Climbing Gear Storage: Ideas for Organizing Your Equipment

You glance around your room, or perhaps it’s a garage, and all you see is a jumbled mess of carabiners, ropes, harnesses, and climbing shoes strewn about. It’s a familiar sight for many climbers – a chaotic testament to countless outdoor adventures. But what if we told you that there’s a better way? An organized, easily accessible system that can transform your climbing gear storage from a chaotic jumble to a climber’s oasis.

This isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about extending the life of your gear, improving safety, and reclaiming your space. We’re here to inject some much-needed order into your world of climbing chaos. You’re just a few moments away from a collection of innovative solutions that are going to revolutionize how you store your climbing gear. Read on, because time and gear wait for no climber. Your storage revolution starts now.

Table of Contents

Stashing Your Climbing Gear Properly

When it comes to your climbing gear, keeping it in tip-top shape isn’t just about quality, it’s also about safety. No matter if you’re just starting out, or you’ve been scaling walls for years, getting to grips with your climbing gear‘s individual quirks and care needs is key to avoiding wear and tear. Let’s dive into some of my go-to tips for organizing your climbing gear.

Climbing Ropes – First up, remember to store your climbing rope dry – this avoids any unwanted guests like mildew setting up shop. And try to keep it out of direct sunlight, those UV rays are a silent enemy to the fibers. When it comes to coiling, I recommend a figure-eight pattern – it’s a game-changer and helps avoid those pesky kinks and twists that can compromise the rope’s structure.
Carabiners, Cams, and Other Metal Gear – We’ve all got that stash of metal gear – carabiners, cams, nuts, hexes. For these shiny tools, dry is the name of the game. Storing them dry will keep rust and corrosion at bay, and help maintain their strength.Taking a moment to inspect your metal gear now and then is also a good idea. Keep an eye out for signs of wear or damage like cracks or sharp edges.
Helmets – After use, stash your helmet somewhere away from sunlight – it can fade and weaken the material over time. And don’t stack anything heavy on top – you don’t want to warp the shape, trust me, it’s not a good look and won’t do you any favors on the protection front.
Shoes – Keep your climbing shoes dry when you’re not using them – this helps to avoid any funky smells. And, like your other gear, keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent fading or damage to the material.
Harnesses – When you’re done for the day, stash your harness out of direct sunlight – it can weaken the fibers over time. And again, don’t put anything heavy on top, it can mess with the shape and make it less secure for your next climb.

Top Climbing Gear Storage Ideas

Wall-mounted Pegboards

From my own climbing journeys, I can tell you that wall-mounted pegboards are an absolute godsend for gear storage. They’re simple to install and a fantastic way to keep everything neat, tidy in your gear room. Carabiners, harnesses, helmets, ropes, shoes – you name it, it can hang from a peg. The convenience factor really shines when you’re packing up for your next trip to the crag.

Pegboards come in all shapes and sizes, each with their unique features, such as movable hooks, fixed ones, or even shelves. Consider what you have in your arsenal and the space you’re working with when deciding which is right for you.

Pegboard Design Tips:

Select the Location: Choose a sturdy wall capable of supporting the pegboard and gear weight.
Mark and Install: Using a level and pencil, mark the desired pegboard location. Drill holes at the marked spots and insert anchors. Screw in the mounting brackets and hang your pegboard.
Add Hooks: Choose a variety of hooks, ensuring they can handle the weight of your heaviest gear. These are perfect for hanging items such as ropes, harnesses, carabiners, and shoes.
Install Shelves: Add shelves to store bulkier items or small essentials like chalk bags or tape. Ensure the shelves are deep enough to accommodate your gear without taking up too much space.
Organize by Use: Arrange gear based on frequency of use. Keep most-used items at eye level or within easy reach, and less frequently used gear higher up or further from the center. This ensures efficient access and preparation for each climb.

Over-the-Door Shoe Organizers

Now, this might sound a bit unconventional, but trust me on this one. Over-the-door shoe organizers can be a real bargain when it comes to storing smaller climbing gear like nuts, bolts, cams, slings, quickdraws, or a belay device. Designed with pockets for shoes, these organizers double as perfect pouches for your climbing essentials. Hang it up and you’re good to go.

Multi-Tiered Shelving Units

When you’re working with limited space, multi-tiered shelving units come in handy. They let you take advantage of vertical storage, freeing up your floor while providing plenty of room for your gear. Whether you prefer metal wire racks or wooden shelves, there’s a multi-tiered shelving unit to match your budget and style.

Stackable Plastic Bins with Labels

Don’t underestimate the power of stackable plastic bins for storing climbing gear. With a variety of sizes and colors to choose from, sorting and identifying your equipment is a breeze. Slap a label on each bin or color-code them for even quicker gear selection. And the best part? They stack on top of each other, making them a space-saving superhero if you’re short on room.

Customized Wall Panel and Drawers

Wall space, in my experience, is prime real estate for storage. Customized wall panels and drawers are an excellent solution to keep your gear tidy, accessible, and to free up that precious floor space. Wall panels can be tricked out with a myriad of storage solutions like cabinets, bins, bookshelves, and racks.

