Best multi pitch climbing gear for beginners What we ended up with, and what I still carry on my back gear loop every time I multi-pitch climb, was a small locker holding a few items. Pack Mountain climbing can be an exhilarating and challenging experience, but it’s important to have the right equipment to ensure your safety and success. Fortunately, there are many options for budget-conscious climbers that provide good performance without breaking the bank. Editor's Note: We updated our climbing shoe review on April 16, 2025, to remove a discontinued shoe from our lineup and ensure current pricing for each shoe. Our first suggestion isn't actually a 'real' multi-pitch crag, but is a great place to practise skills due to its large belay ledges and many options for Jun 14, 2024 · Focusing on the task at hand can be a challenge in Yosemite, especially at the top of a classic like Munginella (5. However, if you are strictly learning the skill of rappelling, you might be working with static ropes. This is the most significant part of your safety system, unless you’re bouldering (or you’re Alex Honnold). 0: Assisted 3 days ago · Best for: Sport climbing, multi-pitch trad climbing Key All-around climbing, gym climbing, beginners: Fixed leg loops, simple, no-frills design multi-pitch trad climbing: Four large gear May 27, 2025 · Best Climbing Shoes at a Glance. Reading and theorizing are all well and good, but they’re no substitute for practice and understanding. Each rope has been selected for a specific set of criteria (e. Objective: Lead multi-pitch climbs on gear self sufficiently. The majority of multi-pitch routes fall into the 6-10 pitches category, which make for a perfect day of climbing and still time Jan 11, 2022 · This La Sportiva climbing shoe is often named one of the best beginner climbing shoes, and it is undoubtedly a winning choice for that purpose. Photo: Andrew Burr The Prow (5. ly/3J349PtIf you are the type of climbe A dramatic multi-pitch climbing route shrouded in mist, offering a challenging and scenic ascent. Multi-pitch climbing sessions in dizzying heights can easily take several hours – that’s why a lightweight rope is vital, but it should still be strong enough to withstand Nov 9, 2023 · The second step on your journey is to get comfortable leading and falling on sport climbs with a rating of at least 5. May 5, 2025 · What to Expect from Our Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing Classes: Day 1: Multi-pitch Climbing Fundamentals. Delve into nuanced self protection and advanced gear placement techniques for multi-pitch ascents. Nov 8, 2024 · The trickiest—and most important—parts of multi-pitch trad climbing are placing solid gear and building safe anchors quickly. Dynamic ropes stretch to help absorb the shock of falling climber and soften the catch. 25 oz: 50: Black Diamond ATC Guide: Best for multi-pitch Read why: Tubular Belay Device: 8. Oct 25, 2013 · The third pitch is undoubtedly the best, with an amazing exposed traverse on good holds to a whopper of a belay ledge. Interview with Marco Odermatt. Gear placements here are scanty—a single bolt might ease your mind—but ample holds and pretty views of Big Cottonwood will dissuade any hesitation. 9 and take falls on progressively less overhung routes. 17 oz: 110: Black Diamond ATC Pilot: Best for gym climbing Read why: Assisted Braking Device: 8. Advanced Multi-pitch Concepts Students will learn techniques applicable to climbing multi-pitch routes, including: preparation, anchors, belaying, cleaning gear, belay transitions, descending, and climbing with a 3-person team. . Set just off the coast of Turkey, Kalymnos is a small island boasting more than 4,000 sport and multi-pitch routes on the best limestone in the world—nothing short of a climber’s paradise! A relative newcomer to the climbing scene, it is considered to be an incredible active vacation spot. Usually, a local climbing guide should be able to give you all the details on the exact number required. To be suitable for multi-pitch climbing, a harness has to meet two criteria: it needs to have gear loops big enough to carry all the gear you will need (more important on trad routes), and it needs to be comfortable enough to hang in. Sixty meters is standard, but some climbers like to link pitches by using 70-meter or 80-meter cords. Read the full article. To this day, most multi-pitch climbing worldwide is still completed with traditional climbing gear and basic techniques. Apr 22, 2025 · We'd go so far as to say that the Kirigamis are arguably more comfortable than some approach shoes we've worn. Smith Rock offers varied climbing options with routes suitable for all skill levels: Beginner-Friendly Routes: Many climbs in the 5. 