Walk into any climbing gear shop and you might feel like you've entered a hardware store on another planet. Walls lined with technicolor shoes, endless arrays of ropes, and about 80 different kinds of metal bits and pieces with names like "grigri" and "ATC" that sound more like Pokémon than climbing gear. But here's the good news: getting started is actually pretty simple. While experienced climbers might geek out over their trad rack or the latest belay device, beginners only need a few key pieces of gear. The rest can come later as you grow into your climbing journey.
Planning your first visit? Check out our beginner's guide here.
LET'S TALK SHOES
First up: climbing shoes. While rental shoes are great for your first few sessions, having your own pair will seriously level up your climbing. Good climbing shoes have sticky rubber soles that help you stick to tiny holds and edges. For beginners, look for a comfortable, neutral shoe that you can wear for an entire session.
CHALK: YOUR NEW BFF
Ever wonder why climbers look like they've been baking cookies between attempts? That's chalk! Climbing chalk keeps your hands dry and helps maintain grip on holds. You'll need two things: the chalk itself and something to put it in. A chalk bag (for rope climbing) or chalk bucket (for bouldering) is essential for keeping your chalk handy during your session. Pro tip: start with a chalk sock or ball - they're less messy than loose chalk when you're learning the ropes (pun intended). And don't forget your brush (no, not for your hair)! A climbing brush helps remove excess chalk and rubber marks from holds, giving you better grip for your next attempt. 
ROPE CLIMBERS
If you're getting into rope climbing, you'll need a harness. Think of it as your climbing seatbelt - it's what keeps you safely connected to the rope. Look for a harness that's comfortable when you're hanging in it, with adjustable leg loops and a waist belt that fits well.
READY TO GEAR UP?
If you're thinking about investing in your own gear (congrats!!), we've got some exciting news. At Movement, we've put together beginner gear packages that include all these essentials at a serious discount. Our rope climbing package features the Tenaya Tanta climbing shoe (known for its perfect balance of comfort and performance), Black Diamond's versatile Momentum harness, a custom Movement chalk bag, and a Midnight Lightning chalk sock. For boulderers, we've got a package with the same great Tenaya Tantas, Movement chalk bag, our custom Movement brush, and Midnight Lightning chalk sock.
The best part? You'll save up to $61 compared to buying everything separately on the rope climbing package, or up to $49 on the bouldering package. Plus, our staff will help you get the perfect fit for your shoes and harness - because comfort is key when you're on the wall!.jpg?width=333&height=345&name=Image%20(18).jpg)
Remember, climbing is about progression - you don't need every piece of equipment right away. Start with these basics, and your gear collection can grow along with your climbing.
Now, who's ready to climb? Find a Movement gym near you and come check out our gear packages in person!
*Sized items (shoes, harness) can be swapped based on personal fit preference - you just pay the difference in price!