If you're already an avid boulderer, you probably have no doubts about what to bring to your indoor bouldering sessions. But if you haven't tried climbing yet, and trusted friends have spoken so highly about it that you're curious, well, you're in the right place!
The gym equipment
We assume that what you will try is indoor bouldering and not indoor rope climbing: gyms are more numerous, the approach is "easy," and the equipment required is minimal. But we'll tell you more: most gyms have everything you need to let you try for the first time.
But since we're sure you'll fall in love with the social aspect of this sport, the stress reduction and physical benefits, and the inherent fun quotient it brings, we've made a concise list of everything essential to climb like the best regulars gym goers.
You can't do without them: they're your point of contact with the holds, along with your hands, of course, and determine the sensitivity you'll have every time you try to load your weight onto one foot, their ability to fold easily or not, and whether they are bearable for more or less time. We've written many articles on beginner shoes or indoor bouldering shoes, but we want to condense all our wisdom on the subject here: comfortable.
Only liquid, to avoid clouds of powdered chalk drifting between gym areas. Just like the best beers, you can choose it based on its alcohol content; then, use after use, you'll undoubtedly find the brand you can't do without.
We've never delved into advice related to outfits and trends; however, we want to give you some not purely aesthetic but extremely practical tips. Whether you're a man or a woman, we recommend specific bouldering pants, leggings (a somewhat vintage choice for a climber), or climbing jeans. But what's special about them? First and foremost, the basic detail, the elastic ankle. It's virtually impossible to climb with baggy sweatpants that move uncontrollably (unless they have elastic, of course), as they prevent you from seeing where to place your feet properly. Instead, if you're used to colder latitudes and not afraid of the cold, better go for shorts.
The topic of shirts is always very delicate because we enter a range of options between technical, natural, and organic fabrics that we could discuss for days. Generally, we recommend choosing organic cotton, although your personal preferences may lead you to opt for quick-drying synthetic shirts. Some brands particularly focused on training have created specific "training" lines.
Hygienic, sustainable, and infinitely reusable, it should be by our side every time we leave the comfort of our homes. You can find water bottles of all capacities, materials, and shapes possible, with or without thermal insulation, a non-slip surface, or a ring for attaching them to a carabiner…the choice is yours.
Whether they're considered essential equipment for a gym climber is entirely personal, but many gyms encourage their use for obvious hygiene reasons. For sure, once you get used to having a pair always in your bag, you won't be able to do without them. Far more convenient to wear than sneakers, much more hygienic than anything you wear on your feet before entering the gym, and, above all, a valid alternative to walking around for two hours with climbing shoes on (unlaced, only worn at the tip, used like twelve-inch heels), they will also help you better enjoy your gym hours.
Again, a wide range of different features awaits you to provide maximum comfort and capacity for everything you'll need to bring with you! Equipped with shoulder straps, a handle, and possibly a shoulder strap, they can be made with a front zip closure, roll-top, or standard closure and have an extremely sporty look or one suitable for everyday city life. Now that you have everything, choose a beautiful gym bag or sack in our online store and prepare for your new adventure!
Photo credits: Jess Glassberg / Black Diamond