Rock climbing is a sport in which the quality of your gear makes a huge difference in your performance, enjoyment, and safety. Snug, sticky-soled shoes, sturdy harnesses, secure belay devices, locking carabiners and ingenious hardware make the sport safer, easier to learn, and more comfortable as well. Sure, you can climb with old tennis shoes, a Swami belt fashioned out of tubular webbing, and a Gold Line rope — that's how they did in the old days. But with the right gear, you'll be able to work on technique, rather than worry about safety.

Because of the proliferation of climbing gyms and rental programs, chances are you'll be able to test a variety of shoes, harnesses and belay devices before you buy. Even if a gym doesn't have a particular model or brand, try what they have, so you'll be better aquainted with fit, comfort, and ease of use.