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Rock Climbing & Canyoneering Gear

On this page, you will find our suggested general equipment lists for rock climbing and canyoneering. Please see the individual course page for your course’s specific gear requirements, as some specialty courses may require additional equipment. If you own rock climbing or canyoneering equipment, feel free to bring it so you can practice with your gear. Please see below for UMA-provided gear.

Gear Lists

Local Rentals & Retail

UMA Gear

Rock Climbing & Canyoneering Gear Lists

Comfortable and flexible pants or shorts, and shirt
Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket
Light puffy overcoat and or other insulation layer (fleece, synthetic or down)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
1-2 liters of water (water bag recommended for multi-pitch)
Lunch and quick energy snacks
Approach shoes (no sandals)
Day pack (~25-45 liters)
Harness
Belay device
Helmet
Rock climbing shoes

Comfortable and flexible pants and top
Light puffy overcoat and or other insulation layer (fleece, synthetic or down)
Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket
Climbing / rappelling gloves (leather type)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
2 liters of water
Lunch and quick energy snacks
Day pack (25-45 liters)
Approach shoes or hiking boots
Belay/rappel device (ATC guide/reverso), Figure 8 or Critr3 (preferred)
Harness
Helmet
Double length runner (120cm) or other PAS (personal anchoring system) – not a daisy chain
3 locking carabiners
2 Prusik loops (for foot and waist) OR 30 feet of 5mm Nylon Accessory Static Cord to make Prusik loops (NOTE: the 30 feet of 5mm accessory cord is recommended because it’s more versatile starting out)

Rock Climbing Guidebooks

Rock Climbing the Wasatch Range by Stuart and Bret Ruckman
A Granite Guide: Ferguson to Lone Peak by Nikki Smith, Andrew Burr and Tyler Philips
Climber’s Guide to American Fork/Rock Canyon by Bret Ruckman and Stuart Ruckman
Maple Canyon by Darren Knezek and Christian Knight

Canyoneering Guidebooks

Zion: Canyoneering by Tom Jones
Moab Canyoneering: Exploring Technical Canyons Around Moab by Derek A. Wolfe

How-to Books

Rock Climbing: The AMGA Single Pitch Manual by Bob Gaines and Jason D. Martin
How to Rock Climb by John Long and Bob Gaines
Climbing Self-Rescue: Essential Skills, Technical Tips & Improvised Solutions by Ian Nicholson

Local Gear Rentals & Retailers

Salt Lake City is a mecca for the latest and greatest, with access to top-notch gearheads. While we prefer UMA’s rental gear for certain circumstances that benefit traveling guests, we encourage guests to demo or rent from local retailers because there are so many great options to try out, and everybody’s gear preferences vary. We recommend connecting with local gearheads at Backcountry.com, Black Diamond Retail, Wasatch Touring, IME Utah or REI to learn about your rental or buying options.

UMA-Provided Gear

If you need to borrow or rent gear from UMA, please reserve it through your account in the UMA portal.

To borrow or rent from UMA, log in to your account and navigate to “Trips”, then select the specific trip and choose the items you need. Please indicate the size, if suggested, and be sure to save your entries.

Your guide will deliver and adjust your UMA rental gear for you on the morning of the trip. All guides conduct a gear check at the trailhead or meeting place to ensure everyone has what they need. Please arrive prepared with everything on the gear list. Guests are expected to provide their own lunches, water and snacks.