Climbing outside is a great way to interact with nature in a new way. From hiking to the crag to sleeping in the campground, we’ll review everything you need for your first outdoor climbing trip.

1. Know Where You’re Climbing.

You often won’t have service when climbing outside, and you’ll want to be prepared to hike the correct way to the crag. (Unless you’re climbing a roadside cliff, those aren’t as hard to find). Pick up a guidebook for the area you’re visiting or download the mobile app Mountain Project. 

You can download specific areas on Mountain Project to use without service. Both resources will have photos of the walls/routes and descriptions for getting there. Mountain Project tends to have more up-to-date information because it is an online database, but guidebooks have more historical information if you want to learn more about the area.

2. Check the Weather!

Your first outdoor climbing trip could be rainy, but you’d rather know before taking the journey to get there, right? Check the local weather of the area you’ll be climbing, and look at Climbing Weather for more detailed information about the crags. Sometimes the nearby town’s weather will be less than ideal when the climbing area may be excellent!

Have a backup plan in case the weather does roll in while you’re out climbing. Look for overhanging walls that shelter from the rain, or, if it’s truly hopeless, bail and find a climbing gym nearby.

3. Water and Snacks

Climbing outside often requires an approach (the hike to the crag), which could be anywhere from 5 minutes to much more, depending on where you want to climb. Bring plenty of water and snacks for the day. There’s no front desk to grab an energy drink at!

4. Bring Layers

From the approach to climbing to resting, you may want some options for clothing. After you check the weather, consider what layers to bring. It’s always a good idea to have more layer options than fewer ones. If the weather rolls in quickly, you’ll be happy you brought that rain jacket.

Like climbing a route, the sun can drain your energy. Whether you strip your layers or wear a sun shirt, be prepared when climbing outdoors by bringing the proper clothing.

5. Overnighting

If you’re spending the night on your first outdoor climbing trip, be sure to have your sleeping accommodation planned. Are you staying in a hotel, at a campground, or in your friend’s driveway? If your trip is at the height of the climbing season, reserve a campground spot before you head out. These fill up, and finding another place to rest at night can be a burden.

6. Rock is Sharp!

If you’re used to climbing in the gym, you know how rough textured holds can feel. Unfortunately, this doesn’t prepare you for just how sharp some rock is. There isn’t much you can do to train your skin from plastic to real rock other than climb on it. Knowing it will feel different is better than not knowing, though!

7. Climbing Can Feel Harder Outdoors.

In a gym, you can see every hold from the ground, and you’ve likely felt what it’s like to grab each one. Additionally, if you’re sport climbing, the quickdraws are spaced more closely together than typical outdoor routes. You may know where to grab by seeing previous climbers’ chalked-up holds, but you only truly know once you’re on the rock.

The extended exposure between quickdraws, needing to clip the draws to the wall, and searching for the best holds while climbing all can make climbing outside feel harder than it is.

8. Practice!

Drop-in carabiners aren’t always at the top of each route, so you’ll need to know how to clean. Cleaning a route is retrieving all the gear you placed to help you up. Alternatively, if you’re bouldering, understanding how to spot your climbing partner to reduce the risk of injury is a significant skill that will keep your climbing trip from being cut short.

Practice cleaning a route on the ground before heading into the vertical world, and learn some tips for correctly positioning yourself while your partner is bouldering.

Knowing everything you can before your first outdoor climbing trip will prepare you for a great time in nature, getting on real rock. Remember to know where you’re going, bring plenty of water, and plan for the weather. Enjoy your first outdoor climbing trip!