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OneClimbWally
Oct 11, 2012, 3:02 AM
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I want to start climbing really bad but just wondering what the cost range will be to really get into it. Tried doing some searches but nothing I could find was very specific. Are we talking like around $500 or thousands?
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bearbreeder
Oct 11, 2012, 3:33 AM
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for inside
harness ... 40$
chalk bag ... 10$
shoes ... 100$
belay device and biner ... 20$
cost of membership ... who knows
for outside add
helmet ... 50$
rope ... 100$
anchor material ... 50$
quickdraws if leading sport ... 150$
trad rack if leading trad ... varies but say 500$
free gas and beer for someone who knows they are doing to take a newbie out ... varies
fun you have climbing outside instead of surfing the intrawebs ... priceless
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OneClimbWally
Oct 11, 2012, 3:38 AM
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That's not bad at all. Thanks !
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bearbreeder
Oct 11, 2012, 3:39 AM
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its a pretty cheap sport ... at least until you quit your job because of it 
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madam
Oct 11, 2012, 6:06 AM
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well, then it gets even cheaper since you need to save up more money:)
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njrox
Oct 11, 2012, 12:55 PM
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$500-$600 is a good amount to start with. That will at least get you top-rope climbing.
$150-$200 climbing rope
$50-$100 static rope (depending on length needed)
$60-$80 locking carabineers
$20 belay device
$50 harness
$50 helmet
$50-$75 basic climbing shoes
$50-$75 extra cord, slings, webbing
Get into sport climbing and figure $100-$150 for quickdraws
Get into trad and figure $1,000. Cams aren't cheap and you're going to need some doubles. Sling-Draws are another expense. Replacing stuck gear, buying quick links and rap rings...it adds up!
And if you end up like me and get into Ice Climbing too...pfftt, forget it!
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markc
Oct 11, 2012, 2:17 PM
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I'll add that a lot of people I know gradually accumulate gear. Climbing isn't for everyone, and I found it was better to just buy things as I needed them. I know more than a couple people with stuff they'll never use again sitting in a closet, whether it's because their initial interest wore off or they bought stuff they just don't need.
If you've rented equipment at the gym a few times or borrowed your friends ill-fitting shoes and you're hooked, you can get the stuff on bearbreeder's "indoor" list for around $200 without much effort. That puts you in good shape to hit the gym or to tag along with more experienced climbers. As you get progressively into climbing, you can make a more informed choice about what you need.
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lena_chita
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Oct 11, 2012, 2:22 PM
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OneClimbWally wrote: That's not bad at all. Thanks !
What you don't see on that list is the fact that it is not a one-time deal. Most likely, you will need a new pair of shoes after 4-6 months. And depending on which shoes you like, they might set you back as much as $170 for a regular-price.
And everything else will need eventual replacement. Harness -- within 5 years, likely less.
Rope -- after 2-4 seasons, depending on how hard/how often you use it
Slings and dogbones getting old, cams needing re-slinging, worn out 'biners, etc. etc. It is more or less continuous process. I don't think there had been a single year when I have not bought or replaced some climbing equipment.
Oh, and you would also need some kind of bag or backpack to carry all of the above.
And don't forget that climbing outside usually means camping. So add tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, campstove, etc.
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csproul
Oct 11, 2012, 2:29 PM
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What you really need is the absolute minimum amount of gear and then a partner you has everything else!
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OneClimbWally
Oct 11, 2012, 2:39 PM
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LOL soul. Thanks alot guys really good info. I'm super stoked now  Going to start soon. Rock climbing guided instruction and rock climbing classes at Joshua Tree National Park and Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks, Idyllwild. Seems like a good start. I think paying for some initial instruction will pay off and get me going quicker.
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njrox
Oct 11, 2012, 3:04 PM
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talk to your guide about the areas you are likely to be climbing at regularly to get an idea of the equipment you will need. my first experience with rock pro was building a TR anchor at an area with no trees and the guide was able to tell me the exact peices I would need as opposed to up and buying an entire rack.
