What To Bring

Your instructor will reach out to you about the specifics of your particular course, but you can check out the list below for a general overview. 

If you have any questions about things on the packing list, contact your instructor to get more information or express any concerns you may have. If you don’t have something listed, your instructor can help you figure out what to do. Scroll down for more detail on certain list items.

  • Shoes

  • Pants

  • Top Layers

  • Backpack

  • Water + Snacks

  • Self Care Items

    • Sun Protection

    • Medical Items

    • Period Care

    • Other

  • Climbing Equipment

Shoes

  • Outdoor terrain is often uneven and rocky. Make sure to bring shoes that have good tread and a closed-toe. Just about any sneaker/tennis shoe will do.

Pants

  • It’s easy to end up with scraped and bruised knees while climbing. We recommend bottoms that cover your knees and provide lots of flexibility for moving while climbing. Leggings or any stretchy material works great. In colder weather, consider a thermal base layer.

Top Layers

  • Weather can change dramatically and unexpectedly. We recommend bringing a variety of top layers even in summer. Wicking materials (e.g. nylon, polyester, wool, etc.) are strongly recommended especially if there’s any possibility of cooler weather as they’ll keep you warm even if they get wet (often with sweat…). Some examples of helpful layers to bring—depending on the conditions—are:

    • A sun hoody

    • Fleece

    • Medium weight puffy jacket

    • Heavy weight puffy jacket

    • Softshell or windbreaker (non-waterproof outer layer that protects from wind while still allowing solid air flow)

    • Hardshell (waterproof outer layer for wet/windy conditions)

Backpack

  • You will likely need a small backpack to store and carry your belongings. Whatever backpack you bring will ideally fit all of your things inside and have a little extra room for any climbing equipment or group gear you are issued during the course. Backpacks are commonly measured in liters—a 30-40L backpack is usually an appropriate size for Flash Foxy outings.

Water + Snacks

  • Bring at least one liter of water. For days with longer hikes/approaches, a water bladder (e.g. a Camelbak) can be very helpful for drinking water on the go. If you’ll be climbing in cold weather, hot drinks/soups are always advisable!

  • Bring a variety of snacks. Granola and/or candy bars, gummy snacks, cookies, dried fruit, and trail mix are all common snack options.

  • It’s also recommended that you bring at least one more meal-like option such as a packed salad, pizza, or sandwich. Just having snacks all day can leave lots of folks feeling depleted by the end of the day.

Self Care Items

  • Sun Protection

    • Sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses

  • Medical Items

    • If you have medication you take regularly or other items you need to take care of any medical issues, please bring them.

    • If you have a history of or are susceptible to anaphylaxis (i.e. extreme, life-threatening allergic reaction), please make sure to consult with your doctor about whether an EpiPen might be appropriate.

  • Period Care

    • If you have a period, we recommend bringing whatever items you normally use (e.g. silicone cup, period-proof underwear, pads, tampons, etc.), hand sanitizer, wet wipes, extra toilet paper, and a pack-out method (for removing used toilet paper, wet wipes, or pads/tampons). One common pack-out method is a gallon ziploc bag wrapped with duct tape.

      • If you use a cup, nitrile gloves can be helpful for removing/replacing the cup while keeping your hands somewhat clean. You might also choose to bring extra water (and soap) for cleaning your cup and/or hands.

    • You can read more about having a period outdoors here. Forewarning, there are a few moments where the article seems to imply that periods only happen to women. We know that not all women have periods and not all those who have periods are women. If you have a more gender-inclusive article about periods outdoors, please share it with us!

  • Other

    • Hair ties. If you have longer hair, you can never have enough hair ties! For shorter hair, a headband can help it out of your face while you’re climbing.

    • Wag bags (i.e. portable outdoor toilet kits). Wag bags are an essential part of any outdoor kit. Your instructor(s) will carry a wag bag in case of emergencies, and you are encouraged to bring your own.

    • First Aid Kit. Your instructor(s) will carry any necessary first aid supplies and have appropriate training in administering first aid. If you have medical training, please make your instructor(s) aware, and feel free to bring a kit of your own.

    • Communication Device(s). Please bring a cell phone, if possible. Some venues may have limited cell reception, and you are encouraged to bring an emergency communication device if you have one, such as a Garmin InReach or Spot device. Your instructor(s) will also carry these devices, as needed.

Climbing Equipment

  • You are not required to bring any climbing equipment. Flash Foxy, in conjunction with our partner climbing schools, will provide any and all climbing equipment you may need.

  • If you have your own climbing harness, helmet, and/or shoes, please feel free to bring them. You will be able to use them at your instructor’s discretion.

  • If you have additional climbing equipment, such as quickdraws, anchor building material, and/or trad gear that you’d like to bring, check with your instructor. In most instances, you will be able to use them at your instructor’s discretion.