Essential Items For The Crag

What should come with and what should stay home

When heading to the crag, most of your pack is made up of climbing gear, but there’s also a lot of other stuff that makes a day at the crag go smoothly. We’ve made a packing list for all that extra stuff to make sure your day on the rock is as easy as it can be.

Your personal ITEMS

What every person in your party should have

• Harness, Shoes, Helmet

• Water

• Tasty snacks/ meals

• A head lamp

• Nail clipper

• Climbing tape

Group Gadgets

Items for the whole party to use

• First aid kit

• Sun screen

• Bug Spray

• Bathroom kit

  • toilet paper, wag bag, small shovel, hand sanitizer, period products for those that need them.

Things to Leave at Home

Maybe give a little more thought before bringing these to the crag

• Speakers

• Hammocks

• Bad vibes

• Furry Friends

  Take a look at this access fund article for best practice when thinking of climbing with your dog.

Every crag presents different circumstances so make sure you read up before you climb!

See ya out there!

Blake Cheney, Ascent Climbing Instructor

Find Friendly Trad Climbs in CT

CT has some really excellent trad climbing, however Trad climbing is a very intimidating sector of climbing. Down below we have listed some of CT’s friendliest beginner trad climbs. 

Top roping the climbs you’re looking to do before you lead them is a great way to mitigate risk. It allows you to get used to the movement and gear on the climb, before you hop on the sharp end.

Trad climbing is very dangerous. Proper education, training, and practice are required for climbers to avoid injury and accidents. Seek qualified instruction and mentorship.

WHERE TO START - Climbs that are great for getting really solid placements and practice.

Star Fire 5.1 - Wolf Rock

Pebble Beach 5.2 - Wolf Rock

Double crutch 5.3 - Pinnacle Rock 

Kiddy crack 5.3 - Chatfield Hollow 

VeeZee 5.4 - Pinnacle Rock

First crack 5.4 - Pinnacle rock

Kiddy slab 5.4 - Chatfield Hollow 

Clark Bar Crack 5.5 - Chatfield Hollow 

NEXT STEPS - The next step in CT trad climbing. We always recommend top roping climbs to really get them down pat before hopping on the sharp end.

Leapfrog 5.6 - Pinnacle Rock

Sixth sense 5.6 - Pinnacle Rock

Super slab 5.6 - Chatfield Hollow

Don’t do it Hank’s way 5.6 - Chatfield Hollow 

Third Crack 5.7+ - Pinnacle Rock

We chose these climbs based on rock quality, gear placements, and quality anchors at the top. We also chose these climbed around what crags are open and accessible to climbers. Before heading to the crag make sure you double check if climbing is allowed. For more info on crag access check out the Ragged Mountain Foundation.

Looking to start trad climbing? Check out our upcoming courses, book a private guide, or reach out to us with any questions.

See ya out there!

Blake Cheney, Ascent Climbing Instructor