What Equipment Do I Need for Bouldering?

A bouldering mat, also known as a crash pad, is generally several layers of foam covered in durable fabric that you put on the floor underneath where you are climbing a bouldering problem. They are designed to break a fall and help reduce serious injury and come in many different sizes and densities.

When choosing the right climbing shoe, you’ll want to consider how they fit, how they fasten and how sensitive the sole unit is.

Climbing chalk helps combat sweaty hands when climbing. You might choose to have your own personal chalk bag that sits on a belt so you can use it mid-climb, or you might have a chalk bucket that can be left on the floor to be used between attempts.

A coarse-haired brush, such as boar hair, is a great accessory for cleaning holds. Brushing away debris and excess chalk at tricky holds can improve grip and make for better climbing.

A backpack will come in handy for stashing your supplies for a day at the crag. It should be enough for some water, some snacks, an extra layer, a first aid kit and anything else you want to take with you.

I grew up exploring the outdoors; kayaking, biking and surfing around the South West coast. Moving to Manchester led me to the joys of climbing grit and limestone, and I haven't looked back since. I also enjoy all the hiking that the Peaks have to offer, so there's always something to do when the rock is wet.

There is a huge variety of different ropes to choose from and a lot of questions to answer. This buying guide will help you find the answers.

This guide takes you through the main features to look out for when selecting a climbing harness.

This buying guide outlines the pros and cons of the different helmet constructions available. I

This guide will break down how you can find the best climbing shoes for you and how they should fit.