It might feel daunting trying to figure out what to wear when rock climbing. It can be expensive getting involved in a new sport with purchasing gear and accessories you’ll need for your next adventures. Luckily, rock climbing is rooted in dirtbag culture, and when you’re starting out, you probably already have the clothes you need.
There are lots of climbing specific brands that manufacture rock climbing clothes that have great streetwear elements, yet small details that can make a day at the gym or the crag a little more comfortable. If you’re wondering what to wear rock climbing, you’ll just need fitness clothes. Common attire includes shorts, t-shirts, tights, and base or mid layers.
Things To Look Out For
You won’t want anything too baggy or loose because you’ll need to make sure you can put your harness on properly and make any required adjustments. Besides the harness, you also won’t want your clothes getting in the way of a crux move in the middle of a route. Baggy sleeves or pants can interfere with your visual body awareness or catch and snag on rock features. Keep things as slim fit as you are comfortable but watch out for the baggy stuff.
Clothing with sweat wicking materials is great for climbing because you’ll be bouncing back and forth between working hard on a route and belaying or resting. The changes in body temperature require technical fabrics to keep you regulated. It's a good idea to have a base layer top and bottom in your collection of climbing clothes. Also consider clothes with a bit of stretch to make space for reachy holds.
What to wear for rock climbing comes down to preference and you are sure to spot everything from jeans to an Everest suit wherever you go, but here are the basics to get you started.
What To Wear For Indoor Rock Climbing
When climbing indoors, you won’t have to worry too much about damaging your clothing. Generally, there are locker rooms, cubbies, and comfy mats or seats to rest on at the climbing gym. You won’t be picking pine needles out of your climbing pants or waiting around in the dirt, so durability isn’t as big of a factor for indoor rock climbing. You will be brushing against abrasive walls that could damage your clothing, so keep that in mind.
Most people start climbing in the gym, so when you are learning the ropes start with something comfortable that can stay on while moving and reaching. For first time climbers, make sure your clothing fits above the hips so that you can comfortably wear it with your rock climbing harness. Choose active technical fabrics similar to gym clothes like a tank top or sports bra, shorts, and t-shirts.
If you’re looking for climbing specific clothes, there are lots of choices out there! Some features to look out for in climbing clothes are gusseted crotches, chalk bag loops, long inseams to fit with a harness, and jeans with good stretch such as the Black Diamond Forged Denim Pants.
If you are rock climbing indoors, check if your gym requires shoes to be worn. You’ll want to take your climbing shoes off between routes or bouldering problems, and some gyms don’t allow you to be barefoot. Sandals with sturdy straps such as Chacos are great rest or belay shoes. Your feet can breathe between sessions, but you have the security of the straps to ensure you don’t trip while belaying.
What To Wear Outdoor Rock Climbing
Outdoor climbing requires a little bit more preparation than indoor climbing. You’ll have to pack a bigger day pack with layers and foul weather gear to ensure you are prepared. You should be familiar with the climate in your area, and some climbing zones are high in the mountains and can be subject to sudden changes in weather, requiring various types of climbing clothes.
When climbing outdoors, you need to consider your approach, your wall or zone, and the general climate. Approaches can be long and arduous and might require a separate change of clothes. You can hike into your crag in the sun, and leave in a storm, so you’ll want to ensure you have extra mid layers and outer shell layers, and maybe even a base layer that can keep you warm and dry.
Depending on the length and terrain of the approach, your shoes can be really important here. Sandals or sneakers will suffice on short approaches, but you might want to think about wearing approach shoes on longer approaches for comfort and protection.
Helmet compatible hoods are good features to consider on your extra layering pieces. You don’t want to be fumbling with your clothing when a big storm rolls in. You might also consider climbing specific pants or jeans. These tend to transition between warm and cool weather, and are designed to withstand abrasive rock and dirt.
What To Wear For Women: Top 3
1. La Sportive Mantra Pant
You can get away with fitness clothes to get started, but eventually you’ll want to trade in the yoga pants for something more specific. There are tonnes of options that range from reinforced leggings to looser, climbing oriented pants.
The La Sportiva Mantra long length pants are made with a nylon spandex blend and a gusseted crotch to give you the space you need for big moves. The nylon outer is hard-wearing and resistant to abrasions, making these comfy pants perfect for all disciplines of climbing.
