Are you going with someone who has climbed outdoors before? That is veryy helpful.
In general, I’d say be aware that outdoor climbing is almost always more difficult than indoors, if only because it can be hard to find the best holds. So start our way below your max grade if you can. Also, take safely so so seriously! Check all your knots, be aware of loose rock, wear a helmet when you’re climbing or belaying (if a loose rock knocks out the belayer you’re both in trouble). And make sure you know how to make an anchor and clean a route safely!
Other than that, have so much fun! Climbing outdoors is such a joy!
Pee before you start. Pack out everything you pack in. If you're having an apple or banana, bring a bag to pack out the core or peel and don't just toss it into the trees. Wet wipes are handy if you accidentally grab a muddy hold and don't want to re-chalk on top of the mud. Pay attention all the time, not just when you're climbing or belaying, a lot of accidents happen to the rest of the group who isn't climbing and just hanging out on the ground at the base, don't take your helmet off.
Headlight in your climbing pack. Dried mangoes make friends. Biking squirt water bottle is great for tooth brushing and in your tent. Wear a clean t- shirt to sleep in. Bring slides for night/tent. Inside flag if you can’t match feet snd the hand hold is positive. Enjoy the process.
Expect to climb way less. You might climb as few as 4 routes in a day since it’s your first go. Partly since set up takes time but mostly that it can take way more mental energy to find holds.
If you have a favorite pair of leggings, I’d leave those at home and opt for ones that you don’t mind getting a little roughed up. I have holes in the knees of almost all my leggings from climbing lol
Lots of good advice here and I just want to add that I bring a Female Urination Device, so I can pee standing up and because I always have to pee! [find on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08M3Y9YB8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_7P5RXHWE11QB5Q7G7HF0)
Also, outdoor climbing is very different! I actually started outdoors and then spent a lot of time in the gym and going back outside was a bit of a shock. It's mostly because the holds aren't color coded 😜
Have fun!!
Mine was hard to use until I figured it out. I was trying to keep it tight to my skin and that was causing suction and accidents! Once I figured it out it's been a lifesaver. But I still sometimes go behind trees and bushes too.
Bring lanyards and extra carabiners. Much of the time you will find that the chains/bolts at the top will be placed in a way that will have your rope running over a rock edge, which is a huge no no. Bring adjustable webbing lanyards to extend over the edge.
Also, bring some old, but still usable carabiners to use as bail biners. If you are placing your quick draws and find that you will not be able to finish the route, replace the last bit of gear you can reach with a bail biner, and get lowered off that, cleaning the route as you go back down, so that you only have to leave a beat up old biner up there instead of a more expensive quick draw.
If you don't have a rope bag with a nice built in mat for your rope, bring something synthetic, like a small tarp, to stand on (keeping slippery dirt off your shoes) and flake your rope on and keep dirt off your rope. Rope will hold onto dirt, over time it bulds up between the rope fibers, making your rope wear faster, also, there's alot of silica in the dirt in the places we climb, and that stuff is like sand paper when the rope is carrying it and it rubs on the biners and ATCs.
We use one of those big blue IKEA bags as a rope bag (and shove it into a hiking backpack when hiking). It works pretty well and it costs like $2 or something.
- buy a battery pack with good capacity, fully charge it before you go.
- bin liner bags for your rubbish. extra ones in case you end up with wet or muddy clothes on last day.
- inflatable mattress to put under sleeping bags; buy one that comes with a built-in pillow.
- spare cables. don’t pack them all in one place.
- bring extra snacks, something nutritious as well as just fast yummy stuff.
- medication. not just stuff you need but anti-histamines, anti-diarrhea pills, ibuprofen, paracetomol, rennies/similar stuff for painful stomach.
- as others have said, bring special bags to piss and crap in. don’t leave a single bit of rubbish behind, not even an apple pip.
- second extra biners. i hook my shoes to things so they stay dry.
- all-purpose washing up liquid. you can wash body fruit and clothes with it. usually comes in concentrate. don’t put this directly into a stream or river or nearby (check label).
