Your First Outdoor Climb with Wild Country: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Quick Summary: Transitioning from gym to crag? Outdoor climbing is a whole new adventure—exciting, a little intimidating, and wildly rewarding. With Wild Country gear in your kit, here’s how to get ready for your first outdoor session and climb with confidence.

Indoor vs Outdoor: What’s Different?

Climbing outdoors feels similar, but the environment changes everything.

• No coloured holds – You’ll have to read the natural rock.
• Longer approaches – Hiking to the wall is part of the experience.
• No fixed anchors or mats – Safety depends on your setup.
• Weather matters – Heat, humidity, and rain all play a role.

Expect things to feel harder at first—even easy routes require more thinking and effort than you might expect from the gym.

Essential Gear Checklist

If you’re climbing with a guide or a more experienced friend, they’ll likely have most of the gear. But over time, building your own rack—especially with reliable gear from Wild Country—is a big step toward independence.

Here’s what you’ll want to bring or invest in:

• Helmet – For falling rocks or gear from above
• Harness – A snug, comfortable fit is non-negotiable
• Climbing shoes – Bring your comfy pair; you’ll be in them longer
• Belay device + locking carabiner
• Chalk & chalk bag
• Rope – Usually 60–70m for sport climbing routes
• Quickdraws – More on this below
• Slings or anchor materials
• Rope bag or tarp – To keep the rope clean
• Snacks, water, and sunscreen

Spotlight: Harnesses

A well-fitting harness makes all the difference when you’re hanging at the anchors or belaying your partner. The Wild Country Mosquito Harness—available in both men's and women's models—is designed for lightweight comfort without sacrificing performance.

Look for:

• Adjustable leg loops for layering in colder weather
• Good padding for long sessions
• Ample gear loops to rack your draws and slings

Try on the Mosquito at the Boulder Planet Showroom to find the right fit.

Featherlight and performance-ready—the Mosquito Harness (Men's left, Women's right) offers all-day comfort for sport climbers venturing outdoors.

Spotlight: Quickdraws

Quickdraws are your lifeline on a sport route—they connect your rope to the wall. For your first set, consider the Wild Country Wildsport Quickdraw:

• Durable yet lightweight for walk-ins and long days
• Ergonomic dogbone makes grabbing easy when projecting
• Smooth carabiners for clean clipping and less rope drag

Our staff can help you build a starter set that’s perfect for local crags.

Reliable, smooth-clipping, and built for real rock—the Wildsport Quickdraw is your go-to for projecting new routes.

Spotlight: Slings

Slings are multipurpose tools in outdoor climbing. Use them to:

• Extend anchors to reduce rope drag
• Equalise anchor points at the top
• Create makeshift personal anchor systems (PAS)

The Wild Country 10mm Dyneema Sling offers a strong, lightweight solution that packs down small without compromising on strength. Start with a couple of 60cm and 120cm lengths.

Not sure what to get? Come in and test the feel and flexibility of different sling materials.

Strong, compact, and versatile—the 10mm Dyneema Sling is a must-have for anchors, extensions, and safety systems.

Safety First, Always

Climbing outdoors comes with new risks. Make sure you:

• Learn how to clean anchors safely
• Double-check knots, gear placements, and partner systems
• Communicate clearly
• Respect local ethics and the environment

If possible, go with someone experienced your first few times, or take a guided course. And make sure you’re equipped with trusted gear—Wild Country has your back from harness to anchor.

Final Thoughts

Outdoor climbing is more raw, more real, and more rewarding—but it also asks more from you as a climber. With the right gear and preparation, you’ll be ready to face real rock with confidence.

Ready to gear up? Visit Boulder Planet Showroom for Wild Country harnesses, quickdraws, slings, and expert advice before your first outdoor send.