Unlike traditional climbing, which calls for harnesses, ropes, and carabiners, the only essentials for bouldering are climbing shoes, a chalk bag, and some chalk.
Although renting is an excellent way to get started, I found that having my own climbing shoes improved performance and made small ledge footwork possible that the rented shoes simply did not allow.
Other items also come in handy. Finger tape makes it possible to have a longer bouldering session without living with blisters for a week. And having one’s own chalk brush is just…well…completing the outfit, so to speak.
Check out the recommendations below, these are the items that I researched and use myself. Click on a category to find out what led me to choose that particular item or brand, and where to find it.
 Recommended Beginner’s Climbing Shoes |  Recommended Chalk Bag |
|---|---|
 Recommended Chalk |  Recommended Finger Tape |