Already stocked up on your gym-to-crag essentials? If you’re looking to level up your climbing days, these upgrades will make a noticeable difference. From keeping your neck happy to navigating with ease, here are five pieces of gear that’ll take your crag days from good to great.
1. Belay Glasses
These might look a little goofy, but your neck will thank you! Belay glasses use prisms to let you watch your climber without craning your head the whole time.
They promote better, more attentive belaying - especially on long sport routes or project burns where your climber might be working hard for a while. Style points? Optional. Safe and comfy belaying? Essential. Check out a variety of options from Metolius and Le Pirate like the Metolius Upshot Belay Glasses. They feature sport-style temples with low-profile nose pads, fitting comfortably even when used with glasses or sunglasses. They come with a lanyard, hard case, and lens cloth, ensuring they're protected and ready for use at the crag.
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2. Guidebook
Sure, you can find some route info online at Mountain Project or The Crag, but nothing beats a printed guidebook when you’re out at the crag with no cell signal. Good guidebooks include maps, route descriptions and bolt counts, photos, gear recommendations, and approach info.
They’re also a great way to learn the ethics and history of the area you’re climbing in. Plus, you’re supporting local authors and developers by buying one. We have one of the largest guidebook selections out there, with over 50 volumes covering the majority of crags and bouldering areas in North America, as well as options for popular areas in Europe and Asia.
Recommendations:
- Canada - Ontario - The Nooks Bouldering Guidebook by Brendan Baars
- Canada - Ontario - Thunder Bay Climbing: A Guide to Northwestern Ontario's Best Kept Secret Guidebook by Aric Fishman
- Canada - Ontario Climbing: Vol 1.4 Rattlesnake Point Guidebook by Gus Alexandropoulos
- Canada - Ontario Bouldering The Niagara Glen - Guidebook by Orc Gear Limited
- Canada - Ontario Climbing Vol 2 - The Northern Escarpment Guidebook by Gus Alexandropoulos
3. Pack
You don’t need a huge pack, but something durable, comfy, and organized will make your approach and crag days way smoother. Look for packs with a rope tarp built in or stash one separately to keep your rope clean.
You’ll want space for your rope, draws, harness, shoes, helmet, snacks, and a layer or two. Bonus points for external helmet carry or easy-access pockets.
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4. Approach Shoes
The trails to the crag aren’t always mellow - and your climbing shoes aren’t made for hiking. A solid pair of approach shoes blends grippy rubber, stiff soles, and all-day comfort for the hike in and out.
Many also perform well on scrambles or low-angle climbing if your route starts with a sketchy slab.
Recommendations:
- La Sportiva TX4 Approach shoes
- Scarpa Mojito Lifestyle Sneakers - Women's
- Scarpa Mescalito Planet Approach Shoes - Men's
5. Headlamp
Last but definitely not least: bring a headlamp, even if you think you’ll be back before dark. Whether you linger at the crag, take longer than expected, or just need to read a guidebook under a shady tree, a headlamp is a must-have safety item.
Make sure it’s charged (or pack spare batteries), and stash it in an outer pocket of your pack so it’s always ready. To be extra prepared, strap the headlamp to your helmet using the built-in attachment points.
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Once you’ve got your core kit dialed, these upgrades are the little things that make a big difference. They’re the pieces of gear you didn’t know you needed until you try them - keeping you comfortable, organized, and ready to focus on your climb.