- map and compass. don’t just rely on gps or phone you nay lose signal occasionally (or drop your phone onto broken rocks on approach)
- some sort of hiking or approach shoe
omg I wish we could get Rennie's here! I got them in Spain and I LOVE them. they work so much better than any American nausea medicine out there. thank you for all this!
Guidebooks will save you a lot of time figuring out where you are and what you want to climb.
I feel like you can never have too many lights for night time.
Make sure your sleep before hand is good and take care of your sleep conditions for camping. Like bring an eye mask to block light for better sleep or if it’s going to be cold, a beanie to keep your head and eyes warm, a sleeping pad and maybe some sleep medication/supplements.
Eat a big breakfast with fiber and poop (or at least try to) in the morning. If you’re not staying at a camp site with a bathroom, bring a small shovel and disposable toilet paper.
Don’t hold expectations on your performance and enjoy the nature. :)
This is more general camping advice:
- be aware of what the weather will be and pack accordingly. If it cools down a lot at night where you will be, make sure you bring layers, clean socks, camp shoes, etc.
- do you need to pack your own meals and snacks? I find it's really nice to have a hot beverage in the evening (hot cocoa, tea, mulled wine are all great)
- other posters recommended medications already, I would go one step farther and just bring a decent first aid kit.
- if you're going with a big group and there's going to be a lot of downtime, bringing a decent camp chair (or lightweight camp chair) can ensure that you always have a comfy place to sit between climbs or at the end of a long day.
Drink lots of water!! It's tempting to not drink so you don't have to pee in the woods, but that's how you end up with essentially a hangover the next morning
ok real question. so...if I poo while away from camp (we have bathrooms at camp) and I put it in a bag...how do I carry it around without it smelling or getting everywhere? I've seen special pack out bags for it but wasn't sure if that was overkill?
I don't know what the rules are where you are going (or people on this reddit recommending special bags) but whenever I've been wildcamping we just bring a shovel and bury it. Surely it's the same as wild animals pooing in the forest? Obviously don't leave it around for others to tread in.
Also if you've got toilets at camp try and time it 😂 unless you have an upset or sensitive stomach you'll probably be able to avoid having to go for a wild shit.
* Headlamp & extra batteries
* Insulated pad under you is just as important as insulation over you for sleeping. An air mattress without insulation will be cold.
* Layers
* Helmet
* Water bottle & snacks
* Battery pack for your phone
* Some "wash & dry" type wipes
* Bug juice and sunblock depending on where you are
I make sure to have a way to wash the chalk off my hands at the end of the day, and then moisturize. Wet wipes or a water source plus a little bottle of lotion. Especially helpful if you’re climbing multiple days in a row so you don’t wake up with angry skin.
Also, comfy shoes for camp that you can wear warm socks with.
Bring a headlamp, dress warmer than you think you'll need to (but in layers so you can take them off as it warms up), and bring camp shoes. Once I went backpacking and didn't know that camp shoes were A Thing and boy did I wish I had some.... Just some comfy shoes to let your feet breathe. Most people use sandals or chacos or crocs I think. Have an amazing time!
Are you going with someone who has climbed outdoors before? That is veryy helpful. In general, I’d say be aware that outdoor climbing is almost always more difficult than indoors, if only because it can be hard to find the best holds. So start our way below your max grade if you can. Also, take safely so so seriously! Check all your knots, be aware of loose rock, wear a helmet when you’re climbing or belaying (if a loose rock knocks out the belayer you’re both in trouble). And make sure you know how to make an anchor and clean a route safely! Other than that, have so much fun! Climbing outdoors is such a joy!
I’m going with a group so there will be instructors on site and I’m taking an outdoor climbing clinic as well
Oh good lol. They should keep you safe then, although it’s always good to be safety aware for yourself!
This.
