Affordable Climbing Gear: Save Money on Your Next Adventure
Climbing is an incredible sport—but it can quietly drain your bank account. Shoes wear out, chalk disappears, and ropes aren’t cheap. The good news: with a few wise choices, you can build a gear kit that’s safe, effective, and much more affordable.
In this guide, you’ll learn where it makes sense to save, where you shouldn’t cut corners, and how to tap into your climbing community to keep costs down.
Shoes: Find Deals Without Destroying Your Feet
Climbing shoes come in all shapes and stiffness levels to help you send your next project. But between holes in your shoes and the hefty price tags of aggressive shoes, the cost can add up quickly.
If you have an REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) membership, use it. Not only can you try on any shoe in the store, but REI’s generous return policy lets you return them after actually climbing in them—up to a year—if they don’t work out. Too tight? Too painful? No problem.
The best part? All those lightly used returns end up in REI’s sale section at a discount, meaning you can snag shoes that were worn once or twice for a fraction of the price.
Climbing gyms are also fantastic places to find discounted shoes. Many gyms offer member discounts, usually 15% to 20%, as a way of showing appreciation or encouraging climbers to gear up through the gym. Every gym is different, so ask the front desk what brands or models they offer and whether they have seasonal sales. You never know; your dream pair might be waiting.
- Try on new models at REI and look for lightly used returns in the sale section.
- Ask your gym about member discounts on shoes.
Chalk: Keep Your Hands Dry on a Budget
Ah, chalk—you go through it faster than you think, especially if you’re projecting or naturally have sweaty hands. But chalk costs add up, especially if you prefer liquid chalk, which can be pricier.
The good news? There are ways to keep your hands dry without making your wallet cry. Buying chalk in bulk on Amazon or directly at your climbing gym can shave off a surprising amount over time.
If you’re insistent on using liquid chalk, consider making your own. It’s surprisingly easy: all you need is fine powdered chalk and isopropyl alcohol. Mix them and adjust the consistency to your liking.
Some gyms even provide communal liquid chalk dispensers, encouraging athletes to use liquid chalk instead of powder. Take advantage of it.
Another option is to split the chalk price with your peers. Having a communal bucket that you occasionally fill up helps minimize how often you buy chalk. Climbing is a welcoming and powerful community that’s always willing to uplift each other when prompted.
- Buy chalk in bulk (at the gym or online).
- Make your own liquid chalk if your gym allows it.
Gear: Spend Where Safety Matters Most
Now, gear. This is where the stakes—and the prices—get higher. Harnesses, belay devices, ropes, quickdraws. They are all necessary gear that you should be willing to spend a few extra cents on to ensure safety. Safety helps save on trips to the hospital, or worse.
Ropes and quickdraws fall firmly under the “do not bargain-hunt too hard” category. These are literally the items keeping you from taking a sudden dive. Buying quality is worth it.
That doesn’t mean you can’t be strategic. Many gyms let climbers borrow or rent harnesses, ropes, and belay devices. It might be free or affordable, especially for members. This is an excellent option for new climbers or anyone still figuring out their preferred gear setup.
If you know you’ll eventually want your own rope but don’t want to be the sole investor, consider splitting the cost with friends. Shared rope = shared cost.
Furthermore, although helpful, you don’t need belay glasses, belay gloves, or multiple chalk bags and buckets. Sometimes, less can be more.
And although outdoor is where climbing began, if you can’t afford quickdraws, rope, or a crashpad, consider what your community offers. Sometimes, gyms have a social board listing community events, making the outdoors more accessible for all.
- Rent or borrow harnesses/ropes/belay devices from your gym when possible.
- Split big-ticket items like ropes with trusted partners.
Making Climbing Accessible
At the end of the day, climbing is an expensive sport, but that doesn’t mean it has to be exclusive. Many climbing gyms genuinely care about making the sport accessible and offer discounts, community programs, equipment libraries, free introductory classes, or sliding-scale memberships.
Ask your gym what they provide—you might be pleasantly surprised at the options.
Climbing should be fun, challenging, communal, and financially manageable. With a bit of resourcefulness, some community support, and the willingness to get creative, you can keep climbing without emptying your bank account.
With a bit of resourcefulness, some community support, and a focus on budget-friendly gear choices, you can keep climbing without emptying your bank account.
This week, pick one gear expense to tackle—like splitting a rope with a friend or switching to bulk chalk—and ask your gym what programs or discounts they offer to help make climbing more affordable.
