Getting Started Outside! - Alpine Griffin

When I started out, I got some great stuff and some less awesome gear. Here’s some not-too-expensive options to buy if you are brand new to outdoor climbing. With this gear, you’re ready to go climbing with a partner who has all the gear you share, like a rope and quickdraws or a rack. Did I pick some of this cause it’s purple? Whoops...

Alpine Griffin's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu

Products in this list

Finale Climbing Shoe - Women's by La Sportiva — A classic good-quality, not-too-expensive, comfortable beginner shoe. These were my first shoes and they lasted a good 2 years, and perform reasonably well indoors and outdoors.
Energy Nova Harness - Women's by CAMP USA — The men’s version was my first climbing harness, and it was great. This is a women’s fit. If you’re really into trad or multipitch you may want a harness with a 5th gear loop but this one is great for sport and dabbling in trad.
Gridlock Carabiner - Screwgate by Black Diamond — An affordable anti-crossloading carabiner for belaying.
MegaJul II Belay Device by Edelrid — This is my favorite assisted braking device, plus it’s light, can handle double ropes, and can be used for rappeling, so it will serve you throughout your career.
Saka Chalk Bag by Petzl — Any chalk bag works honestly. Tip for students: sometimes the outdoor program clears out their lost and found and gives away chalk bags.
Metolius Super Chalk - 15 oz. 15 Oz by Metolius — The most common chalk brand, probably because it’s cheap. If you want to go more environmentally friendly, try Black Diamond Eco Gold, but it’s way more expensive.
Half Dome Helmet - women's by Black Diamond — This seems to be the go-to budget climbing helmet, fairly comfortable and very tough. The women’s version is ponytail-compatible.
Reaction Screwlock Carabiner - 3-Pack by Trango — Affordable small lockers. 1 is for your prusik loop, 1 for your double-length sling, and 1 for belaying from above or just as a spare locker. If you want to splurge, get the Janja photon lockers instead.
Nylon Sling - 15mm by Wild Country — A double-length (120cm) nylon sling is one of the most versatile, yet still cheap, pieces of gear you can buy. Use it for a rappel extension, personal anchor, anchor, foot loop for ascending, and any number of other things.
Classic HMS Screwgate Carabiner by Mammut — My favorite big locker ever, plus it’s purple. Use it to clove into the anchor on multipitch routes, or anywhere else you need a spare locker.

Getting Started Outside! - Alpine Griffin

Alpine Griffin's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu

Products in this list

Finale Climbing Shoe - Women's by La Sportiva — A classic good-quality, not-too-expensive, comfortable beginner shoe. These were my first shoes and they lasted a good 2 years, and perform reasonably well indoors and outdoors.
Energy Nova Harness - Women's by CAMP USA — The men’s version was my first climbing harness, and it was great. This is a women’s fit. If you’re really into trad or multipitch you may want a harness with a 5th gear loop but this one is great for sport and dabbling in trad.
Gridlock Carabiner - Screwgate by Black Diamond — An affordable anti-crossloading carabiner for belaying.
MegaJul II Belay Device by Edelrid — This is my favorite assisted braking device, plus it’s light, can handle double ropes, and can be used for rappeling, so it will serve you throughout your career.
Saka Chalk Bag by Petzl — Any chalk bag works honestly. Tip for students: sometimes the outdoor program clears out their lost and found and gives away chalk bags.
Metolius Super Chalk - 15 oz. 15 Oz by Metolius — The most common chalk brand, probably because it’s cheap. If you want to go more environmentally friendly, try Black Diamond Eco Gold, but it’s way more expensive.
Half Dome Helmet - women's by Black Diamond — This seems to be the go-to budget climbing helmet, fairly comfortable and very tough. The women’s version is ponytail-compatible.
Reaction Screwlock Carabiner - 3-Pack by Trango — Affordable small lockers. 1 is for your prusik loop, 1 for your double-length sling, and 1 for belaying from above or just as a spare locker. If you want to splurge, get the Janja photon lockers instead.
Nylon Sling - 15mm by Wild Country — A double-length (120cm) nylon sling is one of the most versatile, yet still cheap, pieces of gear you can buy. Use it for a rappel extension, personal anchor, anchor, foot loop for ascending, and any number of other things.
Classic HMS Screwgate Carabiner by Mammut — My favorite big locker ever, plus it’s purple. Use it to clove into the anchor on multipitch routes, or anywhere else you need a spare locker.