Choosing the Right Rock Climbing Gear

Choosing the right rock climbing equipment is an essential step prior to deciding to go for an outdoor adventure. Before you head out to your chosen mountain don't forget to double check your gear and drop by the sporting goods store if there is anything else that you will need.

One of the most important things to have when rock climbing is climbing rope. Ideally, this should be 10 or 11 millimeters in diameter and which is approximately 50 to 60 meters long. Mammut, PMI and New England are three of the best brands to choose from and costs range from $150 to $250.

It will also be a good idea to have a quality harness. Although there are many brands to choose from like Camp USA and Black Diamond, you should choose the one that is comfortable for you to use personally and feels secure.

Naturally, you can't rock climb without the proper shoes. When shopping for a good pair of rock climbing shoes get your mind off Nike and Adidas and look for brands that specialize in this outdoor sport, like La Sportiva, Mad Rock and Evolv.

Rock Climbing often requires the use of carabiners. A few quality brands of carabiners that you can check out include Mad Rock, Petzl and Black Diamond. Some of these are sold in packs of 6 and which cost less than $100.

Everyone gets tired while rock climbing, and taking a break should not be a problem if you have good pitons and webbing. Black diamond and Pika are two brands of pitons that you can choose from with a great track record. Mammut, Metolius or Blue Water are all worth considering as options when shopping for quality webbing.

Of course safety gear always includes a rock climbing helmet. Your head may accidentally hit against the rock during a slip, or worse, some falling debris may strike you on your head during the climb. To prevent that from happening, and the dangerous results that could happen because of it, it will be a good idea to wear a helmet. You can choose from Black Diamond, CAMP USA and Petzl. They all have various models and their price range is from $60 to $100.

Lastly, wearing the right outfit should also be something that you should consider if you decide to go rock climbing. Comfortable, breathable clothing that takes into account the area and season you will be climbing in can greatly extend your enjoyment of the climb. While there are no one-piece suits around, you just have to match it with whatever top and bottoms you wish to wear. Some brands you can choose from include Mammut and Prana.

Choosing the right rock climbing gear should not be a problem when you know what is needed. If this is your first time, ask those who have done it before and do some research before buying it from the sporting goods store. For those who are unsure about the brand that the store is carrying, go online and read the reviews written by experts and customers. This will give you an idea which rock climbing equipment is really a good value for your money.