Rock climbing is just rock climbing; what more is there to really know? Well, if you said that to a climber, you might receive an hour-long monologue about the history of climbing in Yosemite Valley. Or, you might learn how bouldering was simply a tool used to become a better climber and not its own discipline. You might also hear about the birth of sport climbing in America and how Alan Watts began searching for weaknesses in the rock after climbing practically everything he could in Smith.
But don’t worry, you won’t receive a profound history lesson here. Instead, you’ll learn the simple differences between bouldering and sport climbing gear, and how you can better grasp the two climbing disciplines. Rock climbing equipment can vary vastly depending on the style!
1. What’s the Difference Between Bouldering and Sport Climbing?
Bouldering — Minimalist, often powerful, and little necessary equipment. Bouldering is a type of climbing typically done up to about 15 feet with just a crash pad, or multiple crash pads, on the ground for protection in case of falls.
However, bouldering has seen many ‘highball’ ascents where the rock is so tall that a fall could be disastrous. Only a small percentage of climbers tackle this hazardous form of bouldering, but they’re out there.
Sport Climbing — More gear, often delicate, and requires some technical gear knowledge. Sport climbing uses a harness, ropes, a belay device, and quickdraws to ascend a route. The belayer, the person on the ground holding the rope’s tension, is what stops the climber from hitting the ground when they fall off the rock.
There are many different heights a sport climbing route can be. Some are even shorter than some famous highball boulders out there!
2. What You’ll Need for Bouldering: The Bare Essentials
Boulder requires the least amount of equipment of all the climbing styles. Well, besides free-soloing, but not by much! Here is a list of the essentials any boulderer must have:
- Climbing shoes: You may use a softer, pointier, more aggressive, or flatter shoe, depending on the boulder.
- Crashpad: This is what you land on when you fall. They’re large foam mats that fold up and can be worn with backpack straps for easy travel from boulder to boulder.
Yep, that’s it! These two things are the essentials for any boulderer. Now that you know what bouldering requires, here is a more expanded list of things most climbers use:
- Chalk and Chalk Bag/Bucket: Keeping your hands sweat-free will help you grip the rock easier.
- Brushes and Tape: Cleaning holds and protecting fingers. You can mark where the good holds are with your chalk, just make sure to use your brush and remove it after.
- Apparel Tips: Flexibility, Durability, and Weather Considerations for Outdoor Bouldering. You want clothes that can stretch with your movement but are durable enough to handle rubbing against sharp rocks.
3. Sport Climbing Gear: Rope, Draws, and a Bit More Planning
Sport climbing is part of the natural progression many climbers make if they don’t fall in love with bouldering. It requires more technical knowledge and rock climbing equipment. Here is what you need for sport climbing:
- Climbing Rope: You only want to sport climb on a dynamic rope because the stretchiness will absorb the impact of any falls. The thickness and length should also be considered when purchasing a new rope. You don’t want it too skinny, so that it slips through your belay device too easily, and you don’t want it too thick so that it won’t flow through your device at all.
You also want ot be mindful of the length of your rope when choosing a climbing rope. Remember that you can only climb to the halfway point of your rope if you plan to do single-pitch climbing (where the climber comes back to the ground).
- Harness: It needs to fit properly and be comfortable. Spending hours in an uncomfortable harness is neither enjoyable nor recommended. Ensure you select an item that fits your body well.
Consider the number of gear loops you’d like your harness to have. Most harnesses will at least have four, although some are made with only two, so keep that in mind when shopping around for your new rock climbing equipment.
- Quickdraws: A quickdraw is a carabiner attached to another carabiner via a ‘dogbone.’ A dogbone is a section of sewn webbing. One side of the quickdraw clips to the bolts in the rock, while the other is used for the rope.
Try to use your quickdraws the same way each time. Use only one side for clipping the bolts and the other for the rope. Enough play between a metal bolt and quickdraw can cause burrs that can affect the integrity of your rope if it is pulled through it.
- Belay Device and Carabiners: An assisted braking device does what it sounds like — it helps in the braking process. These have been one of the most popular new pieces of rock climbing equipment since they debuted. Assisted braking devices have surpassed tube-style devices in popularity, although tube-style devices will always have a use in climbing.
You need something to hold that belay device to your harness, so make sure to get some locking carabiners. Always have an extra locker or two on your harness just in case. Plus, you can use it to connect yourself to the anchor when you need to clean a route. (That is more advanced sport climbing technical knowledge.)
- Helmet: Rocks fall. Sometimes you see them coming, sometimes you hear your partner yell, and other times they just fall. Be prepared and wear a helmet. Rocks aren’t the only things that fall, either; phones, watches, even shoes.
Plus, if you take a fall and flip upside down, a helmet can save your head from hitting the sharp rock and ending your climbing day. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t overlook this piece of rock climbing equipment — wear a helmet.
- Climbing Shoes and Chalk: These are about the only things that’re similar to what you need for bouldering. You can get a pair of climbing shoes suited for a specific style of climbing, but a popular choice is to opt for an all-around style of shoe that works well in every style of climbing.
Unless you’re somebody whose hands don’t sweat when they climb, you’ll want a chalk bag filled with some chalk to help you out when you’re up in the air on the wall!
That wasn’t too painful, right? Bouldering and sport climbing, although forms of climbing, are distinct yet share some common gear and techniques. If you’re just getting into climbing, the most accessible way is through bouldering. If you decide you want to reach new heights, then don’t worry, sport climbing will be there to help you.