Last Updated on June 2, 2021 by foxintheforest
Despite their reputation for being cheap dirtbags, climbers love gear – and they especially love getting it as gifts! But it can be overwhelming to try to choose gifts for climbers in your life.
This guide will help you find the best gifts for climbers, whether they love sport, trad, bouldering, or pulling on plastic in a gym.
As a climber for over 6 years and resident gear writer for various climbing-related media outlets, I’ve got the inside scoop on this season’s hottest climbing gear.
You’ll get actual recommendations from products I (and my fellow climbing friends) use and love every day.
This post participates in affiliate marketing. This means when you click on a link and buy something I get a little kick-back at no added cost to you. You can read more about my affiliate policy here.
About This Guide to The Best Gifts for Climbers
Okay, so we’ve established that shopping for climbers isn’t really easy. The gear seems odd and everyone seems to have an opinion about nearly every little caribiner.
Fear not, I’m here to make things simple with this guide to the best gifts for climbers. You’ll find:
- Tips for how to choose gifts for rock climbers
- An assortment of amazing climbing gifts for any type of climber
- Info on who the gift is best for
- Different gifts for climbers for various budgets
How to Choose Gifts for Climbers
Alright, so before you go giving a gift to a climber, there are a few important things to note.
First, some of the most basic items, such as ropes, carabiners, and climbing protection are all must-haves. Ropes wear out, carabiners get left behind, and every climber can use more of the basics.
Secondly, climbers are notorious innovators. Every climber has their own routine and way of doing things. Extra knick-nacks and heavy items are not necessarry for climbers. Remember, we carry everything with us up a wall, so the lighter and more durable, the better.
Lastly, climbers are kind of like a cult. They like weird things that show off their affinity for their sport. Even a climbing-related coffee mug is going to be a huge hit for the rock hugger on your list.
Related: Your Guide to Scoring a Deal on Outdoor Gear
The Best Gifts for Climbers
This extensive list will help you choose the perfect gift for any type of climber, and it includes plenty of gifts for any budget as well.
1. Books for Climbers
Who Will Love It: All Climbers
There is no shortage of climbing and outdoor books from how-to manuals to memoirs of well-known climbers and accounts of amazing adventures. Here are a few choices that climbers will excitedly devour immediately and dogear for future reference.
Technical Manuals
- Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills – Now on its 9th edition, this is basically THE climbing bible, and it is the definitive resource for anyone getting into climbing. You will find a copy on just about every climber’s bookshelf, so if you don’t see one, it would be the perfect gift.
- Climbing Anchors by John Long – An ideal gift for new trad leaders, this guide explains in detail how to properly construct climbing anchors using gear and will be appreciated by anyone looking to pursue the craft of trad climbing.
Climbing Stories
- The Push by Tommy Caldwell – This captivating memoir chronicles the life of Tommy Caldwell, from his childhood to his free ascent of the Dawn Wall, including a detailed account of his kidnapping and escape in Kyrgyzstan, and, of course, the infamous incident where he cut off his index finger with a table saw.
- Climbing Free by Lynn Hill – This autobiography describes Lynn Hill’s struggles and eventual success in becoming the first person to free climb The Nose of El Capitan. “It goes, boys!” And this book goes proudly on the bookshelf of any climber.
- Alone on the Wall by Alex Honnold – Thanks to his free solo of El Capitan and the Oscar-award winning film showcasing the feat, Alex Honnold has become perhaps the most well-known climber in the world. This book documents Honnold’s ultimate achievement and also discusses his unique psychology of fear and risk-taking.
- No Shortcuts to the Top by Ed Viesturs – Mountaineers (or aspiring mountaineers) will become engrossed by this memoir of Ed Viesturs, who spent 18 years pursuing the summits of the world’s 14 highest peaks.
- Annapurna: A Woman’s Place by Arlene Blum – The expedition leader of the group of American women who attempted to summit Annapurna in 1978 recounts the entire expedition, from the success of members of the party summitting to the terrible tragedy that followed.
MSRP: $15-$35
2. Mammut Alpine Dry Rope (9.5mm)
Who Will Love It: Alpine Climbers
An excellent rope for climbers who need something lightweight yet durable, the Mammut Alpine Dry Rope will be a beloved gift for any mountain climber. This dry-treated rope is designed to withstand alpine conditions, and it is abrasion-resistant to stand up to the sharp rock.
MSRP: $250
3. Outdoor Research Echo & Optimist Hoodie
Who Will Love It: Sport & Trad Climbers
Climbers who are out in the sun all day will appreciate an amazing sun hoodie. Sun hoodies make amazing gifts for climbers since they won’t have to slick up their hands with sunscreen.
The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie features UPF sun protection and moisture-wicking fabric to soak up sweat while the Outdoor Research Optimist Sun Hoodie is extra soft but built to withstand the abrasion of rough crack climbs.
