Whether you’re a rookie or a pro climber, you know that the gear is expensive! That’s why, when your current climbing adventure comes to an end, storing your climbing gear well is essential. If you don’t, the cost to repair or replace ruined equipment can be substantial. Storing your rock climbing gear correctly also lowers the risk of climbing accidents. The ropes, crampons, climbing shoes, and other gear you use are all necessary for a safe climb. If you don’t store your gear correctly, you can risk accidents and gear failures. That’s why we’re here to help with everything you need to know about climbing gear storage. And we can even help you find storage units in Boulder, Colorado.
Another reason to store your climbing gear the right way is to make it last as long as possible. Making sure it lasts as long as possible is a good idea, especially financially. Storing it well should be part of that plan to make your gear last. It will prolong the life of your equipment and save you money on your climbing hobby.
![Various rock climbing gear laid out on a rock](https://www.securcareselfstorage.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shutterstock_623954939.jpg)
How To: Climbing Gear Storage
Shoes
Climbing shoes are one of the most critical pieces of gear you’ll use when enjoying your climb. Before storing them for any length of time, you should wipe them clean of excess dirt, sand, or gunk. Next, wash them on a delicate setting in your washer with cold water and a tiny amount of detergent. Do not use fabric softener and when the washer is finished, air them dry. Lastly, once completely dry, store them in the box they came in or a breathable cotton bag.
Ropes
Climbing ropes are made of nylon. That’s important, as nylon doesn’t handle high temperatures well. Storing your nylon ropes where temperature extremes won’t affect them is vital. Nylon is also easily damaged by dirt, sharp objects, and even oil. Before storage, thoroughly clean ropes with cold water and a mild detergent. Then, dry your ropes extremely well over several days. Once dry, storing your ropes in a rope bag is best. However, a box with other climbing ropes for long-term storage is a better choice. That way, if you have many ropes, you can stack all your climbing gear for organized storage. (Rope bags stack horribly!)
![climbing gear storage](https://www.securcareselfstorage.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/shutterstock_153984371.jpg)
Chalk Bag
You can easily store chalk bags long-term in a Ziploc bag, no problem. You can clean them with warm water and mild detergent if you want them extra clean. If you do, make sure they’re completely dry before storage to prevent mold.
Climbing Harness
After checking your climbing harness to make sure it’s in great shape, you can rinse it with warm water and let it air-dry. It’s best to store it in the bag it came in if possible. Then, along with everything else, put it in a cool, dry place.
Other Climbing Gear Storage
Most climbing hardware like carabiners, cams, and quickdraws you’ll use when climbing don’t rust, which is great news. They’re made of stainless steel and other metals that aren’t plagued by rust and will typically last for years. But when storing, you always want to stay organized. That way, the next time you need them for a climbing adventure, they’ll be easy to find. We also suggest using a lubricant on your climbing hardware before storage. That will prevent sticking in the future.
![climbing gear storage](https://www.securcareselfstorage.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/shutterstock_290476949.jpg)
Boulder Storage Units are Great for Climbing Gear
A Boulder storage unit from SecurCare is a fantastic place to store your climbing gear. All of your equipment will be safe and secure in our Boulder storage units. Plus, you’ll be able to access your climbing gear whenever you like. There are two SecurCare Self Storage facilities near Boulder, CO, including:
- SecurCare Self Storage, Broomfield, CO
- SecurCare Self Storage, Erie, CO
This post was originally published 05/152015. It was updated 07/07/2022.