Climbing Essentials
During the week, Brooke Wallace is the mild-mannered publisher of Arkansas Wild. But on weekends, she can often be found at the Little Rock Climbing Center or scaling the face of some of Arkansas’s best rocky locations. In 2015, she competed in her first 12-hour Horseshoe Hell at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Jasper. She now has seven Hells under her belt, the last one happening in September 2022. Her list of gear will get you to the top.
1. Quality Lid
Climbers are accused of being a little nuts, but what’s really crazy is exposing your brain box to falling rocks, ledges and unyielding elements. Black Diamond’s Half Dome is a great women’s lid; guys, check out the Boreo by Petzl. As Wallace said, “Protect your noggin!” You heard the lady. blackdiamondequipment.com, petzl.com
2. Cheap Rope? Nope.
Falling sucks, so be sure you’re not cutting corners when it comes to the very thing keeping you from hitting the ground. Wallace says choose a rope long enough for the tallest pitch with limited excess to cut both weight and workload. Trango’s workhorse Agility line is tough yet light. Trango.com/collections/rope
3. A Real Lifesaver
The difference between climbing and catastrophe boils down to the smallest of details. Wallace’s Petzl GriGri belay device is one of the safest devices on the market, which she pairs with a locking carabiner, enjoying smooth operation and quality workmanship. Get one, and the summit is yours. petzl.com
4. Protect your hands
For all you aspiring hand models out there, know that quality climbing gloves can take much of the sting out of climbing. Wallace swears by her fingerless model by Black Diamond, because “you don’t realize how much tension is on a rope when you are belaying,” she said. blackdiamondequipment.com
5. Rock, Chalk
Make sure those fingers stay put and secure by chalking up out of your Cotopaxi chalk bag. The Halcon holds 3.2 ounces of chalk, and a side pouch holds a snack. Plus, the Del Dia’s endless color combinations let you look good on any climb. As Wallace said, “They have so many options these days, you can really show your personality.” cotopaxi.com
6. Hold fast
You don’t want to scrimp on climbing gear, especially the harness that’s holding on to you, but you don’t want to pay stupid money either. For high performance without sticker shock, Wallace’s Petzl Luna earns raves for its adjustable leg straps and cushions around the legs. Risking death never looked so good. petzl.com
7. Firm footing
“Climbing shoes makes climbing much easier,” said Wallace, who favors Tenaya Tanta. “You can get that toe into some good cracks and the rubber soles help you feel more secure.” Pro Tip: Climbing shoes should feel tight and slightly uncomfortable, with no wiggle room. tenaya.net
