What does it Cost to Get Into Rock Climbing?

Rock climbing is an exhilarating sport that offers physical challenges and mental rewards, but getting started requires the right gear. The cost of entry varies depending on the type of climbing you choose, whether bouldering or rope climbing. Below, we break down the essential equipment and average costs for each discipline.

 

Bouldering

Bouldering is one of the simplest and most affordable forms of climbing, as it requires minimal gear. You will need:

• Climbing Shoes: $90 - $150

There are both Laced and Velcro options for men and women.

• Chalk Bag: $20 - $30

Get yourself something Simple or Vibrant to show off!

• Chalk: $5 - $30

We like to buy in Bulk!

If you are bouldering outdoors, we recommend a Crash Pad. These can cost $150+

Rope Climbing

There are multiple variants of Rope climbing, which include, Top Rope, Lead climbing, Sport climbing, and Traditional climbing. For all of these, in addition to your Climbing Shoes, Chalk Bag, and Chalk, you will need:

• Harness: $50 - $70

Options are often made separate for Men and Women.

• Belay Device: $40 - $75

Common options are the GriGri and ATC.

• Locking Carabiner: $15 - $35

You can find them sold Separately or in Packs.

Lead Climbing

When Lead climbing, a climber is tied into one end of their Rope and places it through quickdraws as they ascend to ensure shorter falls. With this in mind, you will need:

• Rope (35m–70m): $130 - $250

We recommend that you have the correct length of rope for your gym or crag before Lead climbing any routes. Many gyms only require 40m, some as much as 70m.

Sport Climbing

Sport climbing, while similar to Lead climbing, requires additional equipment for placing protection. Climbers will use Quickdraws when reaching bolts on a route to feed their rope through and ensure a shorter fall. We also recommend a Helmet, this will help with any rockfalls or weird falls on the route.

• Quickdraws (6pck): $90 - $110

We like the Hotforge Hybrids.

• Helmet: $60 - $70

You can always trust the Half Dome Helmet.

Traditional Climbing

Traditional climbing, similar to Sport climbing, requires more equipment for placing protection due to the nature of climbing often unbolted routes. This opens vastly more terrain for climbers to explore and push themselves on. This equipment consists of but is not limited to:

• Cams (Set): $390+

Black Diamond Camalot C4 Set is a wonderful option to start your rack.

• Stoppers (Set): $130+

Black Diamond Stopper Set is a trusty choice for your rack.

• Slings (Various Sizes): $10 - $30

You will definitely want a trusty 120cm Sling.

A full trad rack costs approximately $600-1200, making it the most expensive form of climbing.

 

TLDR:

Getting into rock climbing can be tailored to your budget and preferences. Here's a summary of the costs:

Type of Climbing	Average Cost Range
Indoor Bouldering	$115 – $210 + Membership
Outdoor Bouldering	$265 – $410
Indoor Rope Climbing	$220 – $645 + Membership
Sport Climbing	$370 – $825
Trad Climbing	$970 - $2225

Whether you're starting with indoor bouldering or aiming for outdoor adventures, investing in high-quality gear ensures safety and durability! With proper care, your equipment can last for years, making rock climbing a rewarding long-term hobby!