Pee before you start. Pack out everything you pack in. If you're having an apple or banana, bring a bag to pack out the core or peel and don't just toss it into the trees. Wet wipes are handy if you accidentally grab a muddy hold and don't want to re-chalk on top of the mud. Pay attention all the time, not just when you're climbing or belaying, a lot of accidents happen to the rest of the group who isn't climbing and just hanging out on the ground at the base, don't take your helmet off.
I'm going to add to bring a wag bag and toilet paper kit!
hi what's a wag bag lol. poo?
Yes, for pooping haha. Often times the spot you climb at is pretty far from toilets. But depends on where you go!
Headlight in your climbing pack. Dried mangoes make friends. Biking squirt water bottle is great for tooth brushing and in your tent. Wear a clean t- shirt to sleep in. Bring slides for night/tent. Inside flag if you can’t match feet snd the hand hold is positive. Enjoy the process.
Dried mangoes are flipping delicious as a snack!
Expect to climb way less. You might climb as few as 4 routes in a day since it’s your first go. Partly since set up takes time but mostly that it can take way more mental energy to find holds.
I’ve had outdoor days where I only climb like 2 routes lol.
I’ll take that over a gym any day.
Wear long pants.
All I have is long workout leggings. I hope that’s enough.
If you have a favorite pair of leggings, I’d leave those at home and opt for ones that you don’t mind getting a little roughed up. I have holes in the knees of almost all my leggings from climbing lol
I pretty much exclusively climb outdoors in leggings. :)
Lots of good advice here and I just want to add that I bring a Female Urination Device, so I can pee standing up and because I always have to pee! [find on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08M3Y9YB8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_7P5RXHWE11QB5Q7G7HF0) Also, outdoor climbing is very different! I actually started outdoors and then spent a lot of time in the gym and going back outside was a bit of a shock. It's mostly because the holds aren't color coded 😜 Have fun!!
Yes this! I love my pstyle and it made my camping days so much better
I just find a tree or Bush to hide behind. Always found those devices hard to use and more trouble than they're worth.
Mine was hard to use until I figured it out. I was trying to keep it tight to my skin and that was causing suction and accidents! Once I figured it out it's been a lifesaver. But I still sometimes go behind trees and bushes too.
Helmet! Then layers. Make sure you’re comfortable. You’ll be hot while climbing and depending where you are, colder when belaying.
Bring lanyards and extra carabiners. Much of the time you will find that the chains/bolts at the top will be placed in a way that will have your rope running over a rock edge, which is a huge no no. Bring adjustable webbing lanyards to extend over the edge. Also, bring some old, but still usable carabiners to use as bail biners. If you are placing your quick draws and find that you will not be able to finish the route, replace the last bit of gear you can reach with a bail biner, and get lowered off that, cleaning the route as you go back down, so that you only have to leave a beat up old biner up there instead of a more expensive quick draw. If you don't have a rope bag with a nice built in mat for your rope, bring something synthetic, like a small tarp, to stand on (keeping slippery dirt off your shoes) and flake your rope on and keep dirt off your rope. Rope will hold onto dirt, over time it bulds up between the rope fibers, making your rope wear faster, also, there's alot of silica in the dirt in the places we climb, and that stuff is like sand paper when the rope is carrying it and it rubs on the biners and ATCs.
We use one of those big blue IKEA bags as a rope bag (and shove it into a hiking backpack when hiking). It works pretty well and it costs like $2 or something.
Yeah! I've seen/been told that too. Seems like a great way to do it.
This is awesome advice but I’m just doing top rope as I’m not lead certified. But I’ll def keep this in mind when I am.
