No need to fret, though – we’ve got you covered! Let’s delve into what to wear bouldering, whether scaling indoor walls or venturing outdoors.
What to Wear Indoor Climbing
Indoor rock climbing has become extremely popular, providing a great option for rainy or windy days. The diverse crowd at climbing gyms showcases an array of clothing choices, from shorts and T-shirts to long pants and sleeves. If you’re wondering about the ideal attire for indoor rock climbing, let’s explore the significance of comfortable yet functional clothing for your indoor climbing sessions.
Onto the wardrobe! Climbing is a full-body workout. As you tackle those creatively colored boulder problems, you’ll likely break a sweat, so try to think of climbing as a workout.
You may be familiar with “workout clothes,” clothing crafted from materials that offer body support, moisture-wicking properties, and are stretchy. Opting for moisture-wicking fabric like polyester is ideal for the climbing gym. This fabric efficiently manages sweat, ensuring you stay comfortable even during intense climbing sessions (without looking like you’ve drenched yourself in water post-exercise).
Cotton vs. Polyester
Cotton
Pros: Breathable, moisture absorbing, soft.
Cons: Less durable. Prone to wrinkling and fading and can shrink after washing. More expensive.
Polyester
Pros: Durable, resistant to wrinkles.
Cons: Less breathability, poor moisture absorption, stiffer and less pliable (not as soft). Less expensive.
Wearing cotton while climbing is a better option than polyester because of its moisture absorption and breathability. Because polyester is a artifical fabric manufactured cost-effectively, it’s less expensive than cotton, which must be cultivated and harvested.
However, even though cotton is less durable than polyester, it is softer on the skin and better for those who want comfort while climbing.
What to Wear Rock Climbing Outdoors
Layers
When bouldering outside, layering is the key – I strongly emphasise the importance of bringing layers when heading outdoors to climb. Your choice of outdoor climbing attire depends on factors such as the climbing location, time of year, the forecast, and the approach. The proper layers can make all the difference between a satisfying day of climbing and a less enjoyable experience.
When going out on a winter day of sport climbing at my local crag the approach involves a mile hike uphill, so I typically bring a T-shirt and pants because I always get hot on that hike. If it’s windy, I may opt for a sweater, windbreaker or puffy jacket instead. Upon reaching the base of the crag, the significance of layers becomes apparent!
On a sunny day, the rockface can get extremely hot, prompting me to switch to shorts while keeping the T-shirt. I’ll also bring a windbreaker and even a sweater if I have room. Layering is all about having options. Whether you’re climbing at your home crag or traveling to another, it’s essential to bring layers just in case the weather changes.
Climbing outdoors is a unique experience; you wouldn’t want to be uncomfortable because you were underdressed to spoil it. Packing layers ensures you can fully focus on climbing and relishing the outdoor environment rather than worrying about your internal body temperature.
Always check the weather forecast before heading out – you don’t want your precious snack space occupied by excessive clothing. Additionally, weather conditions can change swiftly, so being prepared with the right clothing can make the difference between staying healthy and catching a cold.
Oh, and did I mention the importance of taking layers?
Protection
Outdoor rock is notably sharper than plastic holds indoors, and the irregularities of the natural walls make knee bumps more painful. For this reason, I recommend that beginners wear pants while climbing (unless overheating is a concern!)
You will likely bump your knees into the wall frequently if you’re a beginner climber. As you progress, you’ll learn how to move your body more efficiently, reducing these scrapes. Don’t worry; I’ve been climbing for almost ten years and still scrape against the rock.
Avoiding Restrictive Clothing
When climbing, the freedom to move your body is paramount. The last thing you want is to tear a hole in your armpit while reaching for a hold.
Opting for clothing that isn’t overly restrictive is essential. For example, tight skinny jeans might not be the best choice when you need to bring your foot up to your hips – either you won’t be able to physically do it, or you won’t do it without the risk of ripping your pants. (Feel free to decide which outcome is merely a downer and which is downright embarrassing; hint: it’s both!)
Durable fabrics like nylon and spandex make excellent choices for rock climbing attire. They not only provide durability but also offer the stretch needed for comfortable body movement. These materials allow for a wide range of motion while withstanding the wear and tear from contact with rough surfaces.
Durable but elastic clothing can be made from nylon when you want to beat up your pants in the mountains. However, clothing made with cotton and a mix of elastic fabrics is a good option for sport climbing and bouldering.
Brands will weave elastane (think Lycra or Spandex) into the material to create stretchy yet durable clothing. This material composition promotes freedom of movement and comfort; it’s perfect for climbing!
Check out our range of clothing that has been selected specifically for bouldering.
Shoes for Climbing Indoors and Outdoors
Naturally, climbing shoes are a must. However, here’s an additional recommendation that applies to everyone: Flip-flops/sandals! There’s nothing like peeling off those snug climbing shoes and slipping into a comfortable pair of flip-flops. They are essential for my climbing gym sessions or hanging out at the crag.
Having to repeatedly put on socks and shoes every time you take a break can be a workout in itself. Embrace the convenience and relaxation of flip-flops – your feet will thank you, and you’ll make those breaks even more enjoyable.
