What to Bring and Buy for a Bouldering Session

A bouldering session needs more than climbing shoes and chalk. Plan supplies for scoring, warm-ups, minor injuries, snacks, drinks and a simple rest area. For a group session, confirm what the climbing gym provides before buying duplicate equipment, especially mats, brushes and chalk. Pack dietary items separately, chill drinks in advance and keep waivers, scorecards and transport details ready before participants arrive.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Sports equipment

Chalk bagsqty 12
Liquid climbing chalkqty 2
Brushesqty 6
Athletic tapeqty 4
Scorecardsqty 20
Clipboardsqty 3
Stopwatchesqty 3
Conesqty 12
Elastic bandsqty 12
Yoga matsqty 6
Sports towelsqty 12
Cold packsqty 4
First aid kit

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 3
Folding chairsqty 14
Tableclothsqty 3
Coolersqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 24
Reusable platesqty 20
Reusable bowlsqty 8
Cutlery setsqty 20
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Can openersqty 2
Food containersqty 12
Serving traysqty 6

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Power banksqty 2
Phone tripod
Extension cordsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Beer - 36 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 12 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Mini wraps - 36 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Herb cream cheese - 2 tubs
- Cheese slices - 1.5 kilo
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Smoked salmon - 500 grams
- Arugula - 4 bags
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1.5 kilos
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Red onions - 4 pieces
- Olives - 3 jars
- Sun-dried tomatoes - 2 jars
- Pasta - 1.5 kilo
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Pasta sauce - 6 jars
- Parmesan cheese - 500 grams
- Mixed Salad - 4 bags
- Breadsticks - 4 packs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 18 pieces
- Bananas - 18 pieces
- Brownies - 24 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dish sponges - 1 pack
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 2 packs

Tips

Allow one reusable cup and at least 750 ml of water per participant, then add extra drinks for a session longer than two hours. Chill them before leaving and use coolers for transport.
Bring one chalk bag per active climber if the gym does not provide them, plus liquid chalk and brushes for shared use. Check the venue’s chalk rules before purchasing.
Pack one scorecard and one clipboard per team, with at least two stopwatches for timed rounds. Take spare pens even though they are not part of the core equipment list.
Prepare snacks that can be eaten between climbs without greasy fingers, such as fruit, bars or cut vegetables. Keep allergy- and diet-specific products in separate, labelled containers.
Take a first aid kit, athletic tape, cold packs and sports towels. Put them at the snack or registration table so they can be found quickly, rather than leaving them in a car or sealed bag.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a bouldering session?: Bring climbing shoes if they are not rented, a chalk bag or liquid chalk, comfortable sports clothing and water. For an organised group session, also prepare scorecards, clipboards, stopwatches, snacks, a first aid kit and any reserved rental equipment.
How much water and food should I buy for bouldering?: Plan at least 750 ml of water per person for a standard session, with extra drinks for hot weather or sessions over two hours. Buy one or two snack portions per person, plus separate options for each recorded dietary requirement.
How much chalk do I need for a group bouldering session?: For a single session, one chalk bag per active climber is a practical starting point when the gym does not supply them. Bring one or two shared brushes and check the gym’s rules at least 24 hours beforehand, because some venues restrict loose or liquid chalk.
When should I reserve a bouldering gym and rental equipment?: Reserve the gym and rental equipment as soon as you have a provisional participant count, preferably at least one week before the session. Confirm opening hours, equipment availability and waiver requirements 24 to 48 hours before arrival.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.