‘I’m a Professional Mountain Climber, and I’d Never Start a Climb Without These Essentials’

Even if you’re training for a mountain climb, you’ll need good shoes to help you get ready at the gym. “I enjoy a good natural shoe when sport climbing so I go with the BD Momentum Climbing Shoe. The shoe is natural and for me as I lead climb higher routes for practice for alpine,” says King, who is a brand ambassador for Black Diamond.

The Momentum women’s shoe has all of the same features King likes about the Momentum shoe for men, except tweaked with a better fit for a woman’s foot. The Engineered Knit technology gives you stretch and breathability with enough support to keep you secure.

“When I sport climb I prefer to make sure I don’t have unneeded weight working against me. This harness makes it easy for me to have all more carabiners and quickdraws. Two hard points and fits right in my backpack,” says King.

This harness package is great for beginner climbers since you get a harness and all the gear you need to get started climbing (like chalk, rappel device, and carabiner). One reviewer said, “It’s a great harness that’s comfortable and has everything you need to stay safe out there.”

You’ll need chalk (see below) and a chalk bag to carry it when you climb. It’s not something you might think of inititally, but you’ll want to keep chalk on you whether you’re at the gym or outside.

“I pick a bag that does not open when I put it in my car or bag, and also one that speaks to me so the BD Gym Chalk bag does the trick for me,” says King.

Chalk is key to helping you maintain a firm grip when you climb. “I use chalk that doesn’t become moist when my hands or the rocks sweats. I have been using BD chalk and it gets the job done on holds,” says King.

It may sound counterintuitive, but you don’t want to wear climbing shoes to the climbing gym—only on actual climbs. “Climbing shoes are for climbing and should be only worn when one is climbing. Approach shoes are what one wears to the gym or when they are going to walk outside to the climbing site or crag to climb,” says King. This Mission LT approach shoe has an easy slip-on fit and enough grip to help you when you’re outside and stepping over rough terrain like rocks, says King.

“I love my helmet. It is key for survival on expeditions, I have taken chunks of glacier ice to the head while on expeditions and have been able to feel ok thanks to my helmet,” says King. “I have taken this helmet with me on all my volcano and high altitude expeditions. I never leave home without it,” says King.

“The lifeline while climbing outdoors. A 60-meter climbing rope is about the standard for climbing outside, but it all depends on your environment, route and approach,” says King. King says he’s not a fan of thin ropes, and the rope is a not a place to skimp on quality.

Climbing requires a lot of gear (hence, this article). Better to keep things organized, which is why you’ll want a gear bag. “When carrying all the gear outside or even to the gym, I like to have all gear organized (every item has a home) so I use a gear bag to place all the gear in one bag,” says King. He likes this one since it has plenty of compartments to stash and organize everything you need.

Between a harness, rope, and all the different movements required to climb, you need clothes that won’t get in your way. “Climbing pants are key: They shouldn’t be loose or heavy. I go with the BD Notion pants—they are light and have some pockets and are also nice to wear when not climbing,” says King. Find women’s sizes here.

If you plan on climbing at night, a headlamp is a must. This one from Petzl is also water resistant and a top seller on Dick’s Sporting Goods. With a wide flood light, you’ll be covered in the dark, plus the lamp is battery powered (just don’t forget to pack extra batteries!).

Did we mention climbing can get cold? You want to keep yourself warm and safe, and so climbing gloves are a must. These gloves from Mountain Hardware are made with Primaloft insulation to keep your hands warm, plus manage moisture and help give you optimal grip when you need it most.