9— though 5. ly/3kFZgU8Tenaya Masi: https://bit. Apr 4, 2025 · We've done our best to offer you solid recommendations for the best harness for the money, the best all-around harness, and the best for various climbing disciplines like sport climbing, multi-pitch and trad climbing, alpine climbing, and ice climbing. Mar 3, 2022 · A couple of tugs on gear (there’s usually a fixed pin) at the crux bulge on the seventh pitch bring the route’s grade down to about 5. With that said: basic gear for multi pitch free climbing would include a helmet for each climber, rock shoes, chalk bag, a dynamic rope in the 10mm or greater range and of length in excess of 60m (more common in 70m or greater these days), possibly a second rope depending on how long the rappels will be to get off the route, climbing protection May 20, 2022 · But the thing about climbing quickly is that it’s not necessarily about the climbing—it’s more about doing everything else efficiently. While we have picked it as the best climbing rope for beginners it can be used by climbers of any skill level when they want added peace of mind when it comes to safety. Sep 23, 2022 · Relation to Trad Climbing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, this equipment list will help you prepare for your next mountain climbing adventure. When swinging leads on a multi-pitch route, the belay transitions are often the biggest time suck. There are dozens of ways to do it correctly—as well as horribly wrong. 2) Advanced Course See under 1) plus outdoor climbing experience following routes up to grade 5. Climbing gear needs to be seriously reliable. Dec 16, 2022 · The best belay device for multi-pitch climbing is an auto-blocking belay device when the device is set up in guide mode, such as the Black Diamond ATC Guide or the Petzl Grigri. 3) Climbing Camp See under 1) and 2) plus ability to safely lead up to grade 5. Conversely, some traditionalists swear that the traditional 50-meter rope is better since it’s lighter and easier to manage on hanging belays. May 14, 2021 · The best place to get cheap climbing shoes is always your friendly local climbing or outdoor gear store. 10a (4a-6a) range. May 5, 2025 · An excellent assisted-braking belay device for beginners, but experienced users will love it too: An incredibly versatile device that allows for every style of belay you'll ever need: The best device for belaying lead climbers, and it's not bad for top roping either: An excellent value for multi pitch climbing, rappels, and double rope ascents Apr 27, 2021 · Best for Beginners & Gym Use: Black Diamond ATC-XP. As the fall temperatures and wet weather start to overtake the more temperate climbing areas in the U. Nov 21, 2021 · If you’re heading to the crag, you’ll need a climbing rope just to get off the ground. The route saves the best pitch for last, with a beautiful and exposed arête. GORE-TEX gear tour. 9 range, Willow Creek Spire is ideal for those transitioning to multi-pitch climbing in Yosemite. 6-5. But in the gym, where the environment is controlled and nothing is more than a pitch long, an ATC-XP is all you need. In most cases, multi-pitch climbing requires knowledge of traditional climbing equipment and tactics. This trip will take you places that top rope trips can’t. We specialize in providing customized guided climbing experiences for climbers of all skill and ability levels; ranging from complete beginners to seasoned pros. However, they can also be quite expensive. g. When searching for the best multi pitch backpacks, it’s important to prioritize these key features to find a pack that suits individual climbing needs. , on the flanks of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Miya spends all of her free time climbing rocks, whether single-pitch sport climbing, multi-pitch alpine climbing, or