There is a slight variation in indoor and outdoor rock climbing costs. A day in a climbing gym will cost almost $30 for rental gear, and outdoor climbing with your own gear will cost around $550.
You will spend enough on decent climbing shoes and other important gear. However, depending on how frequently you go for gym climbing, taking out their membership plan is highly recommended to save daily costs.
In this post, we'll break down rock climbing costs so you can plan accordingly.
How Much is Rock Climbing?
So, you’re interested in giving rock climbing a try? That’s great! Prices for rock climbing can vary depending on the type of climbing you want to do, the location, and whether you’re using a guide or not. Generally speaking, you are expected to pay anywhere from $15 to $75 per hour for a climbing session.
If you're renting gear, that will add cost. Here's what you need to know.
Rock climbing is a challenging and fun sport that people of all ages enjoy. It is good for indoors and outdoors and is great for seeing beautiful scenery.
Indoor Rock Climbing Cost With Rental Gear
You will spend around $20 to $40 for an indoor climbing gym for a single day. For one day pass, the cost can be between $15 to $30.
For rental gear, you will spend an additional $5 to $10.
Indoor Rock Climbing Cost With Essential Gear
If you do not get rental gear, you will spend around $400 to buy your own gear. You will need climbing shoes, rope, harness, Belay device, and chalk for your climbing session.
Outdoor Rock Climbing Cost
For outdoor rock climbing, the average expenses are around $550 with all essential gear. The cost for additional quickdraws is $150.
Bouldering Cost
Bouldering is cheaper than rock climbing and doesn’t require too many tools and equipment. You just need climbing shoes, chalk, and a chalk bag for $110.
Cost of Important Rock Climbing Equipment
Rock climbing costs vary depending on your experience level and your needed gear.
If you are an amateur climber, you can start by renting some basic gear from a local climbing gym. But if you're serious about it and plan on doing a lot of climbing, you'll eventually need to invest in some good equipment.
The good news is that quality gear doesn't have to be expensive. Research and know what you're buying before you pull the trigger.
To start rock climbing, you'll need to purchase some basic gear before hitting the trails. Here's a list of essential gear for beginner rock climbers:
Cristina Anderson
Climbing Shoes
Climbing shoes are designed specifically for rock climbing and help you better grip small holds. A good quality rock climbing shoe will cost around $80. These shoes last longer due to their quality and strength. You can make improvements by resoling them.
If you want cheaper shoes, you can get them for $60, but they will wear out sooner if the resoling option isn’t included. The climbing shoes for experts cost around $120 to $170.
Chalk & Chalk Bag
Chalk helps absorb sweat and keep your hands dry, which is important for maintaining a good grip on the rocks. The total cost for chalk and chalk bag is $30. The chalk powder of 300g will cost $10, while the remaining amount you will spend on a chalk bag.
Climbing Harness
A harness secures you to the rope and is an essential safety item that will cost around $60. Getting a solid all-around harness is highly recommended to make it fit perfectly. You do not need to spend on fancy or expensive harnesses.
Climbing Rope
You will need a climbing rope of a specific length and diameter for easy rock climbing. A rope with a length of 60m and a 10mm diameter without dry treatment will cost around $170. It is useful for both indoor and outdoor climbing.
Belay Device
This device controls the rope while belaying (securing) another climber.
A belay device costs around $45; if you want to go with an expensive one, you can get it for $100.
Carabiners
These metal clips attach your harness to the rope or other gear. A carabiner will cost you almost $15.
Quickdraws
These are two carabiners connected by a piece of webbing and are used to clip the rope onto protection while lead climbing.
You will need 12 quickdraws for outdoor climbing, costing $150. In gym climbing, you don’t need to buy quickdraws.
Additional Costs (Optional)
Though these items aren’t essential, you can keep them as per your requirements.
- A rope bag is useful to keep rope safe and costs around $30.
- You will not need a climbing helmet in the gym, but for outdoor climbing, you can get one for $60.
- A chalk brush is used to brush off extra chalk from climbing holds and can cost $10.
- Belay Glasses cost around $50, which you will need for climbing.
- If you want to enroll yourself in a climbing course, the classes will cost $25 to $70.
Cristina Anderson
How Much Does A Rock Climbing Gym Membership Cost?
It is a frequently asked question, and the answer depends on the gym. But generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $75 per month.
Certain gyms offer discounts if you purchase a yearly membership, and many also offer family rates. So it pays to research and finds the gym that offers the best value for your money.
If you want to pay weekly visits to the gym, buying a gym membership will save enough of your money. You can also avail yourself of discounts on gear; free day passes for guests and free rentals.
Is Climbing An Expensive Sport?
Rock climbing is moderately expensive due to several reasons. For once, you will spend around $30, but for full-time rock climbing, the total cost will be $500 or more, with an additional $80 gym fee.
It can be cheap and highly affordable in the beginning, but when you invest in high-quality gear, it adds up to the extra cost.
How To Reduce Rock Climbing Expenses?
Investing in durable equipment can lessen costs in the long run. Outdoor rock climbing costs less if you already have the necessary equipment. However, buying durable and good-quality gear will save costs.
For more affordability, you can opt for bouldering, a cheaper type of rock climbing that doesn’t require special equipment. If you have a personal rock climbing coach, it will cost you around $70 for an hour session. So, instead of a personal coach, you can learn with the entire class to cut extra costs.
Conclusion
Rock climbing is excellent for finding fitness, strength and exploring the outdoors. Indoor rock climbing can cost you around $20 to $40 for a day pass and rental gear. But hidden costs for gas, parking, food, and drink are additional, which totally depend on your needs.
The cost for outdoor climbing can vary between $400 to $550, depending on the climbing equipment. These costs are based on general estimation, but the prices can go up or down in different locations. Rock climbing is worth checking out if you're looking for an exciting new hobby.
Then what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!
