From the bottom of a cliff, rock climbing seems an improbable, if not downright insane, pursuit. The stakes are too high, the ropes too thin, the risk of falling too great. Then again, runners collapse all the time during marathons, and cyclists are constantly getting Froggerโd. In fact, some studies suggest climbing is less likely to kill you than seemingly tame sports like tennis and swimming. The reason so few climbers fall is because โ and this is the hardest thing for a first-timer โ theyโve learned to trust their partner and, just as important, their gear. For that kind of faith, it goes without saying that you need reliable equipment, the kind thatโll save your life when you miss a hold and take a whipper from 100+ feet in the air.
This is bomber, save-your-ass gear thatโll get you started with trad climbing, but a word of caution: itโs only as good as the climber using it. Take a course, learn to belay, and then find an experienced mentor who can teach you the ropes and be your lead climber. Because thatโs so important, weโve omitted lead protection (cams and nuts) from this kit. Your lead climbing partner has a complete rack and, once youโve chosen your favorite style of climbing and got some routes under your belt, can give you pointers on what youโll need. (Black Diamond makes very good industry standards in its Stoppers and Camalots.) With the PSA out of the way, itโs time to climb.
BlueWater Ropes Lightning Pro 9.7mm (70m, Bi-Color)
While the best rope ultimately depends on the type of climbing you do, this one from Georgia-based BlueWater Ropes is a good all-rounder thatโs tough enough to handle lots of falls but stretchy enough to absorb plenty of force in that case. In fact, family-owned BlueWater was the first American company to manufacture dynamic climbing ropes, and theyโre still making some of the industryโs best, which is why theyโre the favorite hangout of climbing greats Conrad Anker, Tommy Caldwell and Renan Ozturk. Spend the extra money for the bi-color option, which helps you quickly ID the midpoint for rappelling and coiling.