sunny Sep 8, 2021 · If you’re multi-pitch climbing, you’ll most likely anchor in using the rope, but if you’re doing single pitch routes, you’ll often be cleaning off of bolted anchors. Apr 4, 2025 · The biggest drawback with this rope is its lack of versatility. A multi pitch route will follow a formation or series of cracks in the rock up to the top. Oh, and it’s a real bitch when the sky is blue, the sun is shining, a gentle wind cools you off, and there’s not a line Jul 25, 2022 · For multi-pitch. , rock climbers begin their annual migration to the desert southwest in search of the sunny skies and warm rock found there for most of the fall, winter and spring months. Apr 16, 2025 · From boulders to big walls, our roundup of climbing gear on the market has something for everyone. 4. For multi-pitch climbing choose twin ropes or half ropes . 5 millimeters in diameter, it isn't useful for much besides alpine climbing and multi-pitch climbing. 1 to 11mm: 80g / 2. They're best suited for moderate multi-pitch climbing, especially crack climbs. 9. With its diverse climbing spots, including Crag and Tiers of Zion, as well as challenging routes at Lover’s Leap on Beaver Brook, Lookout Mountain offers something for every climber, all surrounded by impressive Best climbing books. Apr 1, 2025 · Fresno Dome: This area provides an excellent mix of beginner slab climbs and moderate multi-pitch adventures like South Pillar (5. I tend to make some small changes based upon the nature of the climb but this should get you started. 11+/5. ). However, relegating this model to the ranks of newbies sells its capabilities short as a low-cost all-around climbing shoe. Sep 13, 2023 · Multi-Pitch Sport Climbing. For example, the leader must place their own protection and build their own anchors using traditional gear. 82 oz: 35: Mammut Smart 2. Some more suggestions for multipitch routes in Scotland are: Ardverikie Wall (Hard Severe) at Binnein Shuas, and the Flying Dutchman (Severe) at Polldubh Crags. 8 . Bluegrass Climbing School is a locally owned and operated climbing guide service, based in the heart of Red River Gorge, Kentucky. However, that’s not always the case. 5 to 11 mm: 175 g / 6. Smith Rock State Park, Oregon, USA. The trickiest—and most important—parts of multi-pitch trad climbing are placing solid gear and building safe anchors fast. In my opinion, this is the May 30, 2025 · What is multi pitch climbing? Multi pitch climbing is a stack of pitches on top of another. 6 (V-) on multi-pitch climbs. These guys are used to rack my multi-pitch kit on my harness. 5 ($329) is our favorite rope for most types of climbing. People have different preferences for multi-pitch rope length. When a company designs a new suite of shoes, they send pairs to us and our testers, and we climb in them, compare notes, write a review, and then, later, do a roundup of the latest and greatest releases of the year. Dec 14, 2024 · Hybrid packs combine the features of a backpack and a climbing pack, making them ideal for multi-pitch climbs. Pros: Light, compact and easy to use; Compatible with single and double ropes and a variety of rope diameters; Doesn’t twist or kink rope; Cons: Can be slow at rappelling Nov 9, 2020 · The Eliminator is best used for indoor and outdoor top roping, lead climbing, and multi-pitch climbing. Jean-Pierre Ouellet on The Prow. Sep 30, 2023 · Climbers seeking well-protected single and multi-pitch sport climbs should look no further than Lookout Mountain Climbing Haven. Best Overall: Black Diamond Technician; Best for Technical Alpine Climbing: Blue Ice Choucas Pro; Best for Mountaineering: Petzl Altitude; Best for Projecting: Arc’teryx AR-395a; Best For Multi-Pitch: Petzl Sitta May 9, 2024 · Best Climbing Harness for Trad and Multi-Pitch Climbing. Best Multi Pitch Backpacks – Reviewed 1. Feb 12, 2024 · Tubular devices are ideal for multi-pitch trad climbing, gym climbing and sport climbing. Related: Best Climbing Shoes for Women Jun 24, 2024 · One of the best climbing harnesses on this list should align with your climbing goals and provide that extra edge in reaching for them. However, if you’re ready for more adventure and want to experience the thrill of ascending a tall rock face over multiple stages, multi-pitch climbing is the ultimate challenge, offering breathtaking views and a deeper sense Feb 13, 2025 · Ensuring that a backpack fits well can greatly enhance a climber’s experience, enabling them to focus on their ascent rather than discomfort. Harnesses designed for alpine climbing and mountaineering are often made so that the leg loops can be put on without removing boots or crampons. Jul 6, 2023 · Multi-Pitch Climbing Gear In addition to a competent and willing partner, what follows is a short list of the basic gear you’ll need for a multi-pitch climb. 