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granite_grrl
Oct 11, 2012, 3:07 PM
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lena_chita wrote: OneClimbWally wrote: That's not bad at all. Thanks ! What you don't see on that list is the fact that it is not a one-time deal. Most likely, you will need a new pair of shoes after 4-6 months. And depending on which shoes you like, they might set you back as much as $170 for a regular-price. And everything else will need eventual replacement. Harness -- within 5 years, likely less. Rope -- after 2-4 seasons, depending on how hard/how often you use it Slings and dogbones getting old, cams needing re-slinging, worn out 'biners, etc. etc. It is more or less continuous process. I don't think there had been a single year when I have not bought or replaced some climbing equipment. Oh, and you would also need some kind of bag or backpack to carry all of the above. And don't forget that climbing outside usually means camping. So add tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, campstove, etc.
And you didn't even mention to pice of gas for when you're really hooked and willing to do a 10 hour drive for a 3 day weekend!
But when you really look at it these recurring costs aren't that much when you consider how the average person spends their weekends (spending money going out to dinner, clubs, etc).
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Rudmin
Oct 11, 2012, 3:15 PM
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bearbreeder wrote: for inside harness ... 40$ chalk bag ... 10$ shoes ... 100$ belay device and biner ... 20$ cost of membership ... who knows for outside add helmet ... 50$ rope ... 100$ anchor material ... 50$ quickdraws if leading sport ... 150$ trad rack if leading trad ... varies but say 500$ free gas and beer for someone who knows they are doing to take a newbie out ... varies fun you have climbing outside instead of surfing the intrawebs ... priceless
I would say this price list is a little bit out of date or optimistic. You would have to scour a lot of sales to get all of these items at these prices. For the MSRP of the average item, add about 50% to everything.
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csproul
Oct 11, 2012, 3:16 PM
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granite_grrl wrote: lena_chita wrote: OneClimbWally wrote: That's not bad at all. Thanks ! What you don't see on that list is the fact that it is not a one-time deal. Most likely, you will need a new pair of shoes after 4-6 months. And depending on which shoes you like, they might set you back as much as $170 for a regular-price. And everything else will need eventual replacement. Harness -- within 5 years, likely less. Rope -- after 2-4 seasons, depending on how hard/how often you use it Slings and dogbones getting old, cams needing re-slinging, worn out 'biners, etc. etc. It is more or less continuous process. I don't think there had been a single year when I have not bought or replaced some climbing equipment. Oh, and you would also need some kind of bag or backpack to carry all of the above. And don't forget that climbing outside usually means camping. So add tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, campstove, etc. And you didn't even mention to pice of gas for when you're really hooked and willing to do a 10 hour drive for a 3 day weekend! But when you really look at it these recurring costs aren't that much when you consider how the average person spends their weekends (spending money going out to dinner, clubs, etc).
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lena_chita
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Oct 11, 2012, 3:17 PM
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granite_grrl wrote: lena_chita wrote: OneClimbWally wrote: That's not bad at all. Thanks ! What you don't see on that list is the fact that it is not a one-time deal. Most likely, you will need a new pair of shoes after 4-6 months. And depending on which shoes you like, they might set you back as much as $170 for a regular-price. And everything else will need eventual replacement. Harness -- within 5 years, likely less. Rope -- after 2-4 seasons, depending on how hard/how often you use it Slings and dogbones getting old, cams needing re-slinging, worn out 'biners, etc. etc. It is more or less continuous process. I don't think there had been a single year when I have not bought or replaced some climbing equipment. Oh, and you would also need some kind of bag or backpack to carry all of the above. And don't forget that climbing outside usually means camping. So add tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, campstove, etc. And you didn't even mention to pice of gas for when you're really hooked and willing to do a 10 hour drive for a 3 day weekend! But when you really look at it these recurring costs aren't that much when you consider how the average person spends their weekends (spending money going out to dinner, clubs, etc).
True -- because you are climbing, you are not doing a lot of other money-spending activities.
