Equipment List for Rock Climbing

• Softshell jacket or windshirt: A softshell jacket can also serve as a midlayer, but is even more useful as it can also be worn as a shell in less extreme conditions. These light, breathable jackets will repel wind or light precipitation and are far more breathable than their waterproof shells. (ex: Men’s Ortovox Windbreaker Jacket, Women’s Ortovox Windbreaker Jacket)
• Down or synthetic insulated jacket (fall through spring): For chilly days , it can be nice to have something to pull on when you’re not moving. This goes for Spring and Fall at Smith, and Summer in the mountains! It should be large enough to fit over your other clothes including the shell jacket and will be worn at rest breaks or during class time. Synthetic fill is less expensive and will still keep you warm even when wet. For climbs in warm weather, a light Down Sweater or Micropuff jacket may be appropriate. (ex: Men’s Swisswool Piz Duan Jacket, Women’s Swisswool Piz Duan Jacket)
• Sun Hat – The more coverage the better. Baseball caps or packable sun hats will work (ex: Outdoor Research Hats)
• Quick-drying pants: If there is any chance of rain in the forecast (ex: Men’s Ortovox Pelmo Pants, Women’s Ortovox Pelmo Pants)

Personal Gear

• Climbing pack: Your pack should be compact, and should be no larger than 40 liters in capacity. Look for a simple, light pack and one that fits you well. Stay away from wide, large packs, and book bag style packs. (ex: Ortovox Trad 28)
• Lunch and snacks for each day: If you’re going multi-pitch climbing, you may want to bring a variety of stuff that’s easy to eat on the go. Bagels, cheese, salami, dried fruit, gorp, even Power Bars are good choices. Make sure to bring food that you’ll actually want to eat. ¾ to 1 lb. or approximately 1500-2000 calories per day. If you’re on a more casual agenda, feel free to bring a sandwich or whatever you like.
• Water, two or three 1L (32oz) bottles: A Camelbak or hydration bladder can also work. Wide-mouth Nalgene bottles are the standard but Gatorade or other sports drink bottles also work great as long as they can seal tightly. Water is available at Smith Rock State Park, but not immediately at the climbing areas. (ex: Nalgene)
• Sunglasses: Sunglasses should be high quality and dark.
• Sun block (SPF 30 or more): The higher the SPF, the better.
• Lip balm (SPF 15 or more): Any lip balm with SPF 15 or more will work.
• Camera (optional): One charge should last you for the duration of the trip.

Technical Climbing Gear

These are the items that you will be expected to bring or arrange to rent. Smith Rock Climbing School will provide ropes, carabiners and protection that are required for your objective.

All rental gear must be requested in advance!

• Approach shoes or trail running shoes: Lightweight footwear for the hike in. Light hiking boots can also be worn, but if you’re planning on multi-pitch climbing, you will most likely have your shoes clipped to your harness or in your backpack while on route, so you will want to avoid heavy and/or big boots. (ex: La Sportiva Boulder X)
• Rock climbing shoes (available upon request): Rock climbing shoes should fit snugly for optimal performance. Bonecrushingly tight shoes are not necessary, but they should be tight enough to allow you to utilize smaller holds. Shoes should not be comfortable for walking, but should also not make you want to cry. (ex: La Sportiva Mythos, La Sportiva Tarantulace)
• Climbing harness (available upon request): If you have your own harness and it is a modern climbing harness in good condition, you are of course welcome to use it instead of ours. Harnesses should be able to fit over layers and be comfortable under a pack, and must have a belay loop in good condition. Bod style harnesses are not recommended. (ex: Edelrid Helios, Petzl Adjama)
• Helmet (available upon request): If you have your own helmet and it is a modern climbing helmet in good condition, you are of course welcome to use it instead of ours. The Black Diamond Half Dome and Tracer are great examples.  (ex: Edelrid Zodiac, Petzl Boreo)

Additional Gear for Long Multi-Pitch Climbs and Alpine Rock

(Alpine Rock routes, the Monkey Face, Marsupial Traverse, and other multipitch climbs)

Though a fully technical kit is not essential, you may want to consider synthetic base-layers and light soft-shell’s for longer, more committing objectives.

• Headlamp: Early starts or late finishes may find you moving in the dark. The new LED lamps are super light, get fantastic battery life and you don’t need a spare bulb. Make sure to start the climb with fresh batteries. Black Diamond Spot and Cosmos are great examples. (ex: Petzl Headlamps)
• Belay device (available upon request): ATC or non-mechanical style device. (ex: Petzl Reverso)
• Locking carabiners, two (available upon request): A few locking carabiners serve a wide variety of uses. Any model will work, but those that are lightweight, pear-shaped and with a keylock closure are ideal.  (ex: Petzl Attache)
• Small on-route pack (optional): For some many objectives, we’ll leave our bigger packs at the base and climb only with a small pack containing food, water, a headlamp, camera, jacket and some tape. 15-20L is all you need. (ex: Ortovox Trad 18)
• Double-length (48”) sewn sling (available upon request): One sewn sling for anchoring and rigging. Nylon is recommended. PAS or Chain Reactor type lanyards are also acceptable.

Additional Gear for Self-Rescue Courses

(Self-rescue, multipitch efficiency and similar hands-on courses)

• Auto-locking belay device (in place of the standard ATC): Non-mechanical auto-locking style device. Black Diamond ATC Guide or equivalent. You may bring a GriGri or similar device in addition.
• Locking carabiners, five: Locking carabiners serve a wide variety of uses. Any model will work, but those that are lightweight, pear-shaped and with a keylock closure are ideal. (ex: Petzl Attache)
• Non-locking carabiners, six: Non-locking carabiners serve a wide variety of uses. Any model will work, but those that are lightweight with a wiregate closure are ideal. (ex: Petzl Spirit)
• Cordalette: An 18-20’ length of 6-7mm accessory cord. Purchase from a retailer that carries climbing equipment and make sure it is intended for technical applications. Avoid Tech Cord or Pro Cord.
• Prussik cord: One tied, 6 inch loop of 5mm accessory cord. Purchase from a retailer that carries climbing equipment and make sure it is intended for technical applications. Avoid Tech Cord or Pro Cord type cords.
• Double-length (48”) sewn slings, one or two: Two nylon or dyneema (Spectra, Dynex, etc.) sewn slings for anchoring and rigging. Black Diamond 48” Dynex or Nylon Runners or equivalent.