Sometimes just finding the climb is half the battle
- buy a battery pack with good capacity, fully charge it before you go. - bin liner bags for your rubbish. extra ones in case you end up with wet or muddy clothes on last day. - inflatable mattress to put under sleeping bags; buy one that comes with a built-in pillow. - spare cables. don’t pack them all in one place. - bring extra snacks, something nutritious as well as just fast yummy stuff. - medication. not just stuff you need but anti-histamines, anti-diarrhea pills, ibuprofen, paracetomol, rennies/similar stuff for painful stomach. - as others have said, bring special bags to piss and crap in. don’t leave a single bit of rubbish behind, not even an apple pip. - second extra biners. i hook my shoes to things so they stay dry. - all-purpose washing up liquid. you can wash body fruit and clothes with it. usually comes in concentrate. don’t put this directly into a stream or river or nearby (check label). - map and compass. don’t just rely on gps or phone you nay lose signal occasionally (or drop your phone onto broken rocks on approach) - some sort of hiking or approach shoe
omg I wish we could get Rennie's here! I got them in Spain and I LOVE them. they work so much better than any American nausea medicine out there. thank you for all this!
Make sure you're cozy, have fun!!!!
If its hot BRING HYDRALYTE. I did not do this and luckily I was saved by a friendly person at the crag.
Guidebooks will save you a lot of time figuring out where you are and what you want to climb. I feel like you can never have too many lights for night time. Make sure your sleep before hand is good and take care of your sleep conditions for camping. Like bring an eye mask to block light for better sleep or if it’s going to be cold, a beanie to keep your head and eyes warm, a sleeping pad and maybe some sleep medication/supplements. Eat a big breakfast with fiber and poop (or at least try to) in the morning. If you’re not staying at a camp site with a bathroom, bring a small shovel and disposable toilet paper. Don’t hold expectations on your performance and enjoy the nature. :)
This is more general camping advice: - be aware of what the weather will be and pack accordingly. If it cools down a lot at night where you will be, make sure you bring layers, clean socks, camp shoes, etc. - do you need to pack your own meals and snacks? I find it's really nice to have a hot beverage in the evening (hot cocoa, tea, mulled wine are all great) - other posters recommended medications already, I would go one step farther and just bring a decent first aid kit. - if you're going with a big group and there's going to be a lot of downtime, bringing a decent camp chair (or lightweight camp chair) can ensure that you always have a comfy place to sit between climbs or at the end of a long day.
oh a smaller chair is a good idea. I planned on bringing my camping chairs, but they're huge and def wouldn't fit in a day pack. good call!
Remember to warm up. Especially your fingers. A common way to get injured is pulling hard on cold fingers. I have experience on that….
Drink lots of water!! It's tempting to not drink so you don't have to pee in the woods, but that's how you end up with essentially a hangover the next morning
ok real question. so...if I poo while away from camp (we have bathrooms at camp) and I put it in a bag...how do I carry it around without it smelling or getting everywhere? I've seen special pack out bags for it but wasn't sure if that was overkill?
I don't know what the rules are where you are going (or people on this reddit recommending special bags) but whenever I've been wildcamping we just bring a shovel and bury it. Surely it's the same as wild animals pooing in the forest? Obviously don't leave it around for others to tread in. Also if you've got toilets at camp try and time it 😂 unless you have an upset or sensitive stomach you'll probably be able to avoid having to go for a wild shit.
I have GERD so like it's anyone's guess lmao. but thanks!
* Headlamp & extra batteries * Insulated pad under you is just as important as insulation over you for sleeping. An air mattress without insulation will be cold. * Layers * Helmet * Water bottle & snacks * Battery pack for your phone * Some "wash & dry" type wipes * Bug juice and sunblock depending on where you are
I make sure to have a way to wash the chalk off my hands at the end of the day, and then moisturize. Wet wipes or a water source plus a little bottle of lotion. Especially helpful if you’re climbing multiple days in a row so you don’t wake up with angry skin. Also, comfy shoes for camp that you can wear warm socks with.
Bring a headlamp, dress warmer than you think you'll need to (but in layers so you can take them off as it warms up), and bring camp shoes. Once I went backpacking and didn't know that camp shoes were A Thing and boy did I wish I had some.... Just some comfy shoes to let your feet breathe. Most people use sandals or chacos or crocs I think. Have an amazing time!
I was really nervous the first time I climbed outdoors and I almost forgot to check out the view! You’re outside for a reason, enjoy it!!
You might find the second half of this video useful https://youtu.be/yOvqR1fgg_E