Over the years of teaching and instructing climbing I have been asked what should I buy if I am starting out climbing? The answer to this is sometimes a bit difficult as it depends on lots of factors - the style of climbing, knowledge of equipment and style, personal or instructing to name a few. So I decided to make this an overview of that you could use for all styles of climbing and spend less than £180!
1. Harness: The style of harness will depend on what type of climbing you are going to be doing, how long you will be in it for, as well as your gender and price you want to pay. For an all rounder harness I would consider Petzl Corax Harness as it provides good number of gear loops, padding and zip lock buckles. Cost = £60
2. Belay device: For an all rounder Belay device like the DMM Mantis, it's easy to use. You have 2 settings for belaying or abseiling and it is a device you can use in the future as your climbing journey develops. I would personally stay away for assisting belay like the Camp Matik or the Petzl Gri Gri as they cost north of £60 and as we are starting out, keeping the cost down is as equally important. Cost = £20
3. Carabiner: Sometimes they will come with the Belay Plate as a deal which is fine but the thing you need to watch out for is, does it work with the belay plate and does it work for you? There are many different styles of Carabiner out there to be aware of from an Oval, D Shape, HMS, Screwgate or Twist lock. I would recommend something like DMM Ceros Screwgate Carabiner. It's to use, keeps you from cross loading and holds the belay device in the right place. Cost = £18
You could invest in some climbing shoes and chalk bag if you're staying indoors but I would look a renting them from the wall to start of with so you can work out your sizing and style of shoes that works for you. The next 4 items are if your venturing outdoors...
4. 120cm Sling: To start of with I would go for a thick sling like a 16mm Nylon sling as you can use this as personal safety and at top of sport climbs comfortably as well as keeping you save on an anchor set up. The more knowledge and experience you gain, you can get a variety of lengths and types of slings. Look at Edelrid Tubular Sling 1220cm x 16mm. Cost = £7
5. HMS Carabiner: I would always try and go for a bright colour first as this will more then likely be attached to the sling and if you are using it as your personal safety then a blue HMS will stand out as yours and you can pick it out of a anchor set up more easily amongst all the other carabiners. I would look into the Mammut Bionic HMS Screwgate or the DMM Boa Screwgate. Cost = £15
6. Helmet: The most important thing with helmets is that it fits your head properly. A basic rule to follow is 2 fingers above your eyebrow and does not wobble when you move your head. Don't forget this will be sitting on your head for a long time so if it uncomfortable you are more likely the take it off then have it on. A good example is the Petzl Elios It has a good size range, light, comfortable and easy to use. Cost = £40
7. Nut Key: I personally have a DMM Nutter as it has two hooks at the end for retrieving cams. However these are no longer produced so the replacement DMM Nutbuster will do the job nicely. Cost = £12
My biggest advice is to go and try on the kit first. Talk to people you trust to give you little bit of advice, but as a starting place these are my top 7 for £172.
Let me know what you would buy for £180 in the comment section below.
*all prices are from GoOutdoors and Cotswold
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