Top 10: Must Have Bouldering Equipment for Beginners

Bouldering is an exciting and rewarding form of rock climbing that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a challenging sport that requires strength, skill, and the right gear. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced boulderer, having the right equipment is essential to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience on the bouldering wall. In this blog post, we'll take a look at 10 bouldering essentials for beginners.

A woman filling a blue rock climbing gym bag sat on a bouldering mat next to a bouldering chalk bag and climbing shoes

1. Bouldering Chalk Bags

A climbing chalk bag is an essential piece of gear for bouldering. It is where you’ll keep your climbing chalk, which helps to keep your hands dry and improve your grip on the hand holds. When choosing a chalk bag, consider factors such as size, shape, and closure type. We recommend a bouldering bucket rather than a traditional climbing chalk bag, as they have a wider, more stable base, allowing you to leave it on the ground while you scale the bouldering wall.

2. Climbing Chalk

Climbing chalk is basically powdered magnesium carbonate. It’s used by climbers to keep your hands sweat free and improve your grip on the hand holds. There are different types of bouldering chalk available, including loose chalk, chalk balls, chalk blocks and liquid chalk. Give them a try and find out which is the best climbing chalk for you.

3. Climbing Shoes

Climbing shoes are specially designed footwear that provides the necessary grip and support for climbing. They come in various styles and designs, so it's essential to choose a pair that fits well and is comfortable to wear. Check out our full guide to the best climbing shoes and how tight climbing shoes should be.

bottles of liquid climbing chalk displayed on a wall

4. Liquid Chalk

Liquid chalk is a type of climbing chalk that is in liquid form. It provides a longer-lasting grip and is less messy than loose chalk. It is especially useful for indoor bouldering, as it creates less dust, and in warmer conditions where normal chalk may wear off quicker. It can be handy if you’re trying a longer boulder problem or don’t have a bouldering chalk bag.

5. Bouldering Brush

A bouldering brush is used to clean holds of excess chalk, dirt, and debris off hand holds. It helps to improve your grip and preserve rock and holds. Look for a brush with soft bristles that won't damage the holds or chip of pieces of rock, ruining the route for someone else. Boar hair brushes are the most common climbing brushes and work well on most hold types.

man using rock climbing finger tape sat on a bouldering crash pad next to a bouldering chalk bag

6. Finger Tape

Finger tape or climbing tape is used to protect and support your fingers and joints from injury. It is especially useful for new climbers who have not built up tougher skin and are more to damage their hands in the early stages of climbing. Our finger tape is made of cotton and provides lasting durable support, letting you climb for longer, without wearing out your fingers. Our handy tape tin fits neatly in you bouldering chalk bag pocket.

rock climbing resistance bands being used to warm up for indoor bouldering

7. Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are a super useful tool for improving your climbing strength and flexibility. They can be used for a variety of exercises, such as pull-ups and pilates, and are especially useful for climbers as a warm up tool before starting their bouldering session. We think they’re an essential bit of kit to put in your climbing bags so why not check out our best resistance band workouts for climbers.

A man in a black boudering t shirt is climbing rock above a bouldering crash pad near the sea

8. Bouldering Mat

You won’t need this at a bouldering wall, but a bouldering mat is essential for outdoor bouldering. Used to cushion your landing in case of a fall or slip a good boudlering crash pad should be the thing that protects you from a hot date with the cold ground. Our Boudlering Pads connect together, creating a larger protective barrier between you and the ground helping to prevent injuries. Look for crash pads that are durable, easy to carry, and provide good cushioning.

9. Guide Book Case

A guide book case is and under-rated bit of kit, wear and tear can quickly ruin a guidebook and all the bouldering wisdom they contain. Our guide book protectors protect your guidebook from damage when you’re out at the crag. It is especially useful for climbers who travel frequently and want to keep their guidebook in good condition.

climber approaches indoor bouldering wall with rock climbing duffle bag over his shoulder

10. Climbing Duffle Bag

Finally, you’ll need something to carry all your new bouldering gear. Having a heavy duty duffle bag to hold everything you need is especially useful for indoor climbing walls and bouldering gyms because you’ll often have to store your stuff in one place like a locker. But mostly this is just a great way to keep all your equipment together, having your resistance bands right there might help you remember to warm up!

A man in a pink bouldring t shirt is climbing an indoor bouldering wall

To wrap up, bouldering is an exhilarating and challenging sport that is a great workout for both the body and mind. Having the right gear is essential to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable bouldering experience. The best bouldering equipment for beginners is a loose guide for anyone looking to start climbing, but the key is turning up and giving it a go! Here’s the quick rundown of our recommended gear: A chalk bag or bouldering bucket, climbing chalk, climbing shoes, liquid chalk, bouldering brush, finger tape, resistance bands, bouldering pad, guidebook case, and climbing gym bag. With the right gear, you'll be ready to climb and conquer any challenge that comes your way. We stock all of the bouldering equipment mentioned above in our store. Shop now at Psychi! As part of our sustainability push we plant a tree for every order!

Ben Grove