Expert Gear Picks from Katie Mayo

    Expert climbing gear recommendations from Katie Mayo, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, based in Bishop, CA.

    Katie Mayo's Gym to Crag

    A list for primarily gym climbers who would like to take it outdoors. You already know how to move... now it's just about learning technical skills to keep you and your friends safe(r) while you move. For boulderers and sport climbers alike

    • Katie Mayo recommends the Black Diamond 9.9 Climbing Rope — This 60m rope is perfect for many new to the outdoors climbers. Make sure to check the route length and tie knots in the end of the rope!

    • Katie Mayo recommends the Mammut Workhorse Keylock Quickdraw - 6-Pack — Mark your draws - and find out how many bolts are on your route before you head on up!

    • Katie Mayo recommends the Metolius Basic Stick Clip — A stick clip is so helpful when you just start sport climbing outdoors. You can start with the first bolt clipped... and if you're climbing near your limit, you can bring the stick clip up to clip bolts above you, so you don't need to leave anything behind if you can't get to the chains.

    • Katie Mayo recommends the Scarpa Instinct VSR Climbing Shoe — This is a great shoe to sport climb in (IMO), but realistically you can use whichever shoe you climb in the gym in.... knowing that you should take climbing shoes off in between routes (especially outdoors) because wear and tear on the shoe will be more than indoors.

    • Katie Mayo recommends the Crocs Classic Clog — this is a good option to wear in between routes if your crag is flat and does not require delicate stances for belaying.

    • Katie Mayo recommends the Topo Athletic Traverse Trail Running Shoe - Women's — My new favorite approach shoe for alpine, craggin, or bouldering... or trail running for that matter. Vibram rubber on the bottom gives elite traction. And the toe box lets tosies stretch out between routes.

    Katie Mayo's Your first trad rack

    Folks who are new to trad, start here :)

    Katie Mayo's Clothing & Accessories

    When you're in the elements, what you wear IS gear.

    Katie Mayo's Camping

    Katie Mayo's Yogis in the Mountains

    Katie Mayo's Alpine

    Rendezvu
    Katie Mayo
    Stoke is my strength

    Katie Mayo

    AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
    Katie Mayo
    Stoke is my strength

    Katie Mayo

    AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
    Katie, photo 1 of 3
    Katie, photo 2 of 3
    Katie, photo 3 of 3

    About Katie

    I love standing on top of things. But my love for climbing goes beyond the simple physical act. Climbing has been foundational in getting to know myself, others, and the earth. It's a way I connect with my values and build relationships.

    Details

    DisciplineClimbing
    SpecialityGetting on top of things, frolicking, being more than just "strong for a girl/woman", attributing spiritual meaning to summits
    LocationBishop, CA
    JoinedNov 2025

    Highlights

    01Bugaboo Spire via NE Ridge... a multi-year goal!
    02Sun Ribbon Arete, day after getting dumped :/
    03Seven Spanish Angels - huge mental battle for me at the time
    9.9 Climbing Rope
    Black Diamond · $1409.9 Climbing Rope
    Katie“This 60m rope is perfect for many new to the outdoors climbers. Make sure to check the route length and tie knots in the end of the rope!”
    Workhorse Keylock Quickdraw - 6-Pack
    Mammut · $104Workhorse Keylock Quickdraw - 6-Pack
    Katie“Mark your draws - and find out how many bolts are on your route before you head on up!”
    RendezvuImage not available
    Metolius · $95Basic Stick Clip
    Katie“A stick clip is so helpful when you just start sport climbing outdoors. You can start with the first bolt clipped... and if you're climbing near your limit, you can bring the stick clip up to clip bolts above you, so you don't need to leave anything behind if you can't get to the chains.”
    Instinct VSR Climbing Shoe
    Scarpa · $219Instinct VSR Climbing Shoe
    Katie“This is a great shoe to sport climb in (IMO), but realistically you can use whichever shoe you climb in the gym in.... knowing that you should take climbing shoes off in between routes (especially outdoors) because wear and tear on the shoe will be more than indoors.”
    Classic Clog
    Crocs · $50Classic Clog
    Katie“this is a good option to wear in between routes if your crag is flat and does not require delicate stances for belaying.”
    Traverse Trail Running Shoe - Women's
    Topo Athletic · $93Traverse Trail Running Shoe - Women's
    Katie“My new favorite approach shoe for alpine, craggin, or bouldering... or trail running for that matter. Vibram rubber on the bottom gives elite traction. And the toe box lets tosies stretch out between routes.”
    Friend Camming Device
    Wild Country · $110Friend Camming Device
    Katie“The Wild Country (WC) "friends" can be extended without an alpine draw, which I think makes them more convenient for new trad leaders.”
    Workhorse HMS Screwgate Carabiner
    Mammut · $19Workhorse HMS Screwgate Carabiner
    Sender Wire Quickdraw
    Mammut · $20Sender Wire Quickdraw
    Helium 3.0 Rack - 6-Pack
    Wild Country · $85Helium 3.0 Rack - 6-Pack
    Katie“When you buy cams, they don't come with a carabiner... you'll need this to rack them on your harness or gear sling.”
    Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry DuoTec Climbing Rope - 9.6mm
    Edelrid · $355Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry DuoTec Climbing Rope - 9.6mm
    Katie“The dry rope is great for alpine routes where your rope needs to work after running across some wetness/ice.”
    Pro-Key Nut Tool + Leash
    Wild Country · $20Pro-Key Nut Tool + Leash
    Katie“The leash will keep your second from dropping it ;)”