically instead of using your regular chalk bag. A chalk bucket is essentially a large chalk bag with a flat bottom that wont tip over and spill. many chalk buckets, like the Prana Bucket Bag have a velcro pocket for your keys, phone or climbing tape, as well as pockets or loops designed to hold brushes. With a chalk bucket, you can also share chalk with your friends and also bring it with you when you go bouldering outside as well. Shop all of our chalk bags, chalk buckets and loose chalk here!

3. A climbing brush

Climbing inside can be frustrating at times because of the number of people climbing the same route and problems over and over again. Without natural rain and wind to clean chalk and grime off of the wall, plastic holds can become caked and slick. In order to restore friction on that one crucial hold on your project, bring along a climbing brush to clean off the route and give that little bit of extra grip that you need to send. Grab a brush that uses high-quality boar's hair like the So iLL Boar's Hair Brush and carry it on your chalk bag or bucket for whenever you need it. A brush is also helpful when cleaning up a route outside at the crag as well! Shop All Climbing Accessories Here!

4. A Petzl GriGri belay device

Some gyms supply basic ATCs for belaying, but its a great idea to pick up a reliable, assisted braking Petzl GriGri for gym climbing. For top-roping or leading, the safe, effective braking power and controlled lowering of the GriGri is unparalleled. This device utilizes the same basic belay technique as an ATC or other tube-style device, but when the climber falls, the internal cam engages in the device and greatly increases braking power. This device is incredibly safe when used in conjunction with proper belay technique, especially for unexpected falls and big lead whippers. When you're belaying for hours in the gym and your arms and mind are getting fatigued, the assisted braking of the GriGri will ensure that your climber is never in danger. The GriGri is also a great belay device for climbing outside on top-rope or for sport cragging, so you'll get usage from it outside of the gym as well.

5. Gym climbing pack

When you go to a sport crag you need a rack of draws, slings and lockers; a helmet, some extra layers and your rope. For trad, add on cams, nuts, stoppers, extendable draws, a nut tool and more. It's crucial that you have a climbing pack in the 35 to 50 liter range to carry your gear comfortably from the car to the crag, often on a long approach. Obviously, you don't need any of this gear —except your harness, belay device and shoes— so you also don't need to carry a big, empty climbing pack 20 feet from the car to the gym. A durable, simple pack with easy access to your gear like the Black Diamond Hollowpoint or the Mammut Neon Element is a practical option to carry all of the gear you need and nothing you don't. These packs also make great day packs for short hikes! Shop all small climbing packs and crag packs here!

6.Tank tops

Sometimes you just have to let your pipes breath and give everyone a ticket to the gun show with a cool tank. When you're at the gym, working up a sweat and working your V10 project, make sure you have your sending tank on and your psych level high. On cold winter days, it's great to be able to throw on some comfortable shorts and a great tank and climb hard inside! The Throttle Tank from Prana is an awesome tank top for guys, that is soft, comfortable and great looking. For women, the Synergy Chakra Tank, the Carve Designs Savarna Tank, or the Prana Luca Top are stylish, comfortable tops with athletic design. Tanks are great outside of the climbing gym, for yoga or working out as well.