What To Look For
Choose rock-climbing shoes that conform to the shape of your feet tightly with no air pockets or uncomfortable friction. The best-fitting climbing shoes will usually run a half-size or full size smaller than your street shoes. Popular brands include Acopa, Evolv, Five Ten, La Sportiva and Mad Rock.
Look for equipment manufactured by well-known companies such as Black Diamond, Petzl and Trango that is specifically made for rock-climbing purposes. Climbing-specific equipment, such as carabiners, camming devices, climbing ropes, belay devices and climbing harnesses, usually comes with information about proper usage and important safety warnings.
Common Pitfalls
As a rule, don't purchase used climbing equipment, since you cannot know for certain the type of use it has endured. Rock-climbing equipment does wear out, and since you will trust your life to it, it is safest to purchase new equipment. The one exception to this rule is climbing shoes. Since they are not directly related to your safety, purchasing used climbing shoes in good condition that fit well is acceptable.
Don't purchase equipment for rock-climbing purposes, even if it's advertised as such, that is not made by an established and reputable climbing gear manufacturer.
Where To Buy
If you are new to rock climbing, your safest option is to purchase the climbing equipment and shoes you'll need from a store with knowledgeable salespeople, such as REI or EMS. These large retailers usually carry a wide selection of products manufactured specifically for rock-climbing purposes. They will not attempt to deceptively label products unsafe for rock climbing as climbing gear, so you can be certain you are purchasing equipment considered safe for your rock-climbing adventures.
If you know exactly what gear you need, search for online bargains at sites like Mountain Gear and Paragon Sports, among others.
Cost
Buying the basic rock-climbing shoes and equipment you'll need for indoor gym climbing will cost you between $130 and $500, as of August 2010. Regular-priced climbing shoes run from about $70 to $170. A new climbing harness costs anywhere from $30 to $90. Locking carabiners range in price from $8 to $45. Belay devices cost anywhere from $12 to $136. Chalk bags run from $10 to $32. A block of climbing chalk costs about a buck.
The differences in price have little to do with improved product safety, correlating more often with better comfort, design expertise and features in the more expensive products.
Insider Tips
Save money by purchasing a package deal on rock-climbing equipment, such as the Black Diamond Momentum Package. As of 2010, you can get a harness, belay device, locking carabiner, chalk bag and chalk for $89.95 from Paragon Sports. Mountain Gear offers numerous climbing equipment package deals as well, such as the Complete Sport Package, which includes a climbing rope, rope bag, 12 quickdraws, a belay device and locking carabiner for under $400.
You can sometimes find new pairs of climbing shoes on sale for under $20 at discount retailers like Sierra Trading Post.
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