Holiday Gift Guide 2024
Climbing is a world of its own. If you’re new to the sport or not involved at all, shopping for the climber on your list can feel a bit hopeless… but we’re here to help. We are a small team of passionate climbers, and we love nothing more than geeking out on gear.
We’ve tested this stuff, and we know what works and what doesn’t.
Read this guide to find the perfect gift for the climber on your list.
Gifts for any Climber
The Pill
Our very own versatile & portable training tool that can also be used for warm-up, rehab, and can help with injury prevention. It’s been hugely popular this year, and for good reason.
These portable training tools are perfect for those who can’t screw a hangboard into their wall.
The Tindeq Progressor 200
The Tindeq will be loved by any climber who is into training.
This little gem does way more than just gather real data to quantify training and strength gains. The free and no-subscription app with which it pairs has a well researched selection of benchmark tests for strength, endurance, and finger fitness, as well as a newly added (and growing) suite of training programs.
Boot Bananas
A gift that keeps on giving.
Shoe deodorizers that actually work. These inserts are amazing, and do more than help keep the stank at bay. They pull moisture away from the shoe after a session, which can make the shoes last much longer and prevent early deterioration.
Rhino Skin Products
Rhino products are great stocking stuffers for any mortals without perfect skin. They’ve got a full line of products that will cover any of the common skin issues: too soft or too hard, too dry or too sweaty.
Gift Cards
Always a win. Take the stress out of getting the right size, or even the right product.
Online gear shop gift cards can be used for any gear!
We also have Resole Gift Certificates that can be used by any climber to keep their shoes performing at their best
The products above are likely to please any climber, but if you want to dive in, tailor your gift to the type of climbing they’re doing. Read on below…
Gifts for a Boulderer
The Boulderer
Bouldering doesn’t require a ton of gear, but it can get pretty specialized.
If your boulderer already has the basics like shoes, a chalk bucket, and crash pads, and brushes, consider accessories, skin care & training tools.
Gifts for a Lead or Toprope Climber
The Roped
Climber
When shopping for a lead or toprope climber, consider what kind of climbing they are doing, and try to get a sense of where they are in the natural progression.
If they’re relatively new, doing mostly toproping and getting more excited about doing a lead climbing course, consider getting them a GriGri (the gold standard belay device for gyms in Canada), the new Neox belay device, a gym rope, or some belay specs to save then neck pain while belaying.
Are they significantly lighter or heavier than their belayer? If they don’t have an Ohm already, they’ll want one to keep both belayer and climber safe.
Are they considering next season as their first venture outside? Locking carabiners like the Hotforge or Attache are always useful and you can never have too many. You could keep them safe with a helmet; just know their sizing or go with a gift card, as safety items are final sale.
Are they experienced outside? Maybe some locking anchor draws, or a set of DMM quickdraws.
Gifts for a Traditional Climber
The Trad Climber
Despite requiring the most gear, these might be the hardest climbers to shop for. Trad climbers can be very specific about their gear.
If they’re just getting into trad, new cams are the way to their heart — these are often doubled or even tripled. A good pair of crack gloves is essential to all but the staunch purists.
How about a book? Rock Climbing Anchors is an excellent resource for trad climbers of all experience levels. It provides a very comprehensive and in depth compilation of information that will build skill and keep a climber safe on the wall.
If your trad climber likes to travel, try getting them a guidebook for somewhere they haven’t been. If they’re into multi-pitch adventure climbing, the new Avant Snack Pack is a great option for bringing snacks, water, and a first aid kit up the route.
When all else fails, things like alpine draws and non-locking carabiners are always useful to have in bulk.