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lena_chita
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Oct 11, 2012, 3:19 PM
Post #16 of 37
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csproul wrote: granite_grrl wrote: lena_chita wrote: OneClimbWally wrote: That's not bad at all. Thanks ! What you don't see on that list is the fact that it is not a one-time deal. Most likely, you will need a new pair of shoes after 4-6 months. And depending on which shoes you like, they might set you back as much as $170 for a regular-price. And everything else will need eventual replacement. Harness -- within 5 years, likely less. Rope -- after 2-4 seasons, depending on how hard/how often you use it Slings and dogbones getting old, cams needing re-slinging, worn out 'biners, etc. etc. It is more or less continuous process. I don't think there had been a single year when I have not bought or replaced some climbing equipment. Oh, and you would also need some kind of bag or backpack to carry all of the above. And don't forget that climbing outside usually means camping. So add tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, campstove, etc. And you didn't even mention to pice of gas for when you're really hooked and willing to do a 10 hour drive for a 3 day weekend! But when you really look at it these recurring costs aren't that much when you consider how the average person spends their weekends (spending money going out to dinner, clubs, etc). You don't go out to dinner and clubs after a day of climbing?!
Ugh, I knew i was hanging out with the wrong crowd.
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markc
Oct 11, 2012, 3:37 PM
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Rudmin wrote: bearbreeder wrote: for inside harness ... 40$ chalk bag ... 10$ shoes ... 100$ belay device and biner ... 20$ cost of membership ... who knows for outside add helmet ... 50$ rope ... 100$ anchor material ... 50$ quickdraws if leading sport ... 150$ trad rack if leading trad ... varies but say 500$ free gas and beer for someone who knows they are doing to take a newbie out ... varies fun you have climbing outside instead of surfing the intrawebs ... priceless I would say this price list is a little bit out of date or optimistic. You would have to scour a lot of sales to get all of these items at these prices. For the MSRP of the average item, add about 50% to everything.
I noticed that bearbreeder was a little on the low end and njrox a little on the high end for some items. It gives you a decent idea of the range you might fall in depending on deals and your choices. http://www.spadout.com is a good site for comparison shopping.
Sometimes new climbers search for package deals, as it seems like the easiest way to get what you need. I've found you can often get better deals buying things individually. Packages may include things you don't really need, or higher-cost items when less expensive brands are really comparable.
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granite_grrl
Oct 11, 2012, 3:38 PM
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lena_chita wrote: csproul wrote: granite_grrl wrote: lena_chita wrote: OneClimbWally wrote: That's not bad at all. Thanks ! What you don't see on that list is the fact that it is not a one-time deal. Most likely, you will need a new pair of shoes after 4-6 months. And depending on which shoes you like, they might set you back as much as $170 for a regular-price. And everything else will need eventual replacement. Harness -- within 5 years, likely less. Rope -- after 2-4 seasons, depending on how hard/how often you use it Slings and dogbones getting old, cams needing re-slinging, worn out 'biners, etc. etc. It is more or less continuous process. I don't think there had been a single year when I have not bought or replaced some climbing equipment. Oh, and you would also need some kind of bag or backpack to carry all of the above. And don't forget that climbing outside usually means camping. So add tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, campstove, etc. And you didn't even mention to pice of gas for when you're really hooked and willing to do a 10 hour drive for a 3 day weekend! But when you really look at it these recurring costs aren't that much when you consider how the average person spends their weekends (spending money going out to dinner, clubs, etc). You don't go out to dinner and clubs after a day of climbing?! Ugh, I knew i was hanging out with the wrong crowd.
If there's a new club that's recently opened at the RRG I'll be game to check it out this weekend. Just be aware I'll likely be falling asleep by midnight (this is where that whole "wrong crowd" thing comes in doesn't it....).
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lena_chita
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Oct 11, 2012, 3:40 PM
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granite_grrl wrote: lena_chita wrote: csproul wrote: granite_grrl wrote: lena_chita wrote: OneClimbWally wrote: That's not bad at all. Thanks ! What you don't see on that list is the fact that it is not a one-time deal. Most likely, you will need a new pair of shoes after 4-6 months. And depending on which shoes you like, they might set you back as much as $170 for a regular-price. And everything else will need eventual replacement. Harness -- within 5 years, likely less. Rope -- after 2-4 seasons, depending on how hard/how often you use it Slings and dogbones getting old, cams needing re-slinging, worn out 'biners, etc. etc. It is more or less continuous process. I don't think there had been a single year when I have not bought or replaced some climbing equipment. Oh, and you would also need some kind of bag or backpack to carry all of the above. And don't forget that climbing outside usually means camping. So add tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, campstove, etc. And you didn't even mention to pice of gas for when you're really hooked and willing to do a 10 hour drive for a 3 day weekend! But when you really look at it these recurring costs aren't that much when you consider how the average person spends their weekends (spending money going out to dinner, clubs, etc). You don't go out to dinner and clubs after a day of climbing?! Ugh, I knew i was hanging out with the wrong crowd. If there's a new club that's recently opened at the RRG I'll be game to check it out this weekend. Just be aware I'll likely be falling asleep by midnight (this is where that whole "wrong crowd" thing comes in doesn't it....).
