|
OneClimbWally
Oct 11, 2012, 3:02 AM
Post #1 of 37
(17986 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 11, 2012
Posts: 4
|
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 $500 or thousands?
|
|
|
|
|
bearbreeder
Oct 11, 2012, 3:33 AM
Post #2 of 37
(17979 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Feb 2, 2009
Posts: 1960
|
for inside
harness ... 40$
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
|
|
|
|
|
OneClimbWally
Oct 11, 2012, 3:38 AM
Post #3 of 37
(17975 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 11, 2012
Posts: 4
|
That's not bad at all. Thanks !
|
|
|
|
|
bearbreeder
Oct 11, 2012, 3:39 AM
Post #4 of 37
(17973 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Feb 2, 2009
Posts: 1960
|
its a pretty cheap sport ... at least until you quit your job because of it 
|
|
|
|
|
madam
Oct 11, 2012, 6:06 AM
Post #5 of 37
(17937 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 14, 2004
Posts: 95
|
well, then it gets even cheaper since you need to save up more money:)
|
|
|
|
|
njrox
Oct 11, 2012, 12:55 PM
Post #6 of 37
(17883 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 12, 2011
Posts: 251
|
$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!
|
|
|
|
|
markc
Oct 11, 2012, 2:17 PM
Post #7 of 37
(17845 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jan 21, 2003
Posts: 2481
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
lena_chita
Moderator
Oct 11, 2012, 2:22 PM
Post #8 of 37
(17841 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 27, 2006
Posts: 6087
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
csproul
Oct 11, 2012, 2:29 PM
Post #9 of 37
(17834 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 4, 2004
Posts: 1769
|
What you really need is the absolute minimum amount of gear and then a partner you has everything else!
|
|
|
|
|
OneClimbWally
Oct 11, 2012, 2:39 PM
Post #10 of 37
(17831 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 11, 2012
Posts: 4
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
njrox
Oct 11, 2012, 3:04 PM
Post #11 of 37
(17808 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 12, 2011
Posts: 251
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
granite_grrl
Oct 11, 2012, 3:07 PM
Post #12 of 37
(17808 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 25, 2002
Posts: 15084
|
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 $170 for a regular-price. And everything else will need eventual replacement. Harness -- within 5 years, likely less. Rope -- after 2-4 seasons, depending on how hard/how often you use it Slings and dogbones getting old, cams needing re-slinging, worn out 'biners, etc. etc. It is more or less continuous process. I don't think there had been a single year when I have not bought or replaced some climbing equipment. Oh, and you would also need some kind of bag or backpack to carry all of the above. And don't forget that climbing outside usually means camping. So add tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, campstove, etc.
And you didn't even mention to pice of gas for when you're really hooked and willing to do a 10 hour drive for a 3 day weekend!
But when you really look at it these recurring costs aren't that much when you consider how the average person spends their weekends (spending money going out to dinner, clubs, etc).
|
|
|
|
|
Rudmin
Oct 11, 2012, 3:15 PM
Post #13 of 37
(17798 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 29, 2009
Posts: 606
|
bearbreeder wrote: for inside harness ... 40$ 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.
|
|
|
|
|
csproul
Oct 11, 2012, 3:16 PM
Post #14 of 37
(17797 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 4, 2004
Posts: 1769
|
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).
|
|
|
|
|
lena_chita
Moderator
Oct 11, 2012, 3:17 PM
Post #15 of 37
(17797 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 27, 2006
Posts: 6087
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
lena_chita
Moderator
Oct 11, 2012, 3:19 PM
Post #16 of 37
(17792 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 27, 2006
Posts: 6087
|
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 $170 for a regular-price. And everything else will need eventual replacement. Harness -- within 5 years, likely less. Rope -- after 2-4 seasons, depending on how hard/how often you use it Slings and dogbones getting old, cams needing re-slinging, worn out 'biners, etc. etc. It is more or less continuous process. I don't think there had been a single year when I have not bought or replaced some climbing equipment. Oh, and you would also need some kind of bag or backpack to carry all of the above. And don't forget that climbing outside usually means camping. So add tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, campstove, etc. And you didn't even mention to pice of gas for when you're really hooked and willing to do a 10 hour drive for a 3 day weekend! But when you really look at it these recurring costs aren't that much when you consider how the average person spends their weekends (spending money going out to dinner, clubs, etc). You don't go out to dinner and clubs after a day of climbing?!
