Heading out on a climbing adventure requires thoughtful preparation and packing to ensure you have all the necessary gear, clothing, and supplies. Whether you’re planning a multi-pitch climb, bouldering trip, or heading to the crags for the day, having the right equipment and knowing how to use it properly is critical for both safety and enjoyment.
This extensive climbing trip packing list covers everything you’ll need for climbing, camping, cooking, layering, and more to make your next trip a big success.
Contents
Climbing Trip Packing List
| Category | Items | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Climbing Equipment | Dynamic & static ropes | ☐ |
| Carabiners | ☐ | |
| Quickdraws | ☐ | |
| Belay device | ☐ | |
| Slings & pulleys | ☐ | |
| Nuts, cams, hexes, anchor tool | ☐ | |
| Helmet, harness, gloves, chalk bag | ☐ | |
| Radios, PLB, altimeter watch, headlamp | ☐ | |
| Rope bags, summit pack, haul bag | ☐ | |
| Climbing shoes, approach shoes | ☐ | |
| Crash pad, portaledge, ice axe, crampons | ☐ | |
| Camping Equipment | Tent, sleeping bags, pads, pillows | ☐ |
| Camp chairs, table, water container | ☐ | |
| Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, garbage bags | ☐ | |
| Backpacking stove, fuel, pots | ☐ | |
| Utensils, biodegradable soap | ☐ | |
| Bear canister | ☐ | |
| Clothing & Layers | Baselayers, midlayers, outer shells | ☐ |
| Headwear, handwear, socks | ☐ | |
| Softshell pants, waterproof pants | ☐ | |
| Health & Hygiene | First aid kit, medications | ☐ |
| Sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer | ☐ | |
| Contact lens supplies, eyeglasses | ☐ | |
| Oral hygiene, moisturizer, nail care | ☐ | |
| Accessories | Trekking poles | ☐ |
| Dry sacks, stuff sacks | ☐ | |
| Solar charger | ☐ | |
| Notebook, pencil, camera | ☐ | |
| Entertainment | ☐ |
Climbing Trip Packing List PDF Checklist Download
Climbing Equipment
Your climbing gear is the foundation of any successful climbing mission. Carefully assess the type of climbing and routes to determine exactly what ropes, pro, hardware, and protective equipment you’ll require.
Ropes
Ropes are your main climbing lifeline and choosing the right type is paramount. Consider length, diameter, and rating to match the climbing you intend to do.
- Dynamic Ropes – Stretchy and with some give, dynamic ropes are essential for multi-pitch climbs where falls are possible. Choose a diameter between 9.8mm – 11mm and ensure it has a UIAA fall rating of 5-12 falls depending on use. Get a 60m – 80m length for multi-pitch.
- Static Ropes – Not very elastic, static ropes are used mainly for rappelling and lighter climbing tasks rather than lead climbing. 6mm – 8mm width is common. Keep a 30m length handy.
Climbing Hardware
Carabiners, quickdraws, belay devices, slings, pulleys, and masterpoints are essential gear for secure climbing systems. Stick to reputable models from trusted brands that use durable metals and locking mechanisms.
- Carabiners – High strength, pear- or oval-shaped carabiners with screwgate or autolocking mechanisms are best. Have 10+ in varying sizes.
- Quickdraws – Pre-bundled sets of carabiners ideal for sport climbing lead protection. Have 12+ on hand.
- Belay Device – Assisted braking is best. Petzl GriGri, Black Diamond ATC Pilot, etc. Match device weight rating to your rope.
- Slings & Pulleys – Lightweight nylon slings for anchoring. Get four 3-foot slings. Add two lightweight pulleys & two prusik cords.
Having proper rope anchor hardware is also essential depending on the type of climbing. This includes nut tools, hexes, nuts, camming devices, and multipurpose anchor tools.
| Product Name | Use |
| Nut tool | To place and remove nuts |
| Nuts | Removable rope protection |
| Hexes | Removable rope protection |
| Camming devices | Removable rope protection |
| Anchor tool | Multiuse rope anchor |
Climbing Safety Equipment
Safety should be your top priority on any climbing trip. Pack essential gear to protect yourself and teammates in case of emergency.
