Best Rock Climbing Holds

If you’ve got an outdoor jungle gym, the Powerfly Kids Playground (around $30) is a great way to add a little vertical variety to the mix. The 14-piece set comes with 12 jugs made of durable plastic, plus safety handles that provide an easier grip for inexperienced climbers.

Unless you’re an expert, you likely won’t be able to create a route using these Metolius Greatest Chips (around $147) alone. But they’re perfect for filling out a larger collection of pieces, and especially for testing your technical footwork, since they include both smears and slabs.

Anyone who prefers the look and feel of actual rock will appreciate the Rocky Mountain Climbing Gear 25 Mixed (about $35). The faux-stone handles do a fair job approximating the real thing, and they can be easily and quickly installed, thanks to their simple screw-on designs.

Whether on a vertical beginner’s wall or an advanced overhang, these Atomik Climbing Dripstone Jugs (around $39) are sure to add a little extra grip to a route. They feature rounded lips and extend two to three inches when installed, making them easy to grasp for most hand sizes.

When it comes to variety, few collections offer quite as much of it as the Metolius Foundation Set (around $79). You can choose from 35 up to 220-piece kits, and each includes a plethora of hand, feet, modular and micro holds that you can combine in an almost infinite number of ways.

If you truly can’t do without an authentic outdoor climbing experience, you need the Grip a Rock 20 Kit (around $47). Every flake, crimp and horn is handcrafted from real rainbow sandstone, allowing you to train your fingers on the same texture you’d find out in the mountains.

With 21 mostly medium-sized pieces, the Atomik Climbing Classic Pack (about $84) is ideal for beginners looking to test their skills in the comfort of their own homes. Each one is made of nearly indestructible polyurethane, but is backed up by a lifetime warranty just in case.

Serious hobbyists who can’t seem to get enough time in the gym can take part of it home with them thanks to the Escape Climbing Starter Pack (around $213). With 51 holds ranging from crimps to pinches, it’s got enough material to expand an existing wall or start a brand new one.

Need a way to get your kids outside — or even just get them active inside? The Climbing Monkey 25 Holds (appx. $38) is a great way to do it. Each piece is weather-resistant and comes with its own industrial hardware, so you can mount them in the backyard and not have to worry.

Whether you’re a novice or expert, you’ll be sure to find something to suit your experience level in this Metolius 60 Hold Mega Pack (around $250). It’s one of the most comprehensive options out there, not just because of the sheer number of pieces but also because of their diversity.