What to bring to the climbing gym

One of the best things about indoor climbing is how little you need to start. You can rock up to most gyms with nothing and hire everything you need at the desk. But a small, well-chosen kit makes sessions smoother and cheaper, and there is a sensible order in which to buy things as you get hooked.

What you actually need for a first session

For your very first visit, the honest answer is: comfortable clothes you can move in and a bottle of water. That is it. The gym will rent you shoes, and for bouldering that is all the gear you need. If you are going to climb on a rope, you will also hire a harness and, depending on the gym, a belay device, and you will go through their induction.

Wear something stretchy that lets you high-step and reach without restriction. Leggings or loose shorts and a t-shirt are ideal. Avoid anything too baggy that will snag, and leave the jewellery and rings at home, since rings in particular can cause nasty finger injuries on holds.

The short packing list

Once you are going regularly, a small bag sorts you out every time:

• Climbing shoes, once you decide to buy your own.
• Chalk and a chalk bag or bucket. Loose chalk or a chalk ball both work.
• A water bottle. Climbing is thirstier work than it looks.
• A small towel or a brush for dirty holds.
• Tape, for taping over a split tip or a tweaky finger.
• A light snack for longer sessions.

That covers almost any indoor session, bouldering or roped.

What to buy first, and when

Resist buying everything at once. Let your climbing tell you what you need.

The first proper purchase for most people is shoes. Hire shoes are fine to begin with, but they are worn, stretched and shared, and a pair that fits you properly transforms how you stand on small footholds. When you buy, go for a fairly neutral, comfortable shoe rather than an aggressive downturned one — your feet are not ready for the discomfort and you do not need the performance yet. They should be snug, not agonising.

Next is chalk, which is cheap and worth owning straight away. After that, if you move onto ropes, your own harness and belay device are a good buy once you know you are sticking with it. Get fitted in person rather than guessing sizes online.

Everything beyond that — brushes, a rope, a rope bag, fancier shoes — comes naturally as your climbing pulls you in particular directions. There is no rush, and no piece of kit will make you better faster than simply turning up and climbing. Keep the bag simple, pack it the night before, and you will spend your energy on the wall rather than rummaging at the desk.