2 to 4 Non-Locking Carabiners: Light, non-locking carabiners. Best Outdoor All-Rounder: Scarpa Arpia V ($169) Best Sport/Mixed Shoe: Unparallel Qubit ($186) Best Bouldering Shoe: Scarpa Drago XT ($229) Best for Beginners: Butora Rubicon ($150) Best Shoe for Steep Routes: La Sportiva Mandala ($209) Best Training Shoe: Scarpa Veloce L ($175) Best Pure Slipper: La Sportiva Jul 5, 2023 · For example, in comparison to sport climbing harnesses, trad or multi-pitch climbing harnesses usually feature extra padding and ventilation, as well as additional gear loops and a haul loop. However, if you want the versatility of belaying one or two followers, stick with a tube device with guide mode. 9 still feels plenty hard at over 13,500 feet. Which One Should You Try? For beginners or those looking for a quick climb, single-pitch climbing is a perfect way to get a taste of the sport and improve your skills. Nov 14, 2022 · In compiling our list of the best climbing ropes on the market, we looked at user reviews across the internet, compiled data on average prices, and consulted with professionals in the guiding industry. The ATC-XP lacks a guide mode, so it won’t handle multi-pitch well. In terms of difficulty, ideally, you should try to lead harder than 5. , best beginner climbing rope, best budget climbing rope, best half rope, etc. The climbing rope is your lifeline, so you want to make sure you invest in the right one. Quickdraws : For rock climbing, you’ll need between 10-12 quickdraws to secure yourself throughout your route. Apr 16, 2025 · What to look for in sport climbing shoes; Ten things you need to know about climbing shoes; Our favorites; Honorable mentions; Most gear roundups cover new releases. Nov 6, 2023 · Best For: Single and multi-pitch climbing, Best For: Beginners climbing outside. May 12, 2017 · Below I provide an outline of the technical gear that I typically carry with me into the vertical world. On a multi pitch route, you reach the end of a pitch, belay your partner up and then rack up to take on the next pitch. Other types of climbing bags include boulder pads, which provide cushioning for boulderers, and crag packs, which are designed for carrying all the gear needed for a day of sport climbing. 5 mm: 92 g / 3. They range from beginner routes with 2 or 3 pitches up to the second largest multi-pitch route in North America – Time Wave Zero. . 6), which overlooks the Valley floor and is the quintessential “first” multi-pitch to do in the area. Check out the Five Ten Niad: https://bit. S. There are some multi-pitch sport climbing destinations scattered May 1, 2025 · The team took harnesses from the gym to crags in Colorado, South Dakota, Illinois, Iowa, California, Nevada, Arizona, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Missouri, climbing sport and multi-pitch routes on limestone, granite, gneiss, and sandstone in temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 90s. At 8. One tester remarked, “I think the smooth, easy handling is likely due to its thin diameter, so it can bend in ways that thicker ropes can't. Based on our research and testing, we think the Black Diamond Solution Guide is a solid choice if you want a climbing harness that's really well suited to Trad and Multi-Pitch Climbing. Beginner mountains and peaks to climb in the UK. These trips are for those looking for a more in-depth rock climbing experience and enjoy heights. Nov 7, 2024 · Another climbing shoe that got the 5-star seal of approval from expert tester Jessie Leong, the Tenaya Masai is a shoe with a neutral footbed that can nevertheless hold its own on everything from easier multi-pitch trad to boulder problems. Rocking Seconding is a prerequisite. Learning to clean a route is quick and