What you need for a climbing competition

A climbing competition needs more than harnesses and climbing holds. You also need route-setting tools, spare equipment, clear signage, scoring supplies and reliable power for registration and results. This shopping list covers the practical items that are easy to overlook, from extension cords and printer supplies to coolers, reusable cups and first-aid support. Check quantities against your venue, number of competitors, climbing categories and whether participants bring their own personal gear.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Climbing harnessesqty 30
Climbing helmetsqty 30
Climbing ropesqty 12
Climbing carabinersqty 30
circuit breakersqty 20
Climbing setsqty 20
Oven bagsqty 30
Climbing matsqty 12
Directional signsqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 6
Traffic conesqty 12
Spare gripsqty 30
Allen keysqty 6
Route-building toolsqty 3
Safety helmetsqty 4

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Megaphone
Camera
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving jugsqty 6
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Ice packsqty 12
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 12

Decorations

Bib holdersqty 40
Name badgesqty 60
Competition postersqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Stage blocksqty 3
Medalsqty 12
Cupsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 10 bottles
- Carbonated water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee beans - 2 kilos
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Herbal tea - 3 boxes
- Sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- White rolls - 40 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 30 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 10 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Ham - 1,5 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Halal chicken breast slices - 1 kilo
- Vegan cheese - 1 kilo
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Energy bars - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Spice mix - 2 bags
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 3 pairs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls

Tips

Count equipment by starter group, not only by total attendance. If several competitors climb at once, make sure each active lane has the required harnesses, helmets, ropes, carabiners and mats available before registration opens.
Buy or prepare spare route-setting supplies before the build session. Keep reserve holds, Allen keys and route-building tools together so a missing hold or loose fitting does not delay the competition.
Test the scoring setup at least 24 hours before the event. Print a sample score sheet, charge every tablet, connect the laptop and printer, and pack extension cords and power strips in one clearly marked box.
Plan signage for three points: registration, warm-up or waiting areas, and competition zones. Put directional signs and cones in the vehicle the day before, because finding them during the first starter group wastes valuable time.
Work out refreshments per person and per time block rather than buying at random. For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person, then add water, coolers, thermos flasks, plates and reusable cups for the remaining programme.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a climbing competition?: You need the climbing and safety equipment required by the venue, including harnesses, helmets, ropes, carabiners, climbing sets and mats. Also prepare route-setting tools, spare holds, scoring devices, a printer, signage and power cables at least one day before the event.
How many climbing harnesses and helmets should I buy?: Plan one usable set per competitor climbing simultaneously, plus at least 10% spare equipment where possible. Confirm the exact number with the venue and starter-group schedule 48 hours before competition day.
What should I bring for route setting?: Pack reserve holds, Allen keys and the venue-approved route-building tools before the route-setting session. Keep the full kit on site several hours before the first inspection, with spare fixings and access to the correct safety equipment.
How much food and drink do I need for a climbing competition?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person, then calculate additional drinks for the rest of the programme. Order catering early enough to confirm dietary requirements at least 3 to 5 days before the event.

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.