Gear Guides
Pack the Right Rack
Area-specific gear lists field-tested at Idaho crags. Every item links directly to the specific product — see what you're buying before you click.
This page contains affiliate links. Purchases support the site at no cost to you.
Sport Climbing Essentials
City of Rocks sport routes, Massacre Rocks, Black Cliffs
Everything you need for a day of bolted sport climbing at City of Rocks, Massacre Rocks, or Black Cliffs.
Mammut
Mammut Crag Classic 9.5mm Dry 60m
Most City of Rocks routes are 40–70ft. 60m covers everything comfortably. Mammut's Dry treatment handles Idaho afternoon thunderstorms and morning dew on granite.
Black Diamond
Black Diamond Positron Quickdraws (12-pack)
Longer routes at City of Rocks run 10–14 bolts. Positrons have a straight gate on top and bent on bottom — the standard workhorse quickdraw for sport climbing.
Petzl
Petzl GRIGRI+ Belay Device
Grigri recommended for single-pitch lowering — the assisted brake makes long days with multiple partners safer. The + version adds a top-rope mode and backup mode for guide use.
Petzl
Petzl Meteor Climbing Helmet
Rockfall is real at City of Rocks, especially on multi-pitch routes. The Meteor weighs 240g and meets both EN 12492 and UIAA 106 standards. Non-negotiable on trad and alpine terrain.
La Sportiva
La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoe
Slab routes at City of Rocks reward a precise, snug fit. The Tarantulace is a neutral all-around shoe — slab-friendly sole for Idaho granite with enough edge for crack climbing.
Black Diamond
Black Diamond Mojo Chalk Bag
Idaho granite is grippy but dry desert conditions cake your hands. The Mojo has a stiff rim that stays open while you climb — no fumbling for chalk mid-crux.
CamelBak
CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12L Hydration Pack
Most City of Rocks crags have zero water. 3L minimum per person for a full day. The M.U.L.E. holds a 3L reservoir with room for snacks, a shell, and a first-aid kit.
Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research Echo Hoody UPF 50+
High-altitude desert sun burns fast at City of Rocks (5,400ft). A sun hoody keeps you comfortable on exposed south-facing granite walls all day.
Trad Rack — City of Rocks
City of Rocks crack climbing, all Idaho trad routes
The exact gear you need for City of Rocks' classic crack routes: Wheat Thin, Rye Crisp, and the granite cracks of Elephant Rock.
Black Diamond
Black Diamond Camalot C4 Cam Set
City of Rocks cracks range from fingers to off-width. The C4 is the gold standard — reliable trigger, bomber placement. Double up on #1 and #2 for long pitches on Wheat Thin and Rye Crisp.
Black Diamond
Black Diamond Stopper Set (13-piece)
Excellent nut placements throughout City of Rocks. The full 13-piece BD Stopper set covers wires #1–13 — carry all sizes since you never know which crack feature will take gear.
Black Diamond
Black Diamond 60cm Dynex Slings (4-pack)
Essential for building natural gear anchors and reducing rope drag on wandering crack lines. Dynex is lighter than nylon at the same strength rating.
Petzl
Petzl Attache Locking Carabiner (3-pack)
Anchors, belay, and rappel setups. The Attache has a keylock gate that never snags on bolts or fixed gear — a significant upgrade from older wire-gate lockers for anchor building.
Black Diamond
Black Diamond Crack Gloves (Fingerless)
Optional but recommended for learning hand jams. City of Rocks granite is grippy but rough on skin — crack gloves let you climb more pitches before your hands tap out.
Alpine Kit — Sawtooth Multi-Pitch
Elephant's Perch, Sawtooth Range routes
What you need for Elephant's Perch and serious Sawtooth alpine routes — beyond the basic trad rack.
Marmot
Marmot PreCip Eco Hardshell Jacket
Summit temps on Elephant's Perch run 20°F colder than Stanley. Afternoon storms are common July–August. The PreCip Eco is lightweight, packs to a fist, and is fully waterproof — non-negotiable for the Sawtooth.
Smartwool
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer
Three-layer system for alpine starts at 5AM. Merino base regulates temp better than synthetic — warm when wet, odor-resistant for multi-day trips.
Black Diamond
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
Alpine starts require a strong headlamp. Elephant's Perch climbers often start at 3–4AM. The Spot 400 delivers 400 lumens, has red night-vision mode, and the battery lasts all day.
SOL
SOL Escape Bivvy Emergency Shelter
Required for any alpine multi-pitch. Weighs 3.8oz, fits in a shirt pocket, and retains 80% of your body heat in an unexpected night out on the Sawtooth. Hope you never need it.
La Sportiva
La Sportiva TX4 GTX Approach Shoes
3-mile approach with 1,500ft gain on rocky Sawtooth trail. The TX4 GTX has a Vibram FriXion outsole that grips wet rock perfectly — the right tool between the car and the climb.
Gear covered. Climber covered?
World Nomads travel insurance includes rock climbing coverage for most policies. Worth 5 minutes before any multi-day trip.