relatively easy, and it makes you a more attractive prospect as a climbing partner. May 28, 2024 · Best for beginners Read why: Assisted Braking Device: 8. Part 4—Learn to Climb Trad: Knots, Rappelling, and Logistics. When one rope isn’t long enough to complete the climb, multi-pitch technique is required. Mar 11, 2022 · Move between face climbing and cracks on fractured rock on pitches one and two. Historically, multi-pitch climbing was made possible using aid climbing and traditional climbing equipment and techniques. Mar 17, 2025 · Climbing shoes are an essential piece of gear for any rock climber. Alpinism: Alpine ropes are designed to match all the requirements for use in the corresponding territory, from multi-pitch climbing to alpine climbing and mountaineering. Lion Rocks sit just above Padarn, the lake of Llanberis. It’s inexpensive enough that beginners shouldn’t shy away from it, and it has the right specs to serve This video covers all the basic knots (figure eight, clove hitch, munter hitch) and anchor building basics for multipitch climbing. Revitalizing and refining essential trad climbing facets: gear organization, rock assessment, and strategic protection placement. Just like the ATC-Guide, it also lacks assisted braking. 6), which are great for new trad climbers. 10a, 6 pitches) Cathedral Ledge, New Hampshire Sep 20, 2023 · Legions of climbers have started with the La Sportiva Tarantulace; (photo/La Sportiva) The La Sportiva Tarantulace ($89) has been one of the top-selling climbing shoes on the market for decades For many, the fantastic views, dizzying exposure, and sense of adventure offered by multi-pitch climbing is the embodiment of the climbing experience. There are an incredible amount of long multi-pitches in Potrero. For more of our Oct 15, 2016 · Multi-pitch Climbing. With bolted sport climbs ranging from 2 pitches all the way up to 23 pitches, El Potrero Chico is one of the best places on the planet to get started climbing long multi-pitch routes. Feb 21, 2024 · I've chosen six multi-pitch crags in North Wales that I feel are good places to kick off: 1) Lion Rocks: the multi-pitch training crag. Willow Creek Spire: Offering solid trad climbing in the 5. In this article, we will take a look at the best cheap climbing shoes available on the market today. Ski touring in Iceland. The goal is to have your team in synch, with both climbers working together to get the leader moving. Nov 14, 2024 · Living in Bishop, Calif. Aug 28, 2021 · We’ll cover the basics of what you need to get going: how to prepare, what gear you’ll need, the step-by-step process of multi-pitch climbing, and other logistical issues. Rock Rescue - Multi pitch Rescue skills for multi pitch terrain. Yet they are still well-made and provide a solid foundation for a wide variety of climbing. 2 days ago · The Mammut Alpine Protect 9. Dec 12, 2022 · Combined with multi-pitch staples like alpine draws, a couple of lockers, and a chalk-bag belt made of 6mm cord, I’ve found that this minimalist kit can get you out of almost any sticky situation. Knowing the right knot for the right situation makes for safe, efficient climbers. Nov 18, 2016 · This is part three of our series, Learn to Climb Trad: A Complete Beginner’s Guide. This works for both spor Objective: Follow multi-pitch climbs, lead sport climbs. 7 to 10. Nov 10, 2022 · In most cases, you will be climbing on and rappelling with dynamic ropes, especially for sport climbing and multi-pitch climbing. Not only can you try on a variety of shoes here – the most important thing to remember when buying the best climbing shoes is that they fit properly – but you can get some great personal advice from other climbers whose job it is to know Guided Rock Climbing in Red Rock - Las Vegas, Nevada Overview. Here at The Adventure Junkies, we will help you choose the best climbing rope for you. ly/3J60gu9La Sportiva TC Pro: https://bit. In this article, we’ll share our expert knowledge with you by breaking down a comprehensive multi-pitch climbing gear checklist so you can enjoy that breathtaking view from the top without any hiccups along the way. No specialized gear or knowledge is required for these trips but participation is required. eaa wfqsk hgscg sqjeobxh jjomxk xgskyp gdnmmu xpyye whm sqn