There are many types of outdoor gear you will need if you are going to get into mountain climbing, but the clothing is perhaps the most important. If you prefer climbing outdoors to the artificial indoor environments, you will definitely need some good mountain hardwear, especially once the winter months roll around. The type of clothes you’ll need depends on the type of climb you’ll be doing and the climate of your location, of course, but in the winter you will definitely need some warm pants and jackets with protective linings from one of the specialized companies such as Arcteryx. Whether you shop at an Arcteryx outlet, a local sporting goods store or you prefer to do all your shopping online, you will want to pay special attention to the clothes.

When it comes to mountain hardwear, you want to start with the basics before you get into the really hard outer layers. A base layer of pants or briefs and undershirts can provide good thermal protection for cold climbs without constricting your movement. The first layer of clothing should also be close to the skin to allow perspiration to evaporate and keep the air circulating. Then you can get into the outer layers of clothing, starting with the shirt. It should keep your wrists, elbows and shoulders free to work with the equipment, and really only needs to cover your arms if it is winter time. And while most climbers prefer shorts, in the winter you will need to wear pants. Just make sure they can stretch without clinging to your body and provide the durability stand up to tough outdoor conditions.

The clothing you choose in the winter months should be able to deflect UV rays to prevent sunburn, and should also be well insulated and waterproof, yet still lightweight. Jackets are also important in the winter. A good jacket can protect you from the elements and provide a place to store outdoor gear for the climb. Extreme cold weather jackets should be lightweight yet insulated, and they should always allow for easy movement. You should also consider a good helmet if you don’t already have one, as it will protect you in falls and protect you from the elements.