Indoor rock climbing requires specific kinds of clothing and gear. Many indoor rock climbing gyms offer unisex rental equipment. But women need different stuff. If you’re really getting into indoor rock climbing, you may want to buy your own gear… specifically built for your body, not a man’s.

Long Hair and Climbing Indoors

In the climbing world, some men have to deal with this too!

You may find that hair in your face is the bigger issue- as long as it’s pulled away from your face, it shouldn’t be a problem. That is, unless it’s so long it gets into your equipment.

One female climber said, “Hair- Personally I tie mine back.. I don’t want it getting caught in my ATC or in the quick draws.. I generally ponytail it, or even braid it… however I feel for the day… it depends, but have fun with it.”

Women’s Indoor Rock Climbing Clothing

Jeans? Leggings are better. You need to be flexible and jeans prevent movement to a degree.

And not baggy pants, because people might be able to see up under them when you’re high

up.

Two good combos are:

1. Semi baggy tee shirt and leggings
2. Bermuda shorts and a long fitting tee shirt

Climbing Harnesses for Women

Women’s harnesses are built for the female body. Women have smaller waists and larger thighs than men. The distance between leg loops and the waist belt—the rise—is longer in women’s harnesses than men’s.

There are exceptions to the rule and some women are not built best for women’s harnesses. Try all harnesses before you make your decision. Look for a good fit in the waist and leg loops. When trying on a harness, wear your climbing clothes and make sure that the fit is snug and comfortable. Padded leg loops are essential if you are wearing thin clothing or have direct contact with your skin. You also have the option of the seat-belt material with little or no padding, but this may only be comfortable if you are wearing thick clothing.

Climbing Shoes for Women

It might gross you out to rent used shoes, but it makes all the difference in the world- it’s not easy to climb in the beginning, and it’s almost impossible without climbing shoes. If you can deal with that and the heights, soon you’ll be buying your own new shoes.