Must-have safety climbing gear:
- Helmet – UIAA certified climbing helmet with chin strap and adjustable wheel to customize fit
- Harness – EN 12277 certified with gear loops, adjustable leg loops and waistbelt, and a belay loop
- Belay gloves – Protect hands from rope burn and abrasion
- Chalk & chalk bag – For dry grip; hang or attach to harness
- Locking carabiner – Two large triple action locking carabiners asconnection points
Having at least two forms of communication and navigation is also vital for any backcountry trip in case you become stranded or lost.
- Climbing two-way radios – Long range walkie talkie set with NOAA weather channels
- Personal locator beacon – For SOS emergency satellite notification
- Altimeter watch – To track elevation and prevent altitude sickness
- Headlamp w/ batteries – Critical for finding holds or traveling at night
Climbing Packs & Bags
You’ll need sufficient carrying capacity to transport all your climbing gear safely to the destination. Choose from:
Rope Bags
Padding protects ropes from dirt and abrasion. Have two in case of double or twin ropes.
Summit Packs
Essential for multi-pitch climbs to stash layers, water, and supplies. 25-35L is optimal size.
Haul Bags
Robust reinforced base and removable lid to transport heavy gear up or down climbs. 50-100L capacity range.
Footwear
Sticky rubber climbing shoes are ideal for edging performance while approach shoes excel for hiking to access routes.
- Aggressive Down-turned Climbing Shoes
- Comfortable Approach Shoes
- Hiking Boots (in snow or cold weather)
Other Gear
- Crash pad – For bouldering falls and protection
- Portaledge – Collapsible hanging tent system for big wall climbs
- Ice axe – General mountaineering tool but useful for advanced ice climbing
- Crampons – Spiked boot attachments essential for mixed ice & snow climbs
Camping Equipment
On multi-day climbing missions, you’ll need camping supplies for cooking, sleeping, and essential creature comforts. Make smart choices to reduce pack weight.
Shelter & Sleep System
- Tent – Durable, lightweight backpacking tent that fits 2+ people
- Sleeping bags – Get 15°+F rated mummy bags; have insulation padding for tent floor
- Sleeping pads – One inflatable sleeping pad per person for cushion and warmth
- Pillows – Inflatable pillows help quality rest for the next day
- Headlamps – Critical for set-up or nighttime needs
Basecamp Amenities
- Camp chairs – Compact, portable folding camp chairs
- Camp table – Light-duty aluminum table for cooking/prepping
- Water container – 10-20 liter carrying capacity
- Collapsible water jug – Handy for collecting water at streams or springs
- Hand sanitizer – Reduce spread of germs with alcohol-based gel
- Biodegradable soap – Limit environmental impact by using green cleaners
- Toilet paper/wipes – Bury waste responsibly if no restroom on site
- Garbage/ziplock bags – Maintain a tidy, bear-safe camp
- Para cord – Braided nylon rope for makeshift clotheslines or gear repairs
- Duct tape – Temp emergency patches on tents, pads, ropes, etc
- Lighter/matches – Igniting stoves, lamps, or fires
- Multi-tool – Scissors, knife, screwdrivers for adjustments & repairs
Cooking Supplies
Prepare tasty, energizing meals with compact cooking kits tailored for backcountry use.
- Backpacking stove – Lightweight canister or liquid fuel model
- Fuel canisters – Match stove requirements
- Cooking pots – One 2 liter pot, one 1.5 liter pot; both with lids
- Eating utensils – Scoop, spatula, spoon, knives, plates, cups, mugs
- Biodegradable soap – Limit impact washing dishes
- Camp sink – Portable basin for washing up
- Bear canister – Protect food from wildlife intrusion
Clothing & Outerwear
Carefully considered layering ensures you can safely regulate body temperature and moisture during active climbing and cold nights.
Base Layers
Lightweight, sweat-wicking fabrics touch skin to control moisture. Bring 2-3 sets.
- Synthetic T-shirt
- Long underwear bottoms
- Synthetic underwear
Insulating Layers
Mid-layers provide warmth while blocking wind or precipitation. Have multiple options:
- Fleece jacket
- Insulated vest
- Soft-shell jacket
Shell & Insulated Outer Layers
Waterproof, windproof, and breathable jackets protect from the elements.