MSRP: $65-$90
4. Black Diamond Camalot Z4s
Who Will Love It: Trad Climbers
Any trad climber would be thrilled to add the new Black Diamond Camalot Z4s to their rack. These small cams have a unique rigid yet flexible stem, which makes them easy to place and more secure in their placements. Sizes from 0.1 through .5 make excelling gifts for rock climbers.
MSRP: $70 (per cam)
5. La Sportiva TC Pro
Who Will Love It: Trad Climbers
These shoes are the gold standard for those climbers who love jamming their feet in cracks. Designed with input from Tommy Caldwell (hence the TC), the La Sportiva TC Pro shoes will be a sweet surprise for any trad climber’s feet.
MSRP: $190
6. CAMP USA Tricams
Who Will Love It: Trad Climbers
While they aren’t the most common pieces of trad gear, CAMP USA Tricams have the utility of both a nut and a cam in a very inexpensive package, and trad climbers often come to find tricams to be indispensable because they fit where nothing else can.
MSRP: $100 (for a rack of 4 sizes)
7. Petzl Corax Harness
Who Will Love It: Gym, Sport, & Trad Climbers
Super adjustable with double buckles on the waist as well as adjustable leg loops, the Petzl Corax harness is a great gift for a beginner climber. It also is a nice upgrade for a more experienced climber who has worn out their old harness, and it comes at an extremely reasonable price.
MSRP: $60
8. Petzl GriGri
Who Will Love It: Gym, Sport, & Trad Climbers
The Petzl Grigri is one of the most popular belay devices for good reason – it was the original assisted-braking device and has only improved with new versions over the years. The assisted braking feature provides an extra measure of safety for climbers both in the gym and outside.
MSRP: $110
9. Trango Beta Stick Evo
Who Will Love It: Sport Climbers
Okay, so a collapsable pole might not sound like ab amazing gift for climbers, but trust me here. A stick clip can be a savior for sport climbers, and the Trango Beta Stick Evo puts even intimidatingly high first bolts within reach.
The pole extends all the way to 12 feet and collapses down to a compact 2.5 feet so it can easily be carried to the crag.
MSRP: $75
10. Black Diamond Vector Helmet
Who Will Love It: Sport, Trad, & Alpine Climbers
This lightweight hybrid (foam with a plastic shell) helmet is an excellent brain bucket for any type of climber. The Black Diamond Vector Helmet is easily adjustable and provides plenty of ventilation for comfort.
MSRP: $85
11. Black Diamond White Gold
Who Will Love It: Boulderers & Sport Climbers
Black Diamond White Gold is high-quality chalk that will make extra-sweaty climbers extra happy when it stops them from slipping off the crux holds.
MSRP: $7-$14
12. Friction Labs Secret Stuff Liquid Chalk
Who Will Love It: Boulderers & Gym Climbers
As part of their COVID-19 protocols, many climbing gyms are now requiring climbers to use liquid chalk instead of loose chalk. Friction Labs Secret Stuff Liquid Chalk has been reformulated to contain 80% alcohol, so it will now sanitize hands as well as prevent palms from sweating on the wall.
MSRP: $19
13. Metolius Refillable Chalk Sock
Who Will Love It: Gym Climbers
The Metolius Refillable Chalk Sock might seem like a simple gift, but it is really an ingenious way for climbers to chalk up without spreading a cloud of chalk dust behind them as they go.
MSRP: $5
14. Metolius Session II Crash Pad
Who Will Love It: Boulderers
Become a boulderer’s best friend by giving them the gift of a crash pad! The Metolius Session II Crash Pad is an excellent all-around crash pad that makes a great starter pad for a beginner boulderer and a great additional pad for avid pebble wrestlers.
This crash pad easily carries all of a boulderer’s gear, and a little carpet square in the middle of the pad makes it convenient to clean climbing shoes before hopping on a problem.
MSRP: $160
15. Metolius Climbing Tape
Who Will Love It: All Climbers
Think that tape isn’t one of the most excellent gifts for climbers? Think again! (We are a weird bunch).
While crack climbers should probably buy climbing tape in bulk to make their homemade crack gloves, all climbers will find Metolius Climbing Tape comes in handy for taping up small injuries, like tweaked fingers, flappers, and blisters.
MSRP: $4
16. 8BPlus Chalk Bags
For a cute and fun climbing gift, snag an 8BPlus Chalk Bag. The creatures featured on the bags are so fun, the climber on your list will have a real conversation starter at the crag or gym.
Who Will Love It: All Climbers
MSRP: $30
17. Trigger Point Performance GRID 2.0 Foam Roller
Who Will Love It: All Climbers
Climbers are active folk with plenty of stress injuries a Trigger Point Performance Grid Foam Roller will let them flex out all of the stresses and strains that come with climbing.
MSRP: $60
18. Rawlogy Cork Massage Ball
Who Will Love It: All Climbers
Rawlogy Cork Massage Balls are lightweight, easy to use, and make the perfect gift for rock climbers. Work out shoulder knots on the go and keep on sending with Rawlogy.
