First Climbing Purchases - Chris Johnson

Looking to start climbing? Get what you need, and not what you don't!

Products in this list

Women's Momentum Harness by Black Diamond — This is still my go-to gym or sport climbing harness. It's comfortable, inexpensive, relatively light, and has great adjustment. Everything you need and nothing you don't.
Men's Momentum Harness by Black Diamond — This is still my go-to gym or sport climbing harness. It's comfortable, inexpensive, relatively light, and has great adjustment. Everything you need and nothing you don't.
Otaki by La Sportiva — Shoes are extremely personal. The Otaki's are my go-to climbing shoe for gym and sport climbing, but that doesn't mean they are the best choice for you. La Sportiva is my shoe brand of choice, and they have a range of options for climbers at different ability levels. Try a few models and find one that feels snug but not uncomfortable!
Petzl Sm'D Screw-Lock Carabiner Orange by Petzl — I really like Petzl's locking carabiners. The Sm'D is a great carabiner to pair with your GriGri. It's small, has a smooth action, and comes in a few variants. I love my Twist-Lock versions, but would recommend the Screw-Lock option for newer climbers. This will get you into the habit of confirming your lockers are, in fact, locked.
Petzl GRIGRI by Petzl — The default assisted braking device. The GriGri is the new standard in belay devices. I'm partial to the GriGri vs the GriGri +, but either are solid.

Looking to start climbing? Get what you need, and not what you don't!

Women's Momentum Harness by Black Diamond — This is still my go-to gym or sport climbing harness. It's comfortable, inexpensive, relatively light, and has great adjustment. Everything you need and nothing you don't.
Men's Momentum Harness by Black Diamond — This is still my go-to gym or sport climbing harness. It's comfortable, inexpensive, relatively light, and has great adjustment. Everything you need and nothing you don't.
Otaki by La Sportiva — Shoes are extremely personal. The Otaki's are my go-to climbing shoe for gym and sport climbing, but that doesn't mean they are the best choice for you. La Sportiva is my shoe brand of choice, and they have a range of options for climbers at different ability levels. Try a few models and find one that feels snug but not uncomfortable!
Petzl Sm'D Screw-Lock Carabiner Orange by Petzl — I really like Petzl's locking carabiners. The Sm'D is a great carabiner to pair with your GriGri. It's small, has a smooth action, and comes in a few variants. I love my Twist-Lock versions, but would recommend the Screw-Lock option for newer climbers. This will get you into the habit of confirming your lockers are, in fact, locked.
Petzl GRIGRI by Petzl — The default assisted braking device. The GriGri is the new standard in belay devices. I'm partial to the GriGri vs the GriGri +, but either are solid.