Climbing gear goes through a lot. Sweat, chalk, friction, repeated falls, being shoved into gym bags, forgotten in cars – you name it. While your gear is designed to be durable and long-lasting, how you treat it between sessions can play a big role in its lifespan and how well it performs.
The good news? Taking care of your gear is simple. We’ve outlined a few quick and easy steps to fold to your climbing routine that will go a long way to keeping your gear feeling (and smelling) fresh!
Caring for Your Gear
A few simple habits after each session can keep your gear in great shape. Here’s everything you need to know to care for your climbing shoes and harness.
Climbing Shoes: Air Them Out and Extend Their Life
There’s a reason you’ll often see climbers with their shoes clipped to the outside of their bags—ventilation is key to keeping them feeling (and smelling) fresh. After a long session, your warm, sweaty shoes are extra susceptible to bacteria buildup, lingering odors, and material breakdown. They need to breathe!
As soon as you get home (or before you forget), take your shoes out of your bag and let them air out in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space. Heat, especially from direct sunlight, radiators, windowsills, or your car can break down glue and rubber over time, leading to peeling, cracking, and reduced friction. Dry is good. Baked is not.
If you see the rubber on the front of your shoes wearing thin, or notice a bit of the leather or synthetic upper peeking through, it may be time to get them resoled! Your climbing shoes’ rubber will eventually wear through, and you have the option to either buy a new pair or send them to a specialist who can repair and replace the worn sections of rubber. Just make sure to do it before your big toe is fully poking through your shoe, once that happens it’s often too late.
Climbing Harness: Check It, Care for It, Climb Safe
Your harness works hard—and your life depends on it—so treating it with care matters.
After climbing, shake out excess chalk and let your harness fully dry before storing it. Avoid tossing it into the bottom of a bag where moisture, heat, or sharp edges can cause damage over time.
It’s also a good habit to give your harness a quick visual check every so often for safety. Pay attention to weight-bearing areas like the belay loop, tie-in points, buckles, and webbing edges. If you notice thinning material, fraying beyond surface fuzz, or discoloration, it may be time to start planning for a replacement.
When not in use, store your harness in an open bin, on a rack, or in a breathable mesh bag away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources. Giving it space to breathe helps it stay ready for your next climb.
Even if the ropes you climb on aren’t your own, how you treat them still matters. Flaking lead ropes neatly, and avoiding stepping on them helps them last longer and keeps them cleaner and in better shape for everyone.
Simple Storage Tips for Longer-Lasting Gear
Where your gear lives between sessions matters more than you might think. Storing it in a cool, dry space with good airflow helps materials recover and keeps moisture from lingering longer than it should. Open bins, shelves, or breathable bags are ideal—sealed containers and overstuffed gear bags can trap moisture and odors. Try not to pile heavy items on top of soft goods and give everything a little room to breathe.
Building Strong Habits
Taking care of your gear doesn’t have to be complicated—or take up a lot of time. Think of it as part of your climbing routine: shoes aired out, harness hung up, gear ready for the next session. These small habits add up, keeping your gear performing at its best and feeling good session after session.
With a few thoughtful steps, your gear will last longer, feel better, and be ready whenever you are. Better climbing, longer-lasting gear, and less funk? That’s a win all around.