It’s no accident that climbing is synonymous with the dirtbag lifestyle. Once scaling great heights for fun gets a hold of you, it’s tough to resist the lure of the rock. Many climbers find themselves going to great lengths to climb as much as is humanly possible. From sleeping in their car for weeks on end, to saving every last penny to fund months of not working a ‘proper’ job in pursuit of their next climbing fix.
This picture may be a little outdated in 2019. You’re more likely to find the crag parking lot full of digital nomads living out of Sprinter Vans. Dirtbag or not, folk who choose to spend their time and money on the rock don’t tend to be too fussy, and gifts for rock climbers are ALWAYS gratefully received.
So, to avoid buying yet another “I’d rather be climbing” t-shirt for your climbing pal, check out these useful and unique gifts for rock climbers. From a cool rock climbing mug to high end protective gear, there’s something for every climber on our list.
12 gifts for rock climbers
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Black Diamond Camalot
Every trad climber needs a selection of cams in their rack. And although it’s probably the least used cam for all but the most serious offwidth climbers, the largest C4 6 cam is a highly coveted piece of gear that sure looks impressive! It’s a piece of gear that many climbers can’t quite justify buying, but would really love to given half the chance — the perfect gift.
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Amazon | REI | Backcountry
ORGANIC Climbing Chalk Bag
If you’re after a truly unique gift for the climber in your life, this Organic Climbing chalk bag ought to do it. It is made with 1000-denier Cordura offcuts and scraps that are upcycled to create one-of-a-kind chalk bags. They are made in the USA and come in an assortment of colours, which you don’t get a choice over — a small price to pay for such a unique and eco-friendly gift. Plus, the mega tough Cordura fabric means that they’re certainly built to last.
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REI
Victorinox Climber Pocket Knife
It’s a well-known fact (probably) that one should never go adventuring with a pocket knife. It is especially useful, and essential, for rock climbers. With a tin-opener for canned bean breakfasts, tweezers to pull out dirt and rock from finger cuts, scissors to cut finger and toenails, and a bottle opener and/or corkscrew for post-climb relaxation, the Climber Pocket Knife really does have it all! Oh, and it’s also got a couple of super sharp knives to cut yourself out of those tricky Touching the Void moments.
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Amazon | REI
Mammut Neon Smart 2.0 Pack
The all new Mammut Neon Smart 2.0 Pack is the ultimate gift for climbers who like to keep their gear organised. It has 3 internal mesh pockets, 2 external pockets, internal gear loops and an removable rope mat. All of this can be access via a top zip, or you can unzip and open up the whole thing so that your shiny rack can be laid out for all to see! It also has a very friendly zip-out carpet to wipe your feet on before you hit the rock.
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Mammut | Amazon | REI
So Solid Leggings
Inspired by the climbing pioneers of the 80’s, these Piece of Cake Watermelon leggings are sure to make you feel as rad as you’ll look in them. Made from polyamide that is recycled from post consumer material, they are also a superb gift for climbers who care about the environment as much as their style. Believe it or not, there are brighter and bolder designs you could choose. So all that’s in question now is how brave is the wearer?! For more conservative options, check out these climbing pant options.
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So Solid
Aventurous Ink Subscription
If you’re ever in doubt about what to gift to get for the rock climbing obsessive in your life, then literature will always go down a treat; anything to inspire and motivate on the days when hitting the rock just ain’t an option. And when subscription service, Adventourous Ink, teams up with the likes of Sidetracked Magazine it’s “the literary equivalent of injecting adrenaline directly into your cerebral cortex”. Sign up for one, four, six or twelve months and recieve new inspiration to your door each month.
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Aventurous Ink
Nite Ize BigFoot Locker KeyRack Keychain
There’s something wonderfully comforting about the jingle of a full climbing rack banging against your body as you cooly take on whatever the rock has to offer. So, a mini rack of keys clipped onto a belt loop with a an even more mini carabiner is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of your climbing pal. The sound and feel of the 5 stainless steel S-biner key-rings will give a little reminder during everyday life of the thrills and spills of life on the rock. And with the ability to hold up to 15 keys, it’s also rather useful!
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Amazon | REI
Mammut Smart Belay Device 2.0
The new Smart 2.0 Belay Device from Mammut is the ideal gift for beginner climbers who have caught the climbing bug and want to start accumulating their own gear. It is easy to use and, compared with traditional tubular style belay devices, it requires less effort from the belayer should the climber take a fall or want to rest. This is down to its newly developed break insert that blocks the rope. Having your own belay device is the first step to freedom (and safety!) on the rock.
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Mammut | Amazon | REI | Backcountry
Metolius Rock Rings 3D
Those who can’t get to the climbing gym every day of the week during the off-season will love these portable training holds. With 4 different options to hang tough from, including large top jugs, deep 4-finger-width pockets, 4-finger flat edges and 3-finger pockets at the bottom, they’ll be rock ready in no time. And with the ability to take them wherever they go, there’ll be no more excuses for losing finger strength over the winter!
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Amazon | REI | Backcountry
Metolius Torque Nut Tool
This modest looking tool is a must-have for both trad and sport climbers. The simple functionality of the curved end makes hooking nuts out of small cracks a breeze. Plus, the palm-protector means that using one of the 4 built-in wrenches to tighten up any loose bolts is comfortable and easy. When it’s not in use simply clip all 64g of it onto your climbing harness using the wire gate carabiner. An ideal little stocking filler for experienced sport climbers and beginner trad climbers alike.
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Amazon | REI | Backcountry
Rock Climbing Mug
Yes, it may be yet another novelty mug, but this is a novelty mug with a difference. There are no cheesy slogans or cringy illustrations of “climbing nuts!” Instead, the regular old handle has been replace with a bolted on climbing hold. Feel that rough resin between your fingers, so reminiscent of long nights training at the climbing gym. So simple, yet so effective! Choose from a few different colours and enjoy the gratefulness of its recipient as you watch them daydream of climbing over another cup of coffee at the office. Secret santa gift, sorted!
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Amazon
Cotopaxi Kusa Blanket
Cotopaxi are renowned for their funky designs and bright colour-combos, and this insulated adventure blanket is no exception. Available in three colours, it is guaranteed to brighten up even the toughest days at the crag. Complete with a DWR-finished nylon ripstop shell fabric, it is robust enough to use directly on the floor for picnics, gear checking or lazy belaying! And its llama-poly insulation makes it ideal to snuggle around post-climb campfires, reminiscing on the days’ successes.
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Cotopaxi
Our list of gifts for rock climbers is sure to have something that the climber in your life will love, dirtbag or not!
