What to Wear Rock Climbing? A Comprehensive Guide
The thrill of ascent, the sheer joy of challenging oneself against vertical terrains - the allure of rock climbing is undeniable. For every climber, each climb is a testament to willpower and strategy. But have you ever paused mid-climb and wondered, "Is this outfit really helping me?".
If so, dive into our guide, chalked full of insights for your next ascent.
In case you have urgency, here is what you can find in this article.
Table of Contents:
From Historical Roots to Modern Trends: Australia's Climbing Scene
Australia's love affair with climbing traces back to the early 1900s, a time when intrepid climbers tackled terrains in rudimentary gym outfits. They sought clothing that offered comfort without sacrificing functionality. Today, as climbing enjoys renewed fervour – from local crags to indoor arenas – this principle remains unchanged.
This resurgence, further propelled by bouldering's debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has made one thing clear: while our skills might reach new heights, our attire shouldn't be left hanging.
The Evolution of Climbing Attire
Historical early ascents in Australia, like those of Mount Tibrogargan, and the daring spirits of climbers like Jean Easton and Muriel Patten, were achieved without today's sophisticated attire. These early adventurers often settled for whatever was available, prioritising freedom of movement even if it meant a few scrapes and tears from the rock's rugged surfaces.
Thankfully, times have changed. As the sport grew in popularity, so did the demand for specialised gear. Fast forward to today, and we have lightweight, resilient fabrics designed for the task. Say goodbye to bulky attire, and hello to streamlined designs that minimise risk and maximise efficiency.
Jean Easton seated on 'the overhang' on east Tibrogargan, Glass House Mountains, June 1932. Credit: Sunshine Coast Council
Jean Easton seated on 'the overhang' on east Tibrogargan, Glass House Mountains, June 1932. Credit: Sunshine Coast Council
Gear Up Right: Making the Perfect Choice
Whether you're facing the grandeur of outdoor crags or testing your limits on an indoor wall, the following section will help you crack the essentials for your next climbing adventure.
Key Qualities in Climbing Apparel
Mobility:
Your outfit should move with you, not against you. If you can hit high leg lifts in those shorts without feeling restricted, you've nailed it.
Comfort:
Seek fabrics that handle sweat like a champ and keep you cool under pressure.
Durability:
The mountain's tough, and your gear should be tougher. Particularly for those rugged outdoor climbs, you need attire that can take a beating.
Lightness:
Aim for attire that's so light, you'd forget you're wearing it.
Upper Body? Here's What to Wear
For the upper body, prioritise attire that lets your arms stretch, reach, and pull without limitation. Often this means minimal clothing, like a singlet or sports bra.
Beyond this necessity, your top should offer softness, comfort, and sweat-fighting capabilities - chafing isn’t fun. Brands like Outdoor Research have nailed this delicate balance with their Echo range of short and long-sleeve shirts, offering a blend of polyester and other stretch materials to keep you climbing effortlessly.
What About Lower Body?
Shorts, especially in warmer conditions or indoor climbs, need to be lightweight, yet stretchy enough to accommodate every contortion your legs might go through. Comfort around the waist is also paramount. Here, the Prana Mojo shorts are everything you could want, blending polyester with elastane for perfect lightweight flexibility.
When taking your climbing outdoors, pants often become the preferred choice. They should offer an added layer of protection against rock, but movement is still paramount. When deciding on a pair, look for features like gusseted crotches, articulated or preshaped knees and dedicated stretch zones.
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants check these boxes, offering a combination of nylon for toughness with elastane to ensure you've got all the stretch you need. If you’re hunting for a pro-level pair of pants, La Sportiva’s Machina pants are exactly that - they even have a loop for a chalk bag and tiny holes around the crotch for ventilation!
Prepping for the Outdoors
Going Climbing Outside?
Transitioning to outdoor climbing means a few more things to consider. You might be thinking about a long sleeve for those colder days or some sun shield. But here's the thing: cotton? Not always your friend. It gets wet and stays wet, which feels a lot like wearing a cold, soggy towel… Not fun.
