1. Belay Device
Still using a protection device that twists your rope? Try the GRIGRI from PETZL. The GRIGRI is a blessing for leadClimbers— it’s truly a game-changer. This auto-locking device prevents a falling climber from slipping further, and significantly reduces the belayer’s workload when the climber needs to repeatedly work on hard moves on the route — at the very least, when the climber is resting on the rope, the belayer can take both hands off to relax.
2. Belay Gloves
Ropes are often dirty, and handling them can leave your hands coated in a dark, shiny “glaze” that can negatively affect your next climb. Unless you have a chance to thoroughly clean your palms with a wet wipe before climbing, it’s best to wear gloves (thin leather or cycling gloves work well) to protect your precious skin.
3. Water
Many climbers overlook the importance of hydration during outdoor climbs. This is a bad habit that can lead to poor performance, muscle cramps, and weakened tendons prone to injury. You need to hydrate regularly. Only when your urine is clear—not as yellow as pine resin—does it indicate that you’re properly hydrated.
4. Food
Sure, you can go a whole day without eating and feel like you’ve lost some weight. But at the same time, you’ll also experience the wonderful dizziness brought on by low blood sugar. Everyone may have their own food preferences for outdoor climbing, but it’s best to avoid sugary foods or anything hard to digest that might cause bloating and affect core flexibility.
5. Extra Clothing
Of course, for most of the climbing season and at most lead climbing venues, it won’t be so cold as to be life-threatening. But staying as warm as possible will make you more comfortable — especially while belaying — so your muscles stay loose and relaxed. A down jacket is a great choice because it’s lightweight and easy to put on or take off.
6. Mobile Phone
Plenty of ads show how useful this device is in emergencies. You can also use it to communicate with your partner or ask about route information. For example: “Hey, buddy, I’ve reached this big ledge where I can rest my foot — can you tell me where the next knee-friendly hold is?” But try not to let the ringtone disturb other climbers. Also, make sure there’s signal in the area before using it.
7. One Big, Slobbery Dog
This really isn’t an essential item, but why do people love bringing theirs along anyway?
8. Knee Pads
Knee pads are a must-have in the smart lead climber’s gear bag. Most pros like to sew a piece of climbing shoe rubber sole onto the outer surface of their knee pads for better grip.
9. Emergency First Aid Kit
Gather all essential first aid items in a box, and include a set of tools for treating skin abrasions. Most lead climbing routes don’t abrade the skin like crack climbs do, so there’s little need to wrap tape around your hands like gloves. But applying tincture of benzoin (or another massage oil or liniment) and then wrapping with sports tape can provide tendon support and speed up skin recovery. A callus file and nail clippers are also good items to keep in the kit.
10. Stick for Assisting Quickdraws
This tool has huge potential and many uses. Some people use it to clip the first quickdraw when it’s placed too high; others find it extremely handy when facing a route that’s a full grade above their limit.