What To Buy A Dad Who Climbs (He Says He Needs Nothing)

The best gift for a dad who climbs is something small, useful and made from rope he has trusted. He will say he needs nothing. He is lying, but only about the big stuff. Try a recycled climbing rope belt, cut to his exact waist.

Dads who climb are hard to buy for. They already own the rack, the rope and three chalk bags. Any new kit has to beat the kit he has. You will lose that fight.

So do not buy kit. Buy the thing he uses every day that has a bit of the crag in it.

What is the best gift for a dad who climbs?

A belt, a dog lead or a can holder. All three are things he will really use, and all three start life as a retired climbing rope.

The rope belt is the one I would pick. The 2 rope belt is from £28 and the 3 rope belt is from £33. Each one is made to his exact waist, from 22 to 50 inches. No guessing, no returns.

If he walks the dog at the crag, the climbing rope dog lead is £30. Rope was built to hold a falling person. A spaniel is not going to test it.

What can I give a dad who climbs for less?

A rope keychain is £3 to £4. The carabiner keychain is £15 and does what a dad wants: it clips to everything.

A set of rope coasters starts at £4. Good for the dad whose mug always ends up on the good table.

Why does rope make a better dad gift than kit?

Because he knows what rope is. He has trusted one with his life. A belt made from a retired one gets a nod and a story, not a polite thank you.

Every piece comes from rope that was due to go in the bin. Nylon takes hundreds of years to break down. Now it holds his trousers up.

Still stuck on size? Send him a Forma gift card from £10 and let him pick. And if he has a dead rope in the cupboard, send me your rope. It is how this all starts.

Looking for more ideas? Try our guides for trad climbers and climbers in general.

Stay classy and remember,
Make Waste Useful.

George