Buying Rock Climbing Gear in the UAE

Rock climbing, just like any sport, has a whole consumer gear industry built around it.

Luckily with climbing, basic gear goes a very long way! You don't have to spend hundreds on advanced equipment to get good at the sport.

We recommend starting out in a climbing gym using their rental gear where you can try the various disciplines such as bouldering or sport climbing first.

Since the majority of climbers typically lean towards one type after a few sessions, this determines what you should invest in. For us, this meant bouldering crashpads instead of rope and quick draws.

What gear do I need?

As the frequency of climbing increases, most would prefer having their own personal gear. There are good checklists on Switchback and REI but here is also a quick overview.

The basics

These items are the common basics for any form of rock climbing.

1. Climbing shoes - These are shoes with special high friction rubber and are meant to fit very snuggly. This article is a good read for beginners choosing their first pair. After gaining some proficiency, it's good to get a pair for better performance.
2. Chalk - Chalk is magnesium carbonate that absorbs moisture from your hands resulting in better grip. It is either liquid (contains alcohol) or in powdered form. The latter is still the preferred choice amongst climbers.
3. Chalk bag  - A container to put chalk typically with a strap to tie it on your waist before a climb.

Sport climbing gear

Items 1 to 3 are the basics for top rope climbing. The helmet is only needed for climbing outdoors of course.

Items 4 to 6 are necessary to start lead climbing. One set is needed per pair of climbers.

1. Harness - A set of straps around the waist and thighs which distribute the force of a fall evenly across the body when a climber falls.
2. Belay device - Controls the rope when used with the proper belaying techniques. Comes in various designs.
3. Helmet - Protects climbers from accidents and/or rock fall during outdoor climbing.
4. Rope - Supports weight and absorbs the dynamic energy of a fall when attached to a harness.
5. Carabiner - Metal loop with a spring loaded gate that helps to connect gear.
6. Quick draws - Two non-locking carabiners connected by a rigid sling that connect rope to fixed points on a wall.

Bouldering gear‍

You only need items beyond the basics for bouldering outdoors. Check out our in-depth article about preparing for an outdoor bouldering trip.

1. Crashpad - These portable foam mats are placed on the ground to cushion a fall during an attempt to climb a boulder.
2. Brush - Cleaning the holds before and after climbing on them is good practice.

Other accessories

1. Hangboard - A training tool with various grips into the board that climbers use to improve their finger strength and endurance.
2. Climbing tape - Flexible, tear resistant tape that climbers sometimes use to protect or support their hands from injury.

Where to buy them?

Online Shops

1. Bananafingers / EpicTV - One company with 2 websites that carry a wide range of brands and items that ship from the UK. ‍
2. Trekinn - One of the biggest online retailers with Trekinn as their climbing platform that also carries a large variety.
3. Decathlon AE - Another large brand that creates their own sports products with the 'Simond' brand as their climbing product line.‍
4. Geardoor - Focused on outdoor adventure including climbing based in the UAE.

Our preferred online shop for buying most climbing gear is Bananafingers because of their broad assortment and sizes. While Trekinn is larger, we've found the shipping charges and timings to be less reliable.

Do note that since the start of 2023, goods shipped into UAE with a value greater than 300 AED are taxed at 5% of the product cost, insurance, and shipping. Regulations change of course so do check on this and your cart total before purchasing.

Retail & Gym Shops

1. Mountain Extreme - A small shop in the gym with most of the climbing gear you need. They mainly carry Petzl along with some products from La Sportiva, Black Diamond, and Andrea Boldrini.
2. Rock Republic - A small selection behind their counter in the gym with the climbing essentials and a crashpad. Their shoe brands are Black Diamond and Tenaya.
3. Adidas / GoSport - The shops here carry the Five Ten Kirigami and line of shoes though stock and sizes are very limited.
4. Brands For Less - Occasionally there are Five Ten Dragon's going for 35 AED a pair at limited outlets.
5. Decathlon AE - As mentioned above, Decathlon carries their own 'Simond' line of climbing products in their Dubai and Abu Dhabi stores.

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