- Hard shell rain jacket
- Down or synthetic insulated jacket
Headwear
Defend from sun, wind, rain, snow, and cold while climbing.
- Sun hat
- Beenie hat
- Buff neck gaiter
Hand Layers
Versatile mix of insulation, waterproofing, and dexterity.
- Light liner gloves
- Heavy insulated gloves
- Waterproof shell gloves
Leg Layers
Moisture protection during dynamic activity or cold.
- Soft-shell climbing pants
- Insulated pants
- Waterproof pants
Sock Layers
Wick moisture and insulate feet during long days.
- Lightweight liner socks – 2 pairs
- Mid-weight hiking socks – 3+ pairs
Health & Hygiene Gear
Don’t neglect necessities that protect health and cleanliness in remote settings.
Healthcare Items
- First aid kit – Essentials for wound care & common injuries
- Medical tape & braces – Secure strained or injured joints
- Over-the-counter meds – Ibuprofen, aspirin, antacids, antihistamine
- Prescriptions – Pack ample supply including extras
- Supplements – Aid performance, endurance, muscle recovery
Personal Care & Hygiene
- Sunscreen – SPF 30 (or greater) water resistant lotion
- Chapstick – Guard cracked lips
- Hand sanitizer – Hygienic cleansing without water access
- Toilet paper – Portable wipe rolls
- Contact lens supplies – Cases, solution, cleaners
- Eyeglasses – Protective sport strap, anti-fog wipes
- Antibacterial wipes – Spot clean gear, skin, & surfaces
- Toothbrush/paste – Prevent dental issues
- Skin moisturizer – Hydrates face and hands
- Nail clippers/file – Well groomed digits prevent cracks or injury
- Razor/shaving cream – Maintain desired beard length
Other Accessories
Extra touches of convenience that improve the journey.
- Trekking poles – Relieve knee pressure during long hikes to routes
- Dry sacks – Waterproof carriers protect electronics, food, clothes
- Stuff sacks – Organize gear storage in your pack
- Solar charger – Replenish devices far from power access
- Notebook/pencil – Record climb details, conditions, gear used
- Camera – Capture scenic views from epic summits
- Entertainment – Deck of cards, portable speakers, e-reader for downtime
Climbing Trip Packing List FAQs
What are the most essential items to pack for safe climbing?
The highest priority items for safe technical climbing are:
- Harness – Secures you to the rope to prevent lethal falls
- Helmet – Protects your head during falls or rockfall
- Belay device – Allows controlled rope movement for your climbing partner
- Ropes – Critical connection and safety lifeline to climbers
- Carabiners – Reinforced anchors attach gear to you and climbing systems
Also strongly recommended are locking carabiners, climbing shoes, belay gloves, and chalk bag which improve safety.
How can I reduce pack weight for long approaches or multi-day climbs?
The best strategies are:
- Audit gear critically and cut unnecessary equipment
- Choose lightweight versions of essential gear (ropes, metal pro, tents, etc)
- Limit clothing to only what’s needed for expected conditions
- Use ultra-compact stoves, pots, and eating tools
- Consider portaledges instead of tents to cut weight
- Transfer heavy water carries to durable haul bags with wheels or reinforcement
What gear considerations are most important for winter or alpine climbs?
Key gear differences for technical ice, snow, and alpine climbs are:
- Crampons & ice axe – Critical traction and self-arrest tools
- Insulated clothing layers – Block more cold; waterproof shell required
- Mountaineering boots – Rigid, insulated, crampon compatible
- Tents – Reinforced for high winds and heavy snow loads
- Stove – Maintain fuel efficiency in cold weather
- Snow pickets/flukes – Supplementary anchor points
- Avalanche safety – Transceiver, probe pole, shovel at minimum
Conclusion
Meticulous planning and packing make all the difference for an enjoyable, successful climbing adventure. Use this comprehensive checklist as your blueprint for prepping ropes, pro, clothing, camping, navigation and safety equipment. Carefully consider the unique conditions or specialized gear needed for alpine environments, big wall missions, or winter climbs.
With all your essentials organized and ready to roll, all that’s left is the anticipation and excitement for another epic journey pursuing amazing summits! Climb safely and have fun out there!
Additional Resources
Article on Selecting the Right Climbing Rope