Crocs are another go-to among climbers! They’re lightweight, easy to slip on, and can even be put in sport mode when necessary. Some argue that Crocs are the ideal shoe for rock climbing. Only, not to climb with, of course.
How to Select Appropriate Bouldering Attire
If you’re unsure about the ideal clothing for climbing, consider these questions:
- Am I comfortable?
- Do I have a good range of motion?
- Am I concerned about being too hot or cold?
- Do I want to shield my skin from sharp rocks or rough climbing holds?
- Do I look cool?
Okay, granted, that last one is meant to be humorous. The truth is, as long as you’re wearing something, nobody cares what you’re wearing.
While it might sound repetitive, the most practical approach is to bring layers. You’ll learn whether to skip the beanie next time or opt for a sweater instead of a puffy jacket. Nevertheless, it’s always better to be prepared, so experiment with various layering strategies to find what suits you best.
Cold Weather Climbing Tips
Ever experienced that numbness while climbing, where your hands are so cold that you can’t feel your grip? This situation can be risky, as it may lead to unknowingly exerting too much force, resulting in potential finger injuries.
While dressing in appropriate layers is crucial (as I’ve previously emphasized), you may still find your hands chilly, especially since they come into direct contact with the rock. This is where hand warmers become invaluable. Keep them in your pocket or even toss them into your chalk bag.
If you’re committed to climbing in cold weather because “the friction is just so much better!” consider investing in a cold-weather buff for your neck and an insulated beanie. Since we lose significant heat through our heads, keeping it warm will help regulate your overall body temperature. Additionally, when you’re not actively climbing, don a quality pair of gloves or mittens to ensure your hands stay comfortably warm.
Wearing the Right Climbing Shoes
For novice climbers, opting for neutral to moderately downturned shoes is advisable. These shoes feature a flat or slightly downturned toe box, allowing you to focus on honing your climbing technique without the distraction of discomfort. Selecting the right shoe is crucial during the initial stages of learning to climb.
Rock climbing shoe companies often offer two versions of shoes categorized by volume, presenting two distinct styles:
Narrow (low volume): Geared towards those with narrow feet and a flat arch
Wide (high volume): Tailored for individuals with wide and/or high-arched feet
Not all regular shoe companies are the same, which holds true for rock climbing shoe brands. It’s essential to try on various sizes and styles to ensure a proper fit. Some climbers, like me, stick to a particular style and brand of climbing shoe because it suits their foot shape. If possible, visit your local climbing gym or outdoor store to dedicate time to finding the perfect shoe.
For online orders, consider using helpful tools like the Mountain Footwear Project to guide you to the right style. If uncertain about sizing, order the size you believe you need and include one pair each in a half-size smaller and larger. You can return the pairs that don’t fit if they remain in new condition.
Check out our range of climbing shoes that have been selected specifically for bouldering.
What NOT to Wear When Rock Climbing
My top recommendation for what not to wear while rock climbing is jewelry. Items like rings, long necklaces, or large earrings pose significant risks. Long necklaces and big earrings can become entangled in the rope, potentially causing injuries during a fall.
Rings are a major concern due to the rare but severe risk of “degloving.” While this occurrence is uncommon, it can have devastating consequences. I’ve never witnessed it, but I’ve had friends who have, and it’s not pretty.
Degloving is akin to removing gloves but involves stripping away all the skin, muscles, and tendons from a finger. Repairing such an injury is extremely challenging, often leading to finger amputation, like the story my friend told me he saw.
Clothing to Avoid
Avoid clothing that restricts your movement. The last thing you want is to tear your clothes while reaching for a hold or have your clothes be the reason you can’t stretch enough.
On the opposite end, steer clear of overly baggy clothing. Loose attire can obstruct your view of holds or result in stepping on your pants. Getting stuck on a hold is a bit awkward because you’re stepping on the inside of your pant leg (trust me… I’ve been there).
While the impact of clothing choices on your physical well-being may be less severe, the critical takeaway is to strictly avoid wearing jewellery. Unlike other clothing considerations, jewellery has the potential to bring your climbing to a sudden halt and necessitate months of recovery.
Overall, the best clothes for bouldering are what you’re comfortable climbing in. Some people have higher or lower internal body temperatures than others, so there is no one-size-fits-all for climbing clothing. If your clothing doesn’t make you too hot or let you get too cold (and you can still move), it’s the proper clothing to wear.
Conclusion: It’s Ultimately Personal Preference
Deciding what to wear while bouldering can be a trial-and-error effort. Sometimes, you get it right, and others help you learn for next time.
What to wear bouldering will ultimately depend on the weather, the time of year, and whether you’re climbing indoors. Remember that you can always add or remove an article of clothing until you’re comfortable. (If you’re still too hot in your birthday suit, wait for cooler temps.)
Take the time to find the right size climbing shoes, and bring a pair of sandals if the weather permits. Keep your hands warm to avoid overuse injuries, and remove all jewelry before climbing.
Check out our shop for all the latest climbing clothes to keep you warm (or cool) for your next climbing session. And let us know in the comments what your must-haves are for your bouldering outfit!
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