31 Outdoor Climbing Tips To Keep You Safe On The Rock

Outdoor climbing can be a fun and rewarding experience for anyone, regardless of their experience level. Whether you've just started outdoor climbing or are a veteran climber, there are always new outdoor climbing tips to learn and help make you a better climber!

31 Outdoor Climbing Tips For Beginners (And Veterans)

Outdoor climbing is a great way to get in shape and have fun while doing it. Here are some tips to help beginners (and veterans) get the most out of their outdoor climbing experience.

If you're looking for general tips for rock climbing, check them out here.

1. Know The Risks (And Be Prepared)

Before you go out and climb, make sure to familiarize yourself with the basics of outdoor climbing, including any potential risks associated. Always be prepared for anything and have the right safety gear on hand in case of an emergency.

2. Wear A Helmet

Helmets are essential for protecting your head from falling rocks and debris. Make sure to wear a helmet at all times when climbing outdoors. "But some climbers that I see rock climbing don't wear one" Well that's them, this is you. Protect yourself, and wear a helmet.

3. Respect Your Rope

Your rope is your lifeline when climbing outdoors, so treat it with the respect and care it deserves. Inspect it regularly for any signs of wear or fraying, and make sure to use proper techniques for knot tying and belaying.

4. Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water when climbing outdoors and stay hydrated throughout your climb. Dehydration can be a serious risk, especially if you are in a hot or sunny environment.

5. Pack The Right Gear

Always bring the right climbing gear with you when you go out to climb. This includes ropes, harnesses, carabiners, dynamic rope, and any other specialized gear needed for your particular climbing setup.

6. If You're Starting Out, Climb With Someone Experienced

Start off by climbing with someone who is experienced in outdoor climbing. This will give you the confidence and knowledge you need to start on your own.

7. Warm Up Before Climbing

Take some time before you begin your climb to warm up physically and mentally. This will help prevent injuries, increase your performance, and improve safety while out climbing.

8. Be Mindful of Your Footing

Watch your footing when climbing outdoors, as it is easy to lose control due to the terrain or environmental conditions. Take extra care when traversing on lower grades, and be sure to always use proper technique when moving up or down a route.

9. Climb Somewhere With Plenty of Grades Available

Choose a climbing spot that offers plenty of grades and routes to choose from. This will allow you to climb without getting bored, challenge yourself more as you progress, and learn new techniques with each route. And you can meet people of all climbing levels, while you climb.

10. Repeat The Easy Climbs (There No Shame In It)

If you're just getting started with outdoor climbing, then start by repeating the easier routes. This will help you build up your skills and confidence before tackling more difficult climbs.

Don't be ashamed of repeating routes, as it is a great way to build your skills and practice different techniques.

11. Learn How To Belay Safely

Belaying can be tricky, so it's important to learn the basics before you go out climbing. Make sure to take a class or get instruction from an experienced climber if you are unsure of how to belay properly.

12. Make Sure You Know How To Fall Safely

Falling is a part of climbing, so it's important to know how to fall safely. Learn the proper techniques for falling and practice them as much as possible before going out on real climbs.

13. Take Breaks When Needed

Climbing outdoors can be physically demanding, so take breaks when needed and don't push yourself too hard. This will help to conserve energy and also reduce your risk of injury.

14. Always Have The Necessary Safety Gear (And Know How To Use It)

Make sure that you have all the necessary safety gear with you before climbing outdoors. Learn how to use each piece of equipment properly and become familiar with their function before heading out on a climb.

15. Know Your Limits

Be honest with yourself about your physical capabilities and never attempt something that is beyond your current skill level. Pushing past your limits can lead to dangerous situations, so always stay within your limits.

16. Always Be Thinking About Your Safety (And Everybody Else's)

Always put safety first when you are out climbing. This means being aware of the risks and taking the necessary steps to reduce them as much as possible. Don't be afraid to back off if a route feels too dangerous, and always respect the environment around you.

