Head to Toe: Women’s Climbing Gear

Whether you’re just breaking into the sport or simply looking to upgrade tired gear, this Active Junky-approved women’s climbing kit is a solid place to start.

prAna Kara Jean: When The Thrift Store Doesn’t Deliver

prAna Kara Jean Starting at: $63.03

Rock strips spandex, so for climbing trips it’s nice to have a designated pair of “beater” pants. The best ones are stretchy and lightweight, but durable enough to clean your camp knife and easy to patch. If you strike out at the thrift store, the ridiculously flattering Prana Kara Jean is the best of all worlds. 

Best For: A seamless transition from the crag to the pub.

La Sportiva Miura Shoes: Versatile and Nimble

La Sportiva Miura VS Vibram XS Grip2 Climbing Shoe - Women's If you’re on an all-day, multi-pitch trad mission, you’ll want some ultra-comfy slippers with good rubber. However, if you’re starting off with some short day trips to the crag or you’re a more advanced climber, you can get away with a sporty downturned shoe. The women’s Miura has a little less volume and softer rubber than the men’s version, which makes for intuitive grip on the rock.

Best For: Gals who like an aggressive shoe.

Patagonia R1 Hoodie: An Addictive Technical Fleece

Women's Patagonia R1 Hoodie

This is arguably the best layer for almost any occasion. While it’s not impervious to polyester stank, the R1 will quickly become that fleece that sneaks into your bag for every trip. The gridded fleece provides cozy warmth with just the right amount of breathability.

Best For: Belays, pretending to be an alien in the scuba hood.

Arc’teryx AR385A Harness: Comfortable, Lightweight And Flattering

Arc’teryx AR385A Harness

Finding the right harness is like finding the right boyfriend; it’s got to be strong, it’s got to be supportive, it’s got to look good and it can’t be clingy. Arc’teryx makes some of the most minimalist, flattering harnesses out there – and they’re comfy enough to wear (and whip on) all day.

Best For: Climbers who want to climb.

Black Diamond Vapor Helmet: You’ll Forget You’re Wearing It

Black Diamond Vapor Helmet The safest helmet is the helmet you wear (read: like to wear), so consider throwing down for a nice one. The Black Diamond Vapor is astonishingly light and adjustable for the perfect fit – so you won’t be the noob with the crooked dome when you send your first multi-pitch.

Best For: Rock and ice, lookin’ good while stayin’ safe.

Athleta Up Tempo Tank: Stink-Free Freedom

Athleta Up Tempo Tank

Tops for climbing outdoors are more or less the same as the tops you’d wear indoors; you want support and stretch so you can make that deadpoint without worrying about the girls. The up-tempo tank does it all, and even has antimicrobial fibers to cut down on the stink factor if you’re on a long trip. Just remember your sunscreen!

Best For: Any girl who’s tired of racer-back tan lines.