Back to basics guide to rock climbing gear

A good climbing session will have you stretching and reaching right from your toes to your fingertips, so it goes without saying that you should wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Ideally, wear breathable fabrics that wick sweat away from your skin and keep you dry. Don’t be tempted to wear anything too baggy – you don’t want your clothes getting tangled in the ropes!

If you’re heading off for some outdoor climbing, go prepared. The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so take along wet weather clothes and plenty of warm layers, no matter how blue the sky is when you set off. You’ll thank us later.

When you’re first starting out, trainers or other rubber-soled shoes are absolutely fine to wear, and totally common for beginners. But if – actually, more like when - you end up catching the climbing bug, you’ll want to invest in some specialist climbing shoes, especially once you’re progressing onto smaller and smaller footholds. If you can, try out a selection of shoes before you buy - but don’t be put off, they’re meant to be tight!

There are many different styles of climbing shoe, but the thing they all have in common is excellent grip, hence their rigid rubber soles. When you do end up in the market for some, the thing to look out for is a snug but comfortable fit – this way, your toes will be as close to the rock as possible.

Do bear in mind that these shoes aren’t made for walking, so you’ll want to wear trainers or hiking boots to get to the bottom of your climb before changing into your climbing shoes for the ascent.

Next on your essential rock climbing equipment list has to be a good helmet to protect you from falls, bumps and loose rocks. You might not feel you need one for the climbing wall, but extra protection is never a bad thing, especially for children. Your climbing helmet should fit fairly snug, sitting flat against your head when strapped securely.

A climbing harness is also a safety must, unless you’re planning on sticking to bouldering. This highly flattering piece of equipment loops snugly (very much so) around your waist and legs, creating tie-in points for you to attach your rope to. Beginners should always check with an instructor that they’ve put their harnesses on correctly, as it can take a bit of getting used to. 

Holding on to rock climbing grips when you have sweaty palms can prove difficult. Very difficult, in fact. Absorb some of that moisture and boost your grip by carrying a chalk pouch with you. Simply clip it onto your harness and dip in every time things get slippery.

Things don’t get much more vital than a rope to a climber (unless you’re one of those carefree-bouldering folk who gets to travel light). Novice climbers braving the climbing wall or heading off on a guided outdoor climb are unlikely to need their own rope, but once you get into the sport, you’ll want coils of the stuff. 

Ropes fall into two categories:

•    dynamic rope with some elasticity to it – great for absorbing the shock of a short fall.

•    static rope with hardly any give in it – better suited for abseiling and rescuing.

Always purchase European Personal Protective Equipment Directive (PPE) quality-controlled rope – a sign that is has passed stringent safety testing.  

Climbers tend to work in pairs, taking it in turns to be the belayer (the person holding the rope while the other climbs above them).

A belay device makes this job so much easier, helping to increase your grip on the rope and keep your climber safe. It also comes in handy for gently lowering your partner to the ground, allowing you to smoothly feed the rope through instead of jolting them around like a puppet on a string. 

A rock climbing carabiner is a strong, D-shaped ring made out of metal, designed to attach your rope to other pieces of gear. That could be your belay device, or more advanced pieces of equipment for when you start leading your own rock climbing routes. Protection comes in many varieties - from quickdraws to camming devices - and caters to the different kinds of rocky environments you may climb.

If you fancy putting all that gear to good use, you’ll want to choose a Neilson Beachclub that has rock climbing on the menu, and plenty do.

We’re loving the new climbing wall at our Airone Beachclub in Italy, as well as the established walls at our Alana and Messini Beachclubs. Guests staying at the adults-only Buca Beachclub in Greece can pop over to use the Messini climbing wall any time they like. 

If the rock face is calling, there are some amazing outdoor climbs to be had for guests at our Alana, Messini and Buca Beachclubs. Alana guests can explore the dramatic crags of Croatia’s Paklenica National Park, while Greece’s Kardamili climbing site is stunning, with limestone peaks towering over sparkling waters. We’ve got top-class instructors and routes to suit all abilities. We’ll also provide all the gear you’ll need – apart from clothes, that one’s down to you.