I'll be falling asleep right there beside you. And I think the closest club would be in Lexington.
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njrox
Oct 11, 2012, 3:57 PM
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csproul wrote: You don't go out to dinner and clubs after a day of climbing?!
Club Hot Shower.
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bearbreeder
Oct 11, 2012, 5:27 PM
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Rudmin wrote: I would say this price list is a little bit out of date or optimistic. You would have to scour a lot of sales to get all of these items at these prices. For the MSRP of the average item, add about 50% to everything.
bull 
eldrid jay harness 43$ ... 39$ with 10% off discount when you buy a package
http://www.mec.ca/...y-harness-unisex.jsp
mec chalk bag 11$ ... 10$ with discount
http://www.mec.ca/...ascent-chalk-bag.jsp
WC belay device and biner 16$ ... 14$ with discount
http://www.mec.ca/...rgy-kl-belay-set.jsp
evolve defy shoes 84$ .. 75$ with discount
http://www.mec.ca/...-rock-shoes-mens.jsp
i stated 170$ for indoors ... actual price from a major canadian retailer with the normal every day discount is 140$ .. all "name brand" equipment from reputable climbing companies ...
for outside ...
eldrid helmet 49$ ... 45$ with discount
http://www.mec.ca/...ltralight-helmet.jsp
tendon smart rope 10mm ... use the regular discount code Natur3 for 15$ off so 85$
http://www.lacordee.com/...gle-rope/lnx-smart10
4 BD Lockers for TR 36$
http://www.mec.ca/...-screwgate-biner.jsp
6m of 7mm static cord ... 11$
http://www.mec.ca/...-7mm-static-cord.jsp
i had gear for TR as an additional 200$ ... real price is 177$ ... so total for TR climbing i had as 370$, real price is 317$
for sport add
12 BD freewire draws 138$ ... with 10% discount when you buy more than 6 draws, 125$
http://www.mec.ca/...eewire-quickdraw.jsp
for trad add
set of 7 camp nuts 50$
http://www.lacordee.com/...-protection-kit/4016
set of metolius power cams 1-8 438$ ... with 10% discount when you buy 4 ore more metolius cams, 395$
http://www.mec.ca/...alight-power-cam.jsp
DMM nut tool, 11$
http://www.lacordee.com/...vices-extractor/8165
so i had the total of draws and rack at 650$ ... real sport/trad cost is 580$ ... you can spend the difference on a few slings, cord, etc ...
my total OVERALL cost i had as 1020$ ...real total over all cost of what i listed is REALLY 897$ without tax
so i was a bit off on the HIGH side
again this is all name brand equipment from major canadian retailers at regular prices/discounts/coupon codes ... no seasonal specials or clearance
one of the biggest and IMO stupidest things is for new climbers to go off believing they have to spend $$$$$$ to go climbing ... or that $$$$$$ gear will keep you safer than cheaper but reliable gear from good manufacturers ...
just like those people who NEED a 200$ dry treated duodess rope to TR ... or NEED TC Pros to do 5.7s indoors
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Rudmin
Oct 11, 2012, 5:45 PM
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My point is that you found sales and picked the cheapest items for each category. Your price list is not representative of the typical price of those items.
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njrox
Oct 11, 2012, 5:50 PM
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Seriously dude. Did you really just go and look all that stuff up???
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csproul
Oct 11, 2012, 6:34 PM
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Those are mostly in Canadian dollars, right?
I'm not sure what the exchange rate is right now, I don't think it is far off of 1:1. Any idea if these items cost the same here in the US? Are Canadian prices representative of other places, or is Canada an outlier?
(This post was edited by csproul on Oct 11, 2012, 6:58 PM)
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