The 10 essential pieces of gear I always pack to boulder outside safely
Emily Reed
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- Bouldering is a great way to spend time outdoors and work on your rock climbing technique, while also providing a fun method for breaking a sweat.
- For those just getting into the sport, there's more to it than just throwing on some climbing shoes and heading to your local routes — it takes a proper understanding of the gear you need, where you intend to climb, and who you're climbing with.
My journey with bouldering started over half a decade ago when my friend dragged me to the free climbing cave at Midwest Mountaineering in Minneapolis, Minnesota. For those first few months, I went as often as I could and eventually wore a hole in a pair of used Scarpa climbing shoes I found in a bin at an REI Garage Sale for less than $20.
Free dusty basement climbing and a pair of used shoes were all I could afford at the time, but that didn't stop me from falling in love with the sport. When I transitioned to paying for a gym membership — and eventually going outside — I slowly learned about the gear I didn't have and how buying a few things would help me be a safer and more competent climber.
It's not just about the gearOf course, bouldering outside safely starts with a lot more than having the right gear. Each area has its own set of rules and regulations that you should familiarize yourself with before heading out. Be sure to check with your local Access Fund organization about any closures or alerts in your area. Guidebooks are the most reliable source for route information and camping details so do your research and buy one before heading out. If your area doesn't have a guidebook, check Mountain Project for information.
You're also as safe as the company you keep so I recommend going out with a more experienced friend for your first few times to get the hang of spotting outside and falling correctly on a crash pad. Since some climbing areas tend to be remote and out of cell service, you should always carry a competent first aid kit and have the knowledge to use what's inside in the case of an emergency.
Climbing gear isn't one size fits allI should note that climbing gear is highly dependent on personal preference and needs. What I might consider perfect, another boulderer could turn their nose up at. Like anything, finding the right gear for you takes time, experience, and above all else, knowing your own unique style of climbing. Pay close attention to the return policies of the retailer you're purchasing from so you can exchange gear if needed.
Here's the gear you need to start bouldering outside safely:A bouldering crash pad
If you take a quick scan around your local crag, you're bound to see more than a few of these pads — and for good reason. The Organic 4-inch Thick Big Pad is burly enough to withstand a fall from your project but light enough to carry comfortably on the approach. Of all the pads I've tested over the years, this one is the most well-balanced on your back which makes a huge difference when you're scrambling over large boulders.
Every pad is made in the U.S.A. and is completely color customizable. You can choose from over 40 colors for the background and two accents. Plus, a simple four buckle closure system allows for quick deployment once you're at the boulder.
What I also considered: Black Diamond Drop Zone Pad and Asana Hero Pad
A climbing pack
Why choose between an over-the-shoulder bag and a backpack when you can have both? The Moon Bouldering Bag quickly converts between the two and fits easily inside my bouldering pad for outdoor approaches thanks to the slim design and 25-liter size.
With five organizational pockets including an external zipper and two internal shoe compartments, I always know where my small accessories are like nail clippers or finger tape. The two external reinforced grab handles are great for moving your bag quickly around the crag.
What I also considered: Black Diamond Creek Transit 22 and Metolius Big Wall Collapsible Bucket
Bouldering shoes
Of all the bouldering gear you'll need, climbing shoes are the most personal decision. They're designed to fit like a sock and because everyone's foot is different, their shoe choice will be, too. For my higher arches and smaller heels, the Scarpa foot last fits my particular foot the best.
I love the Furia S because it's a super flexible shoe that still provides plenty of rubber on the front end to stand on tiny footholds. It feels like a second layer of skin on my foot and gives me the confidence I need to go for sketchy heel hooks or slippery toe hooks.
What I also considered: La Sportiva Solution and Adidas Five Ten HiAngle
Approach Shoes:
The Vibram MegaGrip rubber on the Arc'teryx Arakys approach shoe is extra sticky for dicey scrambles to the crag. Unlike other approach shoes I've tested, I trust the rubber to catch me when leaping across boulders. I appreciate the smart lacing system which allows me to transition quickly to climbing shoes.
The back of the heel folds down so you can slip them on in-between climbs and the shoes can be worn with the laces completely loose thanks to the interior sock-like liner.
What I also considered: Adidas Five Ten Five Tennies and La Sportiva TX Guide
Climbing pants
Part cotton, part Spandex, the Caliza Rock pant has just enough stretch to accommodate high feet and dynamic movements. The bottom cuff has two snap adjustments so you cinch them down when you need to see your feet on hard moves.
The waistband is made of an extra-stretchy material for easy on and off and feels great against the skin. I love these pants for both bouldering and sport climbing thanks to the harness-compatible design and lower front pockets.
What I also considered: Mammut Crashiano Pants and Lululemon Speed Up Tight 28"
A climbing mid layer
The Mountain Sweatshirt Pull-Over is a perfect mid-layer to keep in your bag for when the crag gets chilly. The face fabric is super stretchy and is durable enough to resist my own two year's worth of rubbing against rocks. The zippered front kangaroo pocket provides a secure place for small gear.
I've found that the insulation is just enough for cold mornings or evenings around basecamp but it's still light enough to climb in when needed. Plus, the pull-over looks great with a pair of leggings.
What I also considered: Mountain Hardwear Monkey Fleece Jacket and Arc'teryx Fortrez Hoody
A climbing outerlayer
This jacket has been through a lot with me — including running sled dogs in northern Wisconsin and weekly winter climbing trips to Roy, New Mexico. The face fabric has incredible stretch yet it's durable enough to withstand dogs' nails and boulders brushing up against it.
I barely took this parka off this winter and when I finally did to wash it, every stain came out beautifully. If you're looking for a reliable crag parka that also looks great in the city, this one's it.
What I also considered: Stio Pinion Down Pullover and Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody
Chalk
The Metolius Super Chalk is the best bang for your buck that you'll find. This 15-ounce package has a perfect blend of chunky bits and powder so you can decide what you need in the moment. A drying agent is added to the magnesium carbonate that helps keep your fingers ready for small crimps.
Overall, this is super reliable chalk that isn't hard to find at retailers and gyms so you'll never have to worry about running out and having to order online.
What I also considered: Black Diamond White Gold and Climbing Cartel The Quarter
A chalk bag
I prefer having a clip-on chalk bag when I'm bouldering so I can chalk up mid-project but many climbers love a traditional bouldering chalk pot that stays on the ground. The Arc'teryx C40 has a plastic hoop encasing the opening of the bag so you don't have to fight to find the chalk which frees up precious seconds during the crux of your project.
The drawstring closure system allows you to seal up in-between climbs to avoid getting chalk all over your belongings, too. Plus, the little elastic brush holder on the side is a great addition.
What I also considered: Organic Deluxe Chalk Bag and Black Diamond Mondo Chalk Pot
A chalk brush
While a traditional brush is more than enough for beginner boulderers, the Mammut Brush Stick package is a worthy investment for anyone looking to grow in the sport. The collapsible stick design allows you to brush off holds near the top of the boulder with ease and then it packs down and out of the way when you're done.
The package comes with two burly brush options, a large two-sided paddle design meant for slopers, and a small brush for crimps. When not in use, it can also be used as a trekking pole thanks to the small spike on the end.
What I also considered: Sublime Premium Boar's Hair Climbing Brush and Black Diamond Bouldering Brush
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