17. Be Respectful Of The Outdoors

Us climbers often have a devastating environmental impact without knowing it. We destroy plant life due to rock scrambling and bushwhacking in our haste to find the perfect spot.

Erosion and the trampling of plant and animal life is detrimental to the environment, so be sure to stay on only OFFICIAL trails. If there is a shortcut that has been made by people in the past, resist the urge to take it.

By following the rule "Leave-No-Trace," we can work together to preserve nature.

(A little anecdote - I saw somebody once snap a young tree in two because the leaves were bothering him while he watched someone else boulder).

18. Learn To Rappel Safely

Rappelling can be a dangerous activity if done improperly, so make sure that you know how to do it correctly before attempting a rappel. Take the time to get instruction from an experienced climber or take a class if possible.

Also, always wear a helmet and try to avoid rappelling in wet conditions, as this can increase the risk of rope slippage.

19. Travel Light

Carrying too much gear can make climbing difficult and dangerous, so try to travel lightly. Pack the essentials such as a harness, shoes, chalk bag, rope, quickdraws, and other items necessary for the route you plan on doing.

20. Dress For The Weather

Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather conditions, as this can help to keep you safe while climbing. Wear layers if necessary and always have some extra clothing in case of unexpected changes in temperature or conditions.

21. Chalk Marks Indicate Common Handholds!

Chalk marks indicate where common handholds are on a route, so be sure to look for these before starting your climb. This will help you identify the most efficient way to move up the wall and make it easier to find good holds.

22. Bring Extra Footwear

I like to bring slip-on sandals to wear when I'm not boulder climbing outside. I don't like walking around on the dirt in my climbing shoes.

23. Keep Your Things Organized and Out of The Way of Other People

A yard sale is what we call it when, upon reaching your destination, you have to search through everything in your bag for one particular item. This often leaves a mess behind.

24. Finding Your Route Can (And Will) Be Difficult

The first challenge can be finding the Climbing Boulders as they aren't marked on the rocks. (Getting to the boulders and once you are there). But don't get discouraged if you don't find what you're looking for immediately.

25. Try Not To Climb In Big Groups

Too many people in one group tend to be loud and obnoxious, making it difficult for others trying to enjoy themselves. If you're going out with a large group of people, try splitting into smaller groups (no more than 4 or 5). This will help reduce your impact on the environment.

26. Don't Expect To Climb At The Same Grade

You will get shut down by climbs 3 grades lower than what you normally climb. Don't let it get to you. It true for almost everyone

27. You Will Need To Smear More When Climbing Outdoors

Look for feet for every move before pulling off the ground. Unlike the gym holds don't just pop out at you, you may need to look for them. Also outside you smear a lot more.

28. Clean the Bottom Of Your Climbing Shoes

The sand, mud, and soil on the bottom of your shoes constantly wear away at the rock face as you climb, slowly eroding it.

The erosive power of this rock bottom is intense, so much so that it can quickly turn an awesome gritty surface into a smooth glassy one. PLEASE clean the bottom of your shoes before you cause further erosion. You can do this by using a crash pad or your pant leg.

29. Brush Away Your Tick Marks

A tick mark is a fat wad of chalk smeared beneath a potential hand or foothold, used as a marker for the climber to spot it easily and quickly from above.

Sometimes the chalk marks can be helpful for climbers, and sometimes they can be a nuisance. Either way, it is polite to clean up after yourself so that the next person who comes to climb does not have to deal with your mess.

30. Take The Time to Learn the Local Climbing Area Rules

At the beginning of guidebooks, there should be a blurb about the local/regional rules for the crag. Follow them.

31. Pack Out What You Pack In

Don’t forget to clean up after yourself. Take all your trash and any chalk that you used with you when you leave. This will help keep the climbing areas clean and safe for everyone else who visits.

32. Have Fun!

Above all, have a good time while you’re out there. Climb safely, and don’t forget to smile! Enjoy the fresh air, the challenge of finding your route, and the sense of accomplishment you get when you hit the top.

Rock climbing outdoors is an amazing experience that everyone should try. So get out there and enjoy it!

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