Wear Two Different Climbing Shoes and More Unexpected Gear Hacks From Paige Claassen

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You don’t become a 5.14d climber by staying inside the box. From comps early in life to classic sport routes and crimptastic boulder problems, Paige Claassen keeps it interesting and gets creative. That applies to her gear choices, skincare hacks, and favorite snack, too.

While climbing is on a temporary hiatus as she settles into life as a family of four (congrats Paige!), she took a minute to share some of her hacks for sending harder, staying fueled, and of course, climber skincare.

La Sportiva Climbing Shoe Pairing

In the early phases of working a project, I’ll bring a selection of shoes to test out. I’m generally looking for which shoe gives me the best advantage in the crux—for each foot. Often, I end up wearing a different shoe on each foot. 

My go-tos are the Miura VS for tiny edges or narrow, precise heel placements. I like the Mantra for toe hooks or smears. If I’m out for a day of onsighting or just general climbing, I’ll typically bring my Skwamas—they’re my favorite all-around shoe. 

Shop La Sportiva Miura VS

Shop La Sportiva Mantra

Shop La Sportiva Skwama 

Edge Pocket Pull Block

There often isn’t a good warmup option when I’m trying a sport route or bouldering project, and I want to conserve my skin. A pull block is a great way to warm up the fingers. The Edge Pocket (made in South Africa) is the smallest and lightest I’ve found.

Shop Edge Pocket

Wet Paper Towel in a Ziplock Bag

I have really dry skin, and have found the best way to get the perfect tack is to dab my finger tips on a wet paper towel, let them air dry, and then chalk up. 

Skin Kit

I keep a small zippered pouch in my climbing bag with sandpaper, nail clippers, cuticle cutters, and tape.

La Sportiva Big Wall Pullover

This is my go-to climbing layer for a chilly day. It’s super light, really soft, and I don’t feel like I’m wearing anything extra, so it doesn’t restrict my movement in any way.

Shop La Sportiva Big Wall Pullover – Women’s

Shop La Sportiva Big Wall Pullover – Men’s

Mini Tripod

I used to be a bit of a hater on filming yourself climb (how vain!). But then I learned how beneficial it can be to review my failed attempts and analyze what I need to change. I’m also someone who really struggles to remember beta, especially nuances between sessions. A beta video helps me commit those subtleties to memory.

Bonus Snack Hack: Biltong

This South African dried meat snack is my favorite way to consume protein. It’s like snacking on steak throughout the day. My husband makes it by marinating beef in vinegar, then dipping it in spices before hanging it to dry in a big fanned container.