Equipment

Essential Equipment

Climbing Shoes

The most critical piece of bouldering equipment. Fit and style dramatically affect performance.

Fit Principles:

• •Snug but not painful
• •No dead space in toe box
• •Downturned vs flat based on climbing style
• •Will stretch 0.5-1 size (leather more than synthetic)

Types:

• •Flat/Neutral: Beginners, all-day comfort, slab climbing
• •Moderate Downturn: Versatile, intermediate, most climbing styles
• •Aggressive Downturn: Steep terrain, powerful moves, advanced

Evidence: Proper shoe fit improves footwork precision and reduces foot fatigue (Schweizer, 2001).

Recommended by Level:

• •Beginner: La Sportiva Tarantulace, Scarpa Origin, Black Diamond Momentum
• •Intermediate: La Sportiva Katana, Scarpa Instinct VS, Five Ten Hiangle
• •Advanced: La Sportiva Solution, Scarpa Drago, Tenaya Oasi

Chalk & Chalk Bag

Improves grip by absorbing moisture.

Chalk Types:

• •Loose chalk: Traditional, most effective
• •Chalk ball: Less mess, gym-friendly
• •Liquid chalk: Base layer, mandatory at some gyms
• •Chunky chalk: Some prefer texture

Chalk Bag:

• •Boulder bucket: Sits on ground, large opening
• •Traditional bag: Belt attachment for sport climbing
• •Refillable vs disposable considerations

Crash Pad (Outdoor)

Essential safety equipment for outdoor bouldering.

Size Considerations:

• •Larger = more coverage, heavier
• •Hinge vs taco fold
• •Shoulder straps quality for approaches

Coverage:

• •One pad: Minimal, direct landing zone
• •Multiple pads: Better coverage, recommended for highballs

Recommended: Organic Big Pad, Black Diamond Mondo, Metolius Session II

Training Equipment

Hangboard/Fingerboard

The primary tool for finger strength development.

Evidence: Hangboard training significantly improves finger strength and climbing performance (Levernier & Laffaye, 2019).

Types:

• •Beginner-friendly: Large edges (20mm+), jugs
• •Progressive: Multiple edge sizes (6mm-20mm), slopers, pockets
• •Portable: Compact travel boards

Recommended: Beastmaker 1000/2000, Tension Grindstone, Metolius Project

Protocol:

• •Minimum 6 months climbing experience before hangboarding
• •Start with large edges
• •Progress gradually to avoid injury

Campus Board

For power and contact strength (advanced only).

Caution: High injury risk. Requires solid base of finger strength.

Training Holds

Mount on home wall for practice.

• •Jugs for pull-ups
• •Crimps for lock-off training
• •Pinches for thumb strength

Home Wall

The ultimate training investment.

Considerations:

• •Angle: 15-45 degrees overhanging
• •Size: 8x8ft minimum useful
• •Hold variety
• •Padding/flooring

Skin Care

Skin Maintenance

Bouldering is demanding on skin. Proper care enables more training.

Products:

• •Climbing-specific balm (Climb On, Joshua Tree)
• •Sandpaper/file for calluses
• •Nail clippers for hangnails

Protocol:

• •File calluses to prevent flappers
• •Moisturize after sessions
• •Rest skin when tender

Tape

For split tips and protection.

• •Climbing tape: Stickier, more durable
• •Athletic tape: More affordable

Apparel

Climbing Pants/Shorts

• •Stretchy fabric for mobility
• •Durable for rock contact (outdoor)
• •Fitted enough to see foot placements

Upper Body

• •Fitted shirt (no loose fabric on holds)
• •Tank tops or t-shirts
• •Layers for outdoor temperature changes

Budget Tiers

Minimal Budget (Indoor Only) - $100-200

Getting started:

• •Entry climbing shoes ($65-100): La Sportiva Tarantulace, Scarpa Origin
• •Chalk bag and chalk ($20-35)
• •Gym membership

Moderate Budget - $400-700

Regular indoor + occasional outdoor:

• •Quality climbing shoes ($120-170): La Sportiva Katana, Scarpa Instinct
• •Chalk setup + brush ($35-50)
• •Crash pad ($200-300): Organic Simple Pad, Metolius Session II
• •Hangboard ($50-80): Metolius Simulator 3D
• •Skin care products ($15-25)

Comprehensive Budget - $1500+

Serious boulderer:

• •Multiple pairs of climbing shoes (all-round + steep) ($250-400)
• •Large crash pad + supplemental pad ($400-600)
• •Premium hangboard ($100-200): Beastmaker 2000
• •Campus rungs ($50-100)
• •Training holds for home ($100-200)
• •Complete chalk setup ($50-75)
• •Approach shoes for outdoor ($100-150)
• •Guidebooks and apps ($50-100)

Technology

Training Apps

• •Crimpd: Hangboard protocols
• •Lattice Training: Assessments and programs
• •Grippy: Progress tracking

Video Analysis

• •Record attempts for movement analysis
• •Slow motion for footwork review

Outdoor-Specific Gear

Beyond the Crash Pad

• •Approach shoes: Sticky rubber, hiking capability
• •Brush: Clean holds of chalk and dirt
• •Tarp: Keep pad clean, gear organized
• •Headlamp: Dawn/dusk sessions
• •Guidebook or app: Mountain Project, 27 Crags

Conditions Gear

• •Puff jacket (belay jacket)
• •Beanie and warm layers
• •Hand warmers for cold conditions

Injury Prevention

Common Issues

• •Finger pulley injuries
• •Shoulder impingement
• •Skin splits

Prevention Equipment

• •Finger tape (H-taping for pulleys)
• •Resistance bands (shoulder prehab)
• •Hangboard for controlled loading

Recovery

• •Ice for acute finger tweaks
• •Contrast baths for fingers
• •Rest days between hard sessions

Finger Strength Development

Progressive Loading

1. 1.Climbing volume (first 6-12 months)
2. 2.Easy hangboard protocol
3. 3.Progressive edge sizes
4. 4.Advanced protocols (max hangs, repeaters)

Equipment Progression

1. 1.Gym climbing (no equipment needed)
2. 2.Basic hangboard with large edges
3. 3.Multi-size hangboard
4. 4.Portable hangboard for travel

Sources

1. 1.Schweizer A (2001). "Biomechanical properties of the crimp grip position in rock climbers." Journal of Biomechanics.
2. 2.Levernier G & Laffaye G (2019). "Rate of force development and maximal force: Reliability and difference between non-climbers, skilled and international climbers." Sports Biomechanics.
3. 3.Vigouroux L, et al. (2006). "Estimation of finger muscle tendon tensions and pulley forces during specific sport-climbing grip techniques." Journal of Biomechanics.