First, almost anyone will recommend starting with a guide and deferring to them for what they want you to bring.
As follows gives a cost estimate for the required gear to get started. This is meant to help articulate the cost of the sport for those who are considering getting into the sport. A lot of this gear will last a solid decade.
Required Gear:
Rappel device - $20-$100+
Recommend having a second one as a backup if one gets lost.
Locking carabiners: $10-$20 each.
I recommend having five to six.
Dogbone extender: $10 each
Only one needed.
Harness: $30 - $100+
Only one needed.
Static Rope: $1-$2 per foot. 100 foot rope will get you out there, 200 foot will open many more routes. $100-$400
Only one needed. Some may carry two.
VT Prusik third hand - $10-$30
Recommend having a second one as a backup.
Slings for anchors, ascending, etc.
Recommend having a couple at $10 each.
Helmet - $30-$100+
Grand Total Minimum Cost:
Two rappel device + five locking carabiners + one dogbone extender + one harness + 100ft static rope + two VT Prusiks + two slings + one helmet = $300
40+50+10+30+100+20+20+30= $300
Summary:
As you can see, around $300 gets you access to an entire sport and so many canyons. Spending a bit more on rope gets you a 200 foot rope which gives you much more access, so closer to $400 to $500 range gets you full advanced access to the sport.
Other gear not listed because it is too specific / preferential:
Wetsuit / Drysuit
Footwear
Backpack
Rope bags
Hydration
Specific devices like ascenders. I personally use VT Prusik with sling to ascend.
Quick links for improving bolts + wrench for install.
Commenti