Ugh, I knew i was hanging out with the wrong crowd.
|
|
|
|
|
markc
Oct 11, 2012, 3:37 PM
Post #17 of 37
(17780 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jan 21, 2003
Posts: 2481
|
Rudmin wrote: bearbreeder wrote: for inside harness ... 40$ 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.
|
|
|
|
|
granite_grrl
Oct 11, 2012, 3:38 PM
Post #18 of 37
(17778 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 25, 2002
Posts: 15084
|
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....).
|
|
|
|
|
lena_chita
Moderator
Oct 11, 2012, 3:40 PM
Post #19 of 37
(17772 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 27, 2006
Posts: 6087
|
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 $170 for a regular-price. And everything else will need eventual replacement. Harness -- within 5 years, likely less. Rope -- after 2-4 seasons, depending on how hard/how often you use it Slings and dogbones getting old, cams needing re-slinging, worn out 'biners, etc. etc. It is more or less continuous process. I don't think there had been a single year when I have not bought or replaced some climbing equipment. Oh, and you would also need some kind of bag or backpack to carry all of the above. And don't forget that climbing outside usually means camping. So add tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, campstove, etc. And you didn't even mention to pice of gas for when you're really hooked and willing to do a 10 hour drive for a 3 day weekend! But when you really look at it these recurring costs aren't that much when you consider how the average person spends their weekends (spending money going out to dinner, clubs, etc). You don't go out to dinner and clubs after a day of climbing?! Ugh, I knew i was hanging out with the wrong crowd. If there's a new club that's recently opened at the RRG I'll be game to check it out this weekend. Just be aware I'll likely be falling asleep by midnight (this is where that whole "wrong crowd" thing comes in doesn't it....).
I'll be falling asleep right there beside you. And I think the closest club would be in Lexington.
|
|
|
|
|
njrox
Oct 11, 2012, 3:57 PM
Post #20 of 37
(17763 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 12, 2011
Posts: 251
|
csproul wrote: You don't go out to dinner and clubs after a day of climbing?!
Club Hot Shower.
|
|
|
|
|
bearbreeder
Oct 11, 2012, 5:27 PM
Post #21 of 37
(17723 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Feb 2, 2009
Posts: 1960
|
Rudmin wrote: I would say this price list is a little bit out of date or optimistic. You would have to scour a lot of sales to get all of these items at these prices. For the MSRP of the average item, add about 50% to everything.
bull 
eldrid jay harness 43$ ... 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
|
|
|
|
|
Rudmin
Oct 11, 2012, 5:45 PM
Post #22 of 37
(17710 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 29, 2009
Posts: 606
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
njrox
Oct 11, 2012, 5:50 PM
Post #23 of 37
(17707 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 12, 2011
Posts: 251
|
Seriously dude. Did you really just go and look all that stuff up???
|
|
|
|
|
csproul
Oct 11, 2012, 6:34 PM
Post #24 of 37
(17696 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 4, 2004
Posts: 1769
|
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)
|
|
|
|
|
OneClimbWally
Oct 11, 2012, 7:01 PM
Post #26 of 37
(3904 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 11, 2012
Posts: 4
|
All cheaper than I had in mind. Pretty sweet. Knowing how I am I will do it once and become completely obsessed. Thanks again people.
|
|
|
|
|
Rudmin
Oct 11, 2012, 7:27 PM
Post #27 of 37
(3896 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 29, 2009
Posts: 606
|
I didn't say they were unsafe, or non-functional, I said you picked the cheapest options and discounted items from multiple sources. It's not representative of what you would pay if you walked into a local outdoors shop and asked for all of those items, even if you asked for the cheapest thing they carried. Like I said in the post that you disagreed with at the very beginning "You would have to scour a lot of sales to get all of these items at these prices"
|
|
|
|
|
billcoe_
Oct 12, 2012, 2:42 AM
Post #28 of 37
(3849 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 30, 2002
Posts: 4694
|
Nothing, won't cost you a cent. Not a nickel. Goes up from there.
Early, I started bouldering in my hiking shoes. Later, I realized I could climb barefoot better. Toughened my feet up and bouldered barefoot. Don't need any of the bullshit listed above. Just get a posse and have fun. Later, if you get a harness and a mentor, you can follow multipitch. We did hip belays, no need to spend $ on a belay device. Nice to have a couple biners to clip in with though.
The fact that I currently own 15 pairs of shoes doesn't mean I couldn't still climb barefoot any day I like. Last month I was down at the coast with my climbing buddy and our wife's andafter a mile or so hike we chanced upon a patch of solid rock that got boulder traversed barefoot. So much fun. We both had sore muscles in the morning.
|
|
|
|
|
bearbreeder
Oct 12, 2012, 3:06 AM
Post #30 of 37
(3843 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Feb 2, 2009
Posts: 1960
|
csproul wrote: 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?
i dont expect it to be vastly different ... maybe a bit more, maybe a bit less ... for US retailers a simple search often yields coupon codes
the basic point is you can get climbing up here anyways with a good trad rack, enough sport draws, anchor material, shoes, harness, biners, helment, etc ... all for 1000$ or less ... all new gear, all from reputable manufacturers, from major retailers that you can just walk in the front door and buy from
there is absolutely no need to spend $$$$$ on gear when starting out, this is one of the biggest newbie mistakes ... buy what is good value, what fits and what works ... if i had a dollar for every time someone thinks a $$$$$ piece of gear is going to make them a better climber, or because someone told them its "the best" ... id have a full set of shiny new aliens
|
|
|
|
|
happiegrrrl
Oct 12, 2012, 6:04 PM
Post #31 of 37
(3781 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 25, 2004
Posts: 4660
|
Where there's a will, there's a way. It sounds like the costs mentioned on the thread aren't out of your consideration, so now you know that money isn't an obstacle.