Instead, try merino wool. It's like magic because even when it's wet, it keeps you warm. Or go for something that dries super quick, like the Active-Ice Spectrum Sun shirt from Outdoor Research.
And let's not forget there’s weather in the outdoors. It can change without warning, making the jackets like the Mont Supersonic Rain Jacket an invaluable addition to your gear. Designed with climbers in mind, it offers features that cater specifically to the demands of the sport such as articulating elbows and climbing harness compatibility.
Layer Up for Success
Remember, it's not just about wearing the right gear but also about layering it correctly. The beauty of layering is flexibility. As you climb and your body heats up, you can shed layers to stay comfortable. When you pause or the weather shifts, you can add them back on.
The Final Word
From the daring days of climbers in old-school gym shorts to today's spiffy threads, we've come a long way! As we've journeyed through the evolution of climbing attire, the core principles stand out: mobility, comfort, durability, and lightness.
Now that you're armed with this knowledge, why not put it into practice?
Whether you're heading outdoors or staying inside, it's always nice to equip yourself with the best. Brands like Outdoor Research, Prana, and Mont have carved niches in providing top-tier climbing essentials. So come in-store; our friendly staff at K2 Base Camp would love to help!
And, next time you're hanging off a cliff (intentionally, we hope!), remember that the right gear makes all the difference. Gear up wisely, keep these recommendations in mind, and never stop climbing!
Essential Climbing Clothing: Piece by Piece
Best Indoor Climbing Clothing
Upper Body: Look for soft, moisture wicking and breathable clothing that offer freedom of movement. One of K2's best sellers, Outdoor Research's Echo Collection has short-sleeved, long-sleeved and tank tops perfect for your climbing sessions.
Check out all the products in Outdoor Research Echo Collection.
Upper Body: Look for soft, moisture wicking and breathable clothing that offer freedom of movement. One of K2's best sellers, Outdoor Research's Echo Collection has short-sleeved, long-sleeved and tank tops perfect for your climbing sessions.
Check out all the products in Outdoor Research Echo Collection.
Lower Body: Look for lightweight, quick-drying, and stretchy pants/shorts blended with elastane material. Prana, Outdoor Research and La Sportiva have a wide variety of pants and shorts to cover your climbing needs.
Check out more Climbing Shorts and Climbing Pants.
Lower Body: Look for lightweight, quick-drying, and stretchy pants/shorts blended with elastane material. Prana, Outdoor Research and La Sportiva have a wide variety of pants and shorts to cover your climbing needs.
Check out more Climbing Shorts and Climbing Pants.
Best Outdoor Climbing Clothing
Base Layer Tops: Look for underarm gussets and set-in sleeves. Select weight depending on the climate. Merino wool for cooler climates or synthetic blends for moist wicking.
Check out more Mens Base Layers and Womens Base Layers.
Base Layer Tops: Look for underarm gussets and set-in sleeves. Select weight depending on the climate. Merino wool for cooler climates or synthetic blends for moist wicking.
Check out more Mens Base Layers and Womens Base Layers.
Long Sleeve Tops & Softshell Jackets: In addition to the Outdoor Research's Echo Range in previous section, below products are great options for your outdoor climbing endeavours depending on the weather.
Insulated Jackets: A must for very cold or alpine environments. Look for climbing helmet compatibility, breathability and packability.
Hard Shell Jackets: Depending on the climate, you might need to have a water and windproof jacket with you. Look for articularing elbows, ventilation and durability.
Check out more Climbing Jackets.
Shorts & Pants: Look for durability, stretch and water & wind ressistance.
Climbing Accessories: Hard to do without them, they have an important role on your climbing comfort or performance.
If you'd like personalised advice on selecting the right trail running shoes and would like to get professionally fitted, come and visit us at K2 Basecamp. We can't wait to meet you!