These pants have a cinched ankle band so that they don't interfere with your climbing shoes, and a comfortable waistband with articulated knees make these pants perfect for all day wear. The back pocket features a brush sleeve if you are toting a brush at the gym or on your out.
2. Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody
The Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody is one of their most versatile pieces. It is an extremely packable ripstop nylon wind shell that is the perfect layer to throw in your climbing pack. Its DWR coating protects against light precipitation, protecting you in a pinch.
This jacket is so lightweight, you’ll barely notice you brought it, but it packs a punch when you need it. Small enough to pack into its own pocket, you can clip this to your harness or stow it in a small climbing pack with ease. It’s a great layer for someone climbing both indoor and outdoor as it does provide a bit of warmth by simply adding a layer.
When looking for what to wear rock climbing, the Squamish Hoody won't disappoint.
3. La Sportiva TX2 Approach Shoe
The La Sportiva TX2 Approach shoe is a lightweight, breathable approach shoe that has the ability to be packed up easily when switching into climbing shoes. An embedded shock cord on the shoe lets users stack the shoes and secure them together to clip onto your harness or pack.
This is the lighter version to some of La Sportiva’s other models; however, they are durable, reliable, and sturdy for technical approaches. Vibram soles and a flared outer sole give you maximum grip and stability when travelling through rough terrain. Comfortable enough for daily wear, the La Sportiva TX2 Women’s is a shoe you can take anywhere between the climbing gym and the alpine.
What To Wear For Men: Top 3
1. Black Diamond Forged Denim
The Black Diamond Forged Denim pants (available in men’s and women’s) are perfect for the climber that wants to maintain a certain element of street style in their climbing aesthetic but doesn’t want to be blowing out seams regularly.
These pants boast Cordura stretch fabric that is extremely resistant to abrasion, yet stretchy enough to move through any crux. An integrated brush pocket and a fit designed to work seamlessly with a harness make these jeans the perfect unassuming climbing pant to keep you moving with style.
Transition from the city to indoor rock with the Black Diamond Forged Denim.
2. Black Diamond Men’s Crag Hoody
The Crag Hoody is a layer you can take anywhere. What looks like a regular hoody is actually a garment designed specifically for sending. It is a cotton-polyester blend with gusseted arms, flat-lock seams, and a draw cord for a perfect fit. The draw cord is great for keeping wind out when you are standing around between routes.
Throw this in your pack and you won’t regret this casual layer to throw on when the temps cool off. Choose to wear climbing or belaying, and you'll be comfortable and mobile in any position/movement.
3. Chaco Z1 Sandal
If you aren’t ready to wear approach shoes or need something for indoor climbing, a pair of Chacos will be a great addition to your climbing shoes. Secure straps and Vibram soles make these sandals reliable when belaying or walking on uneven terrain.
They are easy to slide on and off while cragging, and you can even pair them with some socks if needed especially in cold weather. As many indoor rock climbing gyms require you to wear shoes between routes, you'll want something simple and resistant to wear-and-tear to slip on in the fast paced environment.
What Not To Wear Rock Climbing
Remember when climbing you want to avoid overly baggy clothing that aren’t compatible with your harness. Ill-fitting and poorly designed items are not the best clothes for rock climbing.
If you are new to climbing, you’ll learn quickly what works for you and what doesn’t. Climbing involves a lot of out of the ordinary movements, so snug fitting and adjustable clothing is a pretty good idea. You'll be able to narrow down some rock climbing outfits when you spend more time deciding what to wear climbing.
Conclusion
So what to wear rock climbing...... The best rock climbing clothes all come down to preference, but with the options out there you’ll want to invest in some specific pieces to make your sending efforts as comfortable as possible. A good pair of pants, shoes, and an extra top layer with moisture wicking properties will ramp up your climbing pack and make days at the gym or crag a lot more seamless.
When pants slip down, or shorts ride up, shirts slip low, and shoulders won't reach, you'll really know what you don't want to wear climbing, which makes finding the best climbing clothes easier. Wear something comfortable that has some extra features for the sport, and you'll be happy with your choice. Try out the Black Diamond Forged Denim pants for a stylish and technical look that won't disappoint. You'll want to wear these all day long!