The beauty of customized wall panels is you can tailor them to your specific needs. Maybe you have a bunch of ropes and harnesses – consider incorporating pallets into your wall panel system. They’re eco-friendly and a cost-effective solution for storing larger items.

Drawers integrated into your wall panels provide additional storage for smaller items like nylon and other accessories. They keep your gear tidy and within easy reach. The beauty of this setup is that all your climbing gear is consolidated in one place, making packing for a trip or gearing up for a climb with friends that much easier.

Home Climbing Wall Storage and Daisy Chains: Tips for Storing Your Gear at Home

Daisy Chains: Organize Your Gear and Keep it Off the Ground

One of the best ways to store your climbing gear at home is by using daisy chains. These versatile tools can be used to organize all sorts of equipment, from ropes and harnesses to carabiners and quickdraws. By hanging your gear on a daisy chain, you can keep it off the ground and out of harm’s way.

To use a daisy chain for storage, simply hang it on a hook or pegboard on your wall. Then, clip your gear onto the loops using carabiners or other clips. You can even color-code your gear by using different colored daisy chains for different types of equipment.

Coil Your Ropes: Prevent Tangling and Damage

One of the most important things you can do when storing climbing ropes at home is to keep them coiled neatly. This will prevent tangling and damage that could compromise their strength and safety.

To coil a rope properly, start by flaking it out on a clean surface such as a tarp or blanket. Then, fold it in half twice so that you have four equal sections. Finally, coil each section around itself in a clockwise direction until you reach the end.

Overhead Hanging Rod and Hanger Rods: Efficient Ways to Store Your Climbing Gear

Easy Access to Your Climbing Gear with Overhead Hanging Rods

Installing overhead hanging rods on walls or ceilings is an efficient way to store your climbing gear. These rods provide racks and hooks for gear such as ropes and harnesses, making it easy for climbers to access their equipment without having to search through piles or bags. With easy access, climbers can save time and focus on preparing for their climb.

Overhead hanging rods come in various sizes and materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. When choosing a rod, consider the weight of your gear and the strength of the rod. A sturdy rod will ensure that your gear is secure and won’t fall off during storage.

Protect Your Climbing Gear from Direct Sunlight with Hanger Rods

Direct sunlight can cause damage to climbing gear over time. By using hanger rods, climbers can protect their gear from direct sunlight while keeping it organized. Hanger rods are typically installed in closets or other enclosed spaces where gear can be hung up out of sight.

Hanger rods come in different lengths and materials, including steel, aluminum, and plastic. When choosing a hanger rod, consider the weight of your gear as well as the strength of the rod. A strong hanger rod will ensure that your gear stays secure while being stored.

Organize Your Climbing Gear Efficiently with Racks

Racks are another efficient way to store climbing gear. Racks can be mounted on walls or floors depending on the size of your space. They provide ample space for storing ropes, harnesses, helmets, shoes, and other equipment.

When choosing a rack system for your climbing gear storage needs, consider the size of your space as well as the amount of equipment you need to store. A larger rack system may be necessary if you have a lot of equipment or limited storage space.

Storing Your Climbing Gear in Your Car: Tips and Tricks

Use a Designated Bag to Store Your Climbing Gear in Your Car

One of the best ways to store your climbing gear in your car is by using a designated bag. This helps keep all your gear organized and prevents it from getting lost or damaged. A good climbing gear bag should be durable, spacious, and easy to carry around. You can choose from a variety of bags that are specifically designed for storing climbing gear, such as backpacks, duffel bags, or rope bags.

When choosing a bag, consider the size of your gear and how much space you need. Look for a bag with multiple compartments so you can separate your gear by type or use. For example, you might want to keep your ropes and harnesses separate from your shoes and chalk bag. Make sure the bag is made from high-quality materials that can withstand wear and tear.

Choose a Secure Place in Your Car to Store the Bag

Once you have your designated climbing gear bag, it’s important to choose a secure place in your car to store it. Ideally, you want to keep the bag out of sight so as not to attract thieves or curious onlookers. One option is to store the bag in the trunk of your car if you have one. This keeps it hidden from view and also protects it from direct sunlight.

If you don’t have a trunk or need quick access to your gear while on the road, consider storing the bag under a seat or behind one of the front seats. Make sure it’s securely fastened so it doesn’t move around while driving.

Avoid Leaving Your Gear in Direct Sunlight or Extreme Temperatures

Climbing gear is sensitive to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight can damage certain materials like ropes and slings over time. Therefore, avoid leaving your gear in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures for extended periods of time.

If possible, park in shaded areas when outdoors or use sunshades to cover the windows. Avoid leaving your gear in a hot car for too long as this can cause damage and weaken the materials.

Keep a Small Cleaning Kit in Your Car to Quickly Clean and Maintain Your Gear After Use

Finally, keeping a small cleaning kit in your car can help you quickly clean and maintain your gear after use. A basic cleaning kit should include a brush, mild soap, water, and a towel. Use the brush to remove dirt and debris from your shoes and harnesses, then wipe them down with soap and water.

Make sure everything is completely dry before putting it back in your designated bag. This helps prevent mold growth or other issues that can arise from dampness.