The Complete Guide to Climbing Clothes

If you’re thinking about taking up climbing or mountaineering, you’re going to need to know what to wear. Whilst we can't teach you how to climb, we can provide detailed and expert advice on the best climbing gear to support you throughout your adventures.

Climbing Gear- Do You Really Need it?

Yes! Climbing can be a dangerous sport whether you’re rock climbing or mountaineering. You're exposed to the elements, and things can quickly go wrong. You have no control over a lot of things. Rain, snow, and sleet, getting caught up in a storm can be incredibly challenging.

However, you have complete control over the clothing and equipment you wear. Wearing appropriate climbing gear is a must-have degree of protection. Whilst you may not need to invest in climbing clothes as a beginner, clothing could save your life when you start to venture into the great outdoors.

Just like most outdoor sports and activities there are specific items of clothing that will support you. And ones you should completely avoid. For example, you would never dream of wearing snow boots to go on a park walk but you would most definitely take them snowboarding. Continue to read on as we explore the best climbing and mountaineering clothes.

What Should I Wear for Rock Climbing?

When you’re ready and confident enough to embark on your first outdoor climbing adventure, whether it be rock climbing or mountaineering, there are a few basic items of clothing you’ll need to be prepared with.

If you're climbing in the winter, you'll need to be considerably more cautious about your clothing choices, select entirely waterproof and windproof outer layers, as well as well-insulated clothing. Ideally, your clothing should still be lightweight with a lower gsm to prevent being weighed down and fatiguing early.

In the summer months, when the weather is warm, it is much easier to dress in shorts and t-shirts. Here, we will guide you through all the different types of gear. From base layers to pants to climbing jackets. Whilst you may not be a professional, you’ll be dressed like one for sure.

Climbing Pants

Climbing pants need to be breathable and have high flexibility to ensure you can move around freely. You need durable materials such as merino wool so they will protect your legs and insulate heat. In hot conditions, instead, you’ll be able to wear shorts.

Jackets

A climbing jacket is to be worn over your base layers and is crucial for winter. You need to trust your jacket will provide warmth, abrasion resistance, water-resistance, and wind resistance. Depending on weather conditions, waterproofing technology like Emp GTT is key here to protect your body and keep you dry.

Base Layers

You need a base layer in extreme outdoor conditions especially. It will keep you dry by wicking moisture away and it will insulate body heat. It is important to stay dry whilst climbing to avoid discomfort, dry skin, and blisters.

Leggings

Leggings can be worn as a base layer to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable. However, in the summer heat you want to ditch your pants and wear leggings as a climbing outer layer to protect your legs.

Climbing Shoes

The interface between you and the rock is your climbing shoes, and the wrong type or size will affect your performance. There are three main factors to consider while buying climbing shoes: type, features, and fit. The three main types of shoes are: neutral, moderate, and aggressive. The type should be chosen by the type of climbing you’re going to be doing.

Fabrics

Whether you're looking for outdoor or indoor climbing clothes, the fabric of your rock climbing apparel is an important, deciding factor. When climbing indoors, comfort is going to be more important than a fabric's technical properties. Here we’re going to look at properties that make the best clothes for climbers outdoors.

•  Moisture wicking – removes moisture away from your body. This is great to keep you dry, cool and prevent body odors. Moisture-wicking fabrics keep you cool and dry even when you're sweating
•  Windproof– this is useful to keep you dry and prevent the wind from penetrating the fabric.
•  Breathable– allows air and moisture to travel through the fabric, allowing sweat to evaporate quickly and keeping you cool.
•  Quick drying– does not retain moisture in or on the fabric for an extended period of time. This property is essential in wet climbing conditions.
•  Hard-wearing– in other words, durable. The strength of the fabric is crucial, you need durable, sturdy materials to protect your skin from damage. Merino wool will provide you with protection and durability in the outdoors, with Nuyarn merino being especially robust.

The Fit

The most fundamental factor to consider while wearing rock climbing clothing is fit. Clothing should be extremely comfortable and unrestrictive.

Leg Length

Make sure pants perfectly sit on top of your shoes, avoid trousers that are too long as they are dangerous and you could trip on the rock. Shorts need to come long enough so you can comfortably wear a harness without it touching your skin. This could cause friction.

No Baggy Clothes

Keep your clothing well fitted to avoid any restrictions. Clothing too baggy runs the risk of getting caught on rocks, nature, or anything that stands in your way.

Long in the Torso

Climbing clothing worn on your torso, for example, jackets, t-shirts, and base layers should be long enough to wear a harness without it touching your skin.

Stretchy

Clothing that is stretchy is ideal for climbing as it is unrestrictive and allows more movement.

Climbing Clothing FAQ

If you follow our advice then you are bound to have fun on the rocks. There are still some questions left unanswered. Here we’ll answer some of your frequently asked questions.

Can you wear jeans for rock climbing?

It is not recommended to wear jeans whilst rock climbing or mountaineering, especially in extreme weather conditions. Denim is a relatively thick and stiff material and will restrict your movement. Once wet it will take a long time to dry and become extremely heavy holding in all the moisture. Instead, choose a fabric such as merino wool as it's flexible and will keep you dry.

Can you wear sweatpants for rock climbing?

Sweatpants are not ideal for outdoor rock climbing as you can not trust the weather. In wet conditions, sweatpants will not protect you from the rain. Sweatpants are perfectly fine to wear whilst indoor rock climbing providing you are comfortable wearing them.

If you have any more questions about rock climbing or mountaineering clothing, get in touch with us here.