Indoor rock climbing outfits may differ depending on the type of climbing involved. There are two types of indoor rock climbing which are bouldering (climbing without the use of rope) and top-rope climbing (climbing with the use of rope).
With the rapid rise of rock climbing in the modern age, thousands annually embrace the sports activity, with little or no clue about what it entails.
The ignorance of such one further adds to the exhilaration that comes after engaging in an enjoyable climbing session.
While this ignorance could be a source of bliss and euphoria (new activities excited us all), it can also have a profound negative effect on a climber’s experience. This is particularly true for indoor rock climbing.
As one of the simplest and safest forms of rock climbing, indoor rock climbing requires little gear and equipment than its outdoor counterpart.
However, this gear’s misconception can still lead to a horrible rock climbing experience, leading to injuries. This is particularly true for a climber’s choice of wears when climbing indoors.
The further lack of emphasis on climbing wears, as a result of the minimal risks that result from the selection of climbing wears, further adds to the wrong choice of wears, especially for beginner climbers.
Indoor Rock Climbing Outfit
Here is our top review of our indoor rock climbing outfits. Here is all you need to know about what to wear for rock climbing indoors from the choice of climbing shoes to climbing clothing used for climbing gyms.
1. Climbing clothing
The headache regarding your choice of indoor rock climbing outfit/clothing is greatly lessened for climbers with decent gym clothes.
Though gym clothing is often strict to a particular set of standards, rock climbing offers flexibility and extends a climber’s clothing choice.
Clothing for indoor rock climbing further defers based on a climber’s gender. Some tips to aid your selection of climbing clothing are highlighted below:
I. Go for Flexibility
Whatever you choose to wear, be it a long sleeve T-Shirt, slim-fit tees (men)/ sports bra, or tank tops (women), ensure it’s flexible with room to extend your forearms legs to handholds and footholds, which may require you to stretch.
II. Lightweight clothing
The need to wear light clothing is essential, as this would help you breathe well. Remember, you are ascending an altitude as high as 35 feet about the ground. Any troubles in breathing can have severe consequences on your ascension.
Wick clothes are also recommended. As you sweat, rather than remain stuck with clothing drenched in sweats, wick clothing would ensure your clothing dry out quickly.
In light of this, all restrictive clothing, i.e., sports jacket, should not be worn.
III. Choose slim fits
The need to have clothing that fits slimly with your body is essential, as this will give climbers much-needed flexibility and prevent being caught up in ropes/nuts and bolts.
Baggy clothing can be very disturbing, as climbers can quickly get stuck in bolts and nuts on the climbing wall.
IV. Shorts
Climbing gyms are often heated to remove the stings of colds. In order to avoid unnecessary sweating, some body parts can be exposed, such as the legs. Wearing shorts can do this.
This is an option, though, as wearing a lightweight climbing want would not bring about unnecessary sweating. Following these tips would help you choose suitable climbing clothing.
Other specific choices of climbing clothing are yoga wear, sports bras, and lightweight jeans. It’s important to note that chalk would most likely be on your climbing clothing, so wear something you’re willing to get stained with chalk.
2. Climbing Footwear
Choosing climbing footwear is not as easy as choosing climbing clothing. The choice of footwear (shoes) often depends on the climber’s skill and difficulty in climbing.
Before venturing into indoor climbing, you’ll be sure to be aware of your climbing route grade and your climbing expertise.
I. Socks
Climbing gyms often rent climbing shoes, mostly to beginner climbers. As a result of this, climbers often would love to put on socks before putting on these shoes.
Predominantly for hygienic reasons, wearing socks before putting on these climbing shoes is reasonable.
Unfortunately, climbing shoes are meant to be worn without socks for tight fits. But this doesn’t mean you’ll have to put on these rental climbing shoes with socks.
Climbers can put on thin, short socks.
Wearing the rental climbing shoes is also not a bad option as most climbing gyms disinfect climbing shoes, but if wearing rental climbing shoes without socks irritates you, feel free to put on something thin and short.
II. Climbing Shoe
Discussing climbing shoes is a vast subject that requires another article. This is because climbing shoes are essential in a climber ascension. Aside from the quality of the climbing shoes, the climber’s experience and expertise also play a crucial role in their choice of climbing shoes.
Feel free to rent one at the climbing gym, as they have several shoes that fit a climber’s expertise and the climbing route.
It’s also important to note that climbing shoes, both those rented or personally owned, should not be worn into restrooms. Climbing gyms have a rule against this, as this can spread germs on the climbing route.
It’s recommended you go along with a casual shoe to the climbing gym.
Conclusion
For indoor rock climbing outfits, we recommend leggings, shorts or loose pants, and a quality shoe for you, in order for you to move freely when on the wall.
Please let us know your thoughts on our indoor rock climbing outfit in the comments section below.
See 10 Best Rock Climbers in the World, Guide To Best Belay Devices: How To Choose, and 7 Ultimate Rock Climbing Equipment List: What Gear Do I Need?.
