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Climbing can be an expensive sport, especially as you start investing in quality gear and accessories. Fortunately, with a few creative hacks, you can extend the life of your equipment, save time, and keep your wallet happy. Here are some clever climbing gear hacks to help you make the most of your setup.
1. Tape Your Shoes to Extend Their Life
What to Do:
Climbing shoes take a beating, especially if you’re using them regularly on rough surfaces. Athletic tape can help protect high-wear areas, such as the toe box and rand.
How to Do It:
Wrap a few layers of tape around the toe and front edges of your shoes before a session, especially if you’re working on rough walls or crack climbing. This helps prevent premature wear on the rubber and fabric.
Benefits:
You’ll extend the life of your shoes and save money on resoling or replacements.
2. Make Your Own Chalk Ball
What to Do:
Instead of buying new chalk balls every time, make your own reusable version with a bit of chalk and a piece of breathable fabric.
How to Do It:
Use an old sock or a small cloth bag, fill it with loose chalk, and tie it off. You now have a DIY chalk ball that you can refill as needed.
Benefits:
This DIY option is budget-friendly, minimizes chalk spills, and reduces waste.
3. Reuse Household Items as Gear Organizers
What to Do:
Use inexpensive, everyday items to keep your gear organized and accessible.
How to Do It:
- Carabiner Clip: Use an old keychain carabiner to hold items like tape, brushes, or small tools.
- Old Shoeboxes: Use shoeboxes to store smaller items, such as finger tape, extra carabiners, or chalk bags, keeping them neatly organized in one place.
- Mesh Laundry Bags: Store items like quickdraws, harnesses, and chalk bags in a mesh laundry bag for easy transport.
Benefits:
This keeps your gear tidy, easy to find, and ready for your next adventure.
4. Use Tennis Elbow Braces as Cheap Knee Pads for Kneebars
What to Do:
If you’re working on a route with kneebars, tennis elbow braces can act as affordable knee protection, preventing bruises and scrapes.
How to Do It:
Place the elbow brace around your knee, and the cushioning will help protect your knee cap when pressing against holds.
Benefits:
This is a budget-friendly alternative to pricier climbing-specific knee pads and provides decent protection.
5. Make Your Own Finger Tape Rings
What to Do:
Climbers often tape up their fingers for better support or to protect from abrasions. Instead of carrying a bulky roll of tape, pre-cut small strips and attach them to a carabiner for easy access.
How to Do It:
Wrap individual strips around the base of a carabiner, then peel and use as needed. This saves time on the wall and minimizes the need to carry a full roll.
Benefits:
Having quick access to pre-cut tape strips means you’re always prepared, and it makes it easier to grab what you need mid-route.
6. Use a Water Bottle with Built-In Storage
What to Do:
Some water bottles come with built-in storage at the bottom, which is perfect for small climbing essentials.
How to Do It:
Store essentials like finger tape, a nail file, or even a few carabiners in the base of your water bottle. This keeps them handy without taking up extra space in your climbing bag.
Benefits:
Combining storage with hydration saves space and ensures that you always have your essentials close by.
7. DIY Rope Bag from an Old Tarp or Duffel Bag
What to Do:
If you don’t want to spend money on a rope bag, create your own by repurposing an old tarp or duffel bag.
How to Do It:
Cut a tarp to your preferred size, and use it to protect your rope from dirt and dust. You can roll the rope up in the tarp or place it in an old duffel bag for easy transport.
Benefits:
This protects your rope while saving you the cost of a commercial rope bag.
8. Use an Old Toothbrush as a Crag Brush
What to Do:
Instead of buying a dedicated climbing brush, use an old toothbrush to clean chalk and dirt off holds.
How to Do It:
Simply keep an old toothbrush in your chalk bag or attached to your harness. The bristles work well for cleaning holds without damaging the rock.
Benefits:
Reusing a toothbrush is free, effective, and eco-friendly.
9. Save Money with Reusable Chalk
What to Do:
Chalk can be a recurring expense, especially if you climb regularly. Consider using chalk blocks instead of loose powder, as they last longer and reduce waste.
How to Do It:
Purchase a large chalk block, break off small pieces as needed, and keep it in your chalk bag. Blocks tend to last longer, and you can easily crumble them when you need more powder.
Benefits:
This option reduces costs and minimizes the mess from loose chalk.
10. Use a Rubber Patch to Repair Worn Shoe Soles
What to Do:
If your climbing shoe soles are starting to wear, apply a rubber patch instead of getting them professionally resoled.
How to Do It:
Rubber repair kits are available online and can be applied to small worn areas, giving your shoes some extra life. Apply the patch to high-wear zones like the toes and edges.
Benefits:
DIY repairs can extend your shoes’ lifespan and save you the cost of a full resole.
Recommended Product:
- Shoe Goo Repair Adhesive – Perfect for patching worn shoe rubber.
11. Use Resistance Bands as Portable Warm-Up Tools
What to Do:
Resistance bands are lightweight, portable, and ideal for warming up your shoulders, arms, and fingers.
How to Do It:
Pack a small resistance band in your bag and use it for pre-climb warm-ups like shoulder rotations, wrist curls, and finger extensions.
Benefits:
This is an affordable, portable option that improves flexibility and reduces injury risk.
Recommended Product:
- Resistance Bands Set: Available on Amazon for affordable options.
12. Bring Nail Clippers and a File for Finger and Toe Maintenance
What to Do:
Sharp nails can snag on holds, while rough edges can create uncomfortable pressure in climbing shoes. Keep a small nail kit in your bag for quick maintenance.
How to Do It:
Before a climb, quickly trim or file nails to avoid snags and improve comfort. This is especially helpful if you’re tackling small holds that require a lot of finger strength.
Benefits:
Keeping your nails short and smooth can prevent painful snags and improve your grip.
13. Store Gear in a Large Towel or Blanket
What to Do:
Instead of buying an extra rope tarp or mat, use a large towel or blanket to lay out your gear and rope.
How to Do It:
When you’re at the crag or gym, lay out your towel to protect your rope from dirt and keep gear organized. When you’re done, shake off the towel, fold it up, and pack it back in your bag.
Benefits:
This is a lightweight, budget-friendly alternative that’s easy to clean and reuse.
14. Opt for Used Gear When Possible
What to Do:
Buying used climbing gear, especially for items like shoes or harnesses, can save you a significant amount of money.
How to Do It:
Look for quality used items through reputable sources or online groups, and inspect them carefully for safety. Avoid purchasing used ropes, as their condition is harder to verify.
Benefits:
Used gear is often available at a fraction of the cost, allowing you to invest in higher-quality items without the full price tag.
Final Thoughts
With a bit of creativity, you can save time and money on climbing gear without compromising on performance or safety. From DIY repairs to multi-functional gear, these hacks will help you climb smarter while staying within budget. Embrace these tips and see how far you can stretch your resources—your wallet and gear will thank you!