FIVE CLIMBING ESSENTIALS

You won't need a second mortgage to finance your climbing obsession. Quite the opposite, in fact. According to Mountain Equipment Co-op climbing expert Yonah Obadia, you’ll need precisely five things to unleash your inner indoor mountaineer.

1. SHOES

Try the handsome Scarpa Techno X. “A good climbing shoe fit should include some toe curl and feel tight all the way around, but shouldn’t be painful,” says Obadia. Plus, there’s a dash of streetwear style to them — meaning you won’t look half bad at your post-climb cocktail spot. $165, MONODSPORTS.COM

2. A HARNESS

A proper harness should support you whether you’re climbing or in a seated position, resting. “It should feel supportive, but not restrictive," Obadia says. The Arc'teryx FL-365 is a great indoor option that’s also sophisticated enough to use on that giant waterfall in Point Break. $165, MEC.CA

3. BELAY DEVICE

It may look like a space-age can opener, but a belay device is a critical piece of equipment: it controls the rope you use to climb and descend. The Petzl Grigri 2 can be used for gym climbing, cragging, or a high-stakes jewel heist. $120, MEC.CA

4. CHALK BAG

During a climb, expect to get sweaty. That’s why it’s imperative to get a quality chalk bag, which will keep your talons dry. We dig the Mammut Multi Pitch, which can store your keys, phone and even a roll-up jacket. “Make sure it fits your hand and style,” says Obadia. $50, ATMOSPHERE.CA

5. ROPE

Ropes come in a plethora of sizes, but your rope’s meant to hold the shock load of a descending climber. Don’t mess with gravity — shell out for the Sterling Biathlon Pro 10.1, a thick yet lightweight rope. $315, GEAREXPRESS.COM