MSRP: $15-$19
19. REI Flash 18 Pack
Who Will Love It: Multi-Pitch Climbers
Climbers who love to go on long climbs will absolutely love the REI Flash 18 Pack. The flash is lightweight, fits all the essentials for a full-day on the wall, and won’t break the bank. Bonus points for coming in fun designs too!
Psst: The REI Flash 22 is also just as amazing with extra storage and a top compartment.
MSRP: $40
20. Trango Phase Alpine Draws
Who Will Love It: Trad & Alpine Climbers
Some of the best gifts for climbers are the most practical. Trango Phase Alpine Quickdraws keep climbers safe while also allowing for full extension. Handy for trad and alpine climbs, these essential pieces of safety gear are a must-have for any climber.
MSRP: $22 per draw or 88 for a 4 pack
21. Metolius PAS 22
Who Will Love It: Sport Climbers
The Metolious PAS or Personal Anchor Device allows climbers to quickly clean climbing routes and retrieve their gear. The PAS 22 is an excellent gift for rock climbers because it also does double-duty since it’s rated for anchor use too.
MSRP: $34
22. Black Diamond Speed 40 Pack
Who Will Love It: Sport, Trad, & Alpine Climbers
Climbers need to get their gear to the crag, often carrying 20 pounds or more several miles to their chosen route. The Black Diamond Speed 40 pack has plenty of space for all the climbing gear plus a few essentials. It’s lightweight and durable, making it a great gift idea for climbers that carry lots of gear.
MSRP: $200
23. Metolius Ultralight Master Cam
Who Will Love It: Trad Climbers
Similar to the Black Diamond Z4 cam, the Metolius Ultralight Master Cam is one of the best rock climbing gifts for trad climbers. With lightweight and compact technology, these cams are a great fit for in-between the Black Diamond sizes.
They also work well in horizontal cracks. The 00 through 5 sizes are the most sought-after.
MSRP: $60-$65 per cam
24. CAMP USA Photon Locker
Who Will Love It: Sport & Trad Climbers
Climbers love things that seem really basic, such as the CAMP USA Photon Locker. But believe me, you can never have too many of these. The thin profile and easy locking mechanism make these carabiners multi-functional for any type of rope climbing.
MSRP: $12
25. Edelrid Giga Jul
Who Will Love It: Multi-Pitch Climbers
For a does-it-all belay device, look no further than the Edelrid Giga Jul. Edelrid is always on the cutting edge of climbing safety, so why shouldn’t the climber on your list be as safe as possible too?
The big advantage of the Giga Jul is the ability to belay from above while still having the break assist technology. It takes a few tries to get used to, but once you have the system dialed, you’ll never go back to a regular ATC again.
MSRP: $50
26. CAMP USA Orbit Mixed Express KS Quickdraw
Who Will Love It: Sport Climbers
Similar to alpine draws, the CAMP USA Orbit Mixed Express KS Quickdraw is a must-have for any sport climber. These draws clip easily, weigh less, and offer up years of protection. CAMP makes excellent protection for a reasonable price.
MSRP: $16 per draw or $90 for a pack of 6
27. La Sportiva TX Evo Pant
Who Will Love It: Alpine Climbers
The La Sportiva TX Evo Pant set the bar for alpine climbers. Three zippered pockets, breathable yet wind-proof material, and excellent stretch mean these pants are a go-to for alpine climbing. As one of the best gifts for mountain climbers, these pants are a must-have for any climber’s outfit.
MSRP: $120
28. Title Nine Clamberista Jogger Pants
Who Will Love It: Sport & Trad Climbers
Finding the perfect crag pant is a bit like hunting for a unicorn. Until now. The Clamberista Jogger fits like a cloud around a harness with the soft elastic waistband. The jogger cinches keep your pant legs out of the way while the gusseted crotch and stretchy fabric protects your legs. The best part? A zippered pocket that fits your favorite snack, phone, and lip balm!
MSRP: $89
BONUS: Dynamite Starfish Climbing Swag
Climbers love to show off their sport and the amazing swag at Dynamite Starfish lets you do just that. They have all sorts of awesome t-shirts, bandanas, tanks, sweatshirts, mugs, stickers, and more on their site.
Not to mention they donate 5% of their profit to climbing orgs!
A few of my personal favs include the High Maintenance Tee (pictured below) and the tricam mug (perfect for trad climbers).
Get an EXCLUSIVE 15% off your order when you use the coupon FOXCLIMBS at checkout.
These are the hottest climbing gifts of the year. From tape to new cams, there’s something for any climber on your list. Give the gift that keeps on giving with these rock climbing gifts.
Additional Gift Guides:
Looking for the perfect outdoor gift? You’ve come to the right place. As a professional gear writer for the outdoors, I’ve got plenty of recommendations for any adventurer on your list:
- Incredible Gifts for Campers
- What to Get the Backpacker on Your List This Year
- Hiking Gifts that any Trail Lover will Enjoy
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