Jordan Cannon’s Recommendations on Gear and Apparel

Are you new to rock climbing? If so, it's important to have the right gear to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable climbing experience. Here are some of the key pieces of equipment we recommend you should consider when starting out:

1. Harness: A climbing harness is a critical piece of equipment that helps to secure you to the climbing rope. A good harness should fit snugly around your hips and legs and be very easy to adjust. We recommend looking for a harness with padded leg loops and a waistband for added comfort during long climbs. We pinged Jordan to get his favorite harness recommendations. He likes Arc’teryx’s AR 395A, Konseal, C-Quence.
2. Ropes: Ropes are used to catch you if you fall, so it's super important to choose a high-quality climbing rope. Dynamic ropes are recommended for lead climbing: they stretch to absorb the impact of a fall. Static ropes, on the other hand, are best for top-rope climbing and rescue situations, as they do not stretch. Jordan’s favorite dynamic ropes are the Maxim (MX) Airliner 9.1mm, MX Pinnacle 9.5mm, Maxim Glider 9.8mm and for static ropes – MX KMIII, MX KMIII Max, and MX Personal Escape Rope 7mm.
3. Chalk: Chalk helps to dry your hands and improve your grip on the rock. You can either use loose chalk in a chalk bag or opt for liquid chalk, which dries quickly and reduces the amount of chalk dust in the air. We pinged Jordan for this one too. He recommends Friction Labs Chunky (Gorilla Grip), FL Super Chunky (Bam Bam), FL Secret Stuff (Liquid Chalk), and FL Magic Re-Usable Chalk Sphere.
4. Shoes: Proper climbing shoes are essential for a comfortable and effective climb. Look for shoes with a snug fit, good arch support, and sticky rubber soles. It’s smart to avoid shoes that are too tight. You don’t want to cause pain and decrease your performance. We looked to Jordan for this one, too. He goes with Scarpa for all his shoe needs: Bosters for the climbing gym, Boostics for face climbing, and Instincts for more overhanging terrain.
5. Crashpad: A crashpad is a thick foam pad that provides a soft landing for when you fall when bouldering. It's a good idea to have a crash pad when you're learning to climb, as it can help to reduce the risk of injury. Jordan really likes the Black Diamond (BD) Circuit, Impact, and Mondo when bouldering.

In addition to these items, you'll also want to have a helmet to protect your head, carabiners to attach your rope to anchors, and slings to create anchors on the rock. As you progress in your climbing journey, you may also want to invest in additional equipment such as quickdraws, cams, and nuts.

Overall, it's important to invest in high-quality climbing gear to ensure your safety and comfort while climbing. Don't skimp on your gear, as it can make all the difference in your climbing experience.

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