When indoor rock climbing, it’s important to have the right clothing. This very physical sport requires you to move and bend without restrictions so finding something comfortable is the key to performing well. When you have the right clothing, you can concentrate on the climb instead of wishing you had worn a different shirt. The clothes you wear will make a big difference in the way you perform when climbing.
Since you’re climbing in a controlled environment when indoor rock climbing, you can wear most anything that’s comfortable. The only thing you need to keep in mind is safety. You don’t want anything getting caught in ropes or pulleys and causing injury.
What to wear when indoor rock climbing:
Wearing shorts will make it easier to bend your knees without restrictions so it will be easier to climb. If you choose to wear shorts, the longer styles that fit close to legs will be the best choice. You’ll be wearing a harness that will go around each leg and if your shorts are too short, this could be very uncomfortable. When choosing a shirt, short sleeves will make it much easier to use your elbows as you scale the wall. Tee shirts and tank tops are good options but they need to fit snug to the body and be tucked into the shorts or pants. Women need to make sure the top is not too low in the front and that it won’t fly up as they’re climbing. If you choose to wear long sleeves, pick the ones that hug your arms (but that don’t feel binding) not the big, balloon-type sleeves so they won’t get tangled up. Make sure you have plenty of room in the shoulders where you can twist and turn without being restricted by the shirt but keep it tight around the torso. When wearing pants, some good choices are cargo and jogging pants. Whichever type of pant you choose, don’t wear baggy ones. They can get caught on the rocks or your gear and cause you to get tangled up or lose your footing. If they’re close to your legs, they won’t get caught on obstacles as easily. Certain types of jeans make good climbing pants but stay around from the tight styles and choose stretchy denims that move with you. Avoid delicate fabrics such as silk or satin that can rip or tear easily if caught on the rocks or gear. All clothes, including undergarments, should be made from a breathable fabric that allows good airflow and that dry quickly when sweating. This will help to keep you cool and comfortable during your climb. It’s recommended that you invest in a good pair of indoor rock climbing shoes. This will have a huge impact on how well you climb. Most facilities rent these out but it’s not the same as having your own personal pair that you love.
The clothes you wear need to be close-fitting to your body but not so tight that they feel uncomfortable. Clothing made from lightweight material that stretches are best because they form to your body but they don’t affect movement. Choosing the right clothing for rock climbing will make you more comfortable and it will help you to stay safer. The wrong clothing can hinder your performance but it can also increase the risk of accidents.