Nonetheless, plenty a pauper has started climbing in a hand-me-down harness, belay device and pair of shoes. Most of us are happy to give some of our older gear to an enthusiastic friend or acquaintance form the gym or crags.
One suggestion I would have is not to go out and buy a mess of gear. Until you know how to construct anchors, you don't need anything but personal gear. I look back at what was *suggested* for me to buy when I started and in many cases I would have chosen differently if I had simply waited to try out partner's gear and talk to them about it.
|
|
|
|
|
ChillBroBaggins
Oct 18, 2012, 5:04 PM
Post #32 of 37
(3688 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 18, 2012
Posts: 7
|
To be honest, I bought Boreal Joker Plus climbing shoes for $50 and a $15 Metolius Pod chalk bag at an REI Garage Sale. Then I bought small stuff like tape, and hand repair balm (blisters are crap). All around I only spent like $75 to start. Now, I'm not sure if this is what you meant by *really* getting into climbing, but this is what I did to start up.
|
|
|
|
|
tower_climber
Oct 19, 2012, 5:51 AM
Post #33 of 37
(3655 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 25, 2010
Posts: 157
|
I'll play.
My top roping and basic gym gear: (all prices are actual cost paid)
Mammut rope - $124
100' New England static - $88
2x Petzl Am'd biners - $26
Mad Rock Phoenix shoes - $75
Harness package (harness, chalk, belay device/biner) - $100
Total: $413
Factor in 10% REI dividend: $41 to spend on more gear 
Trad rack? Yikes.
I'm a fairly new trad leader, but I totaled up my rack cost and if I'd paid MSRP for every piece it would be well over $1500 worth of gear. Not counting ropes, shoes, helmet, nice harness, additional biners, slings, cordalette, GriGri, etc.
|
|
|
|
|
madkiki
Oct 23, 2012, 1:17 PM
Post #34 of 37
(3593 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Dec 22, 2004
Posts: 62
|
To start climbing the most important thing you need is ONE thing, "CLIMBING SHOES"
Once you have climbing shoes, then you need to climb a lot for at least a month to determine if you are still interested or not. A lot of people give up after a month of climbing believe it or not.
If you are still climbing after a month, you should at least have climbing shoes, harness, and chalk bag/chalk.
Taking a guided trip to Joshua Tree sounds like a good idea, and these guides should have all the equipment for these guided trips. Which means you won't have to buy anything at this point to get your first outdoor experience.
After you guided trip, don't be in a rush to go out and buy it all. The next step is to decided what kind of outdoor climbing you will be doing. I started off with lots of Top-roping which means all I needed was rope, a few carabiners, and cords for anchors. If you decided to go Sports climbing then ya gonna need lots of quickdraws and a rope. Trad climbing is where you are going to be spending a fortune so good luck with that.
Spending a lot of time in climbing gyms has it's advantages. Outdoor climbing depends on your ability to get there, people to go with, and the amount of money/time you can spend.
|
|
|
|
|
jp_sucks
Oct 23, 2012, 3:07 PM
Post #35 of 37
(3577 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 31, 2006
Posts: 240
|
Exchange rate is within 1 cent right now.
You should be able to find the same items in the US for less $ than in Canada. We don't have the big online retailers with the good sales like you do down there.
I buy a lot of my gear in the US to save money (but have to have it shipped to someone down there).
|
|
|
|
|
csproul
Oct 23, 2012, 3:24 PM
Post #36 of 37
(3570 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 4, 2004
Posts: 1769
|
jp_sucks wrote: Exchange rate is within 1 cent right now. You should be able to find the same items in the US for less $ than in Canada. We don't have the big online retailers with the good sales like you do down there. I buy a lot of my gear in the US to save money (but have to have it shipped to someone down there).
|
|
|
|
|
jp_sucks
Oct 23, 2012, 4:39 PM
Post #37 of 37
(3557 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 31, 2006
Posts: 240
|
I think regular prices are a little lower in Canada but not more than 5 or 10%.
Used to be way better for your guys when the US dollar was worth $0.45 more than ours; then it made a huge difference. With our dollar at par, no good deals up here.
The big difference is the sales you guys have that we don't. Take a BC Camalot #1 for example:
REI in US $64.95
MEC in CAN $58.00
But in Canada you will rarely ever see them on sale but in the US, you can find them for 20% off all the time at sites like backcountry.com and mountaingear.com. Just did a quick search on spadout and found the #1 for $53.26 with free shipping.
|
|
|
|
|
|
