Red River Gorge | KY Climbing Trip | Essential Packing List
Nestled within the rolling hills of eastern Kentucky, the Red River Gorge is a mecca for rock climbers seeking world-class routes and a close-knit climbing community. With its rock-solid sandstone cliffs and lush forested surroundings, it's no wonder climbers from all over the world make the trip to this climbing destination. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice climber, the Red River Gorge offers a diverse range of climbing experiences.
Photos by: Jessee Lynch
But before you hit the crags, here is a short summary of the area:
First, you should be familiar with Miguel’s Pizza. Miguel's Pizza, located in the heart of the Red River Gorge, is a climber's haven. This legendary spot offers affordable car camping and tent camping options. The campground provides access to showers, clean bathrooms, and even storage facilities for your food bins. But what truly sets Miguel's Pizza apart is the sense of community. It's a gathering place for climbers from all over the world, making it an excellent place to meet fellow adventurers, swap climbing stories, and get beta on the latest routes. And, of course, you can't miss their famous pizza, a perfect post-climbing treat.
& here is my personal gear list:
The Red River Gorge is well-known for the incredible Sport Climbing routes in the area. For my experienced climbers, skip the first few items. You probably already have the basic equipment for a climbing trip, but further down the list, you will find items more specific to climbing at the Red!
First-time climbers - here are a few essentials you will need for Sport Climbing in the area. I would recommend hiring a guide or climbing with a mentor if this is your first time climbing outside.
Harness & Rope, Sport Quick-Draws, Chalk, Helmet etc.
A comfortable harness, a durable rope, and a set of sport quick-draws are fundamental for climbing safety. Don't forget your chalk bag for a better grip on the rock. Gri Gri. & ATC. Below are a few of the items I have in my personal pack that have been great for multi-use!
Jessee and I have enjoyed utilizing the Petzl Connect Adjust for extra safety in cleaning the route. A sling is also a great option, but we love the length the Petzl connect gives to test our systems.This is a versatile lanyard designed for belaying, rappelling, and aid climbing. It's a must-have for your climbing kit.
A crag bag is essential to carry your climbing essentials, such as water, snacks, guidebooks, and extra clothing. Look for one with multiple pockets and a hydration sleeve for added convenience. You want your bag to easily hold all of your various equipment for the day. Here are two backpacks built specifically for crag days.
Climbing Shoes
The right pair of climbing shoes can make all the difference. Ensure they fit well and provide the grip and precision you need for the Red River Gorge's unique sandstone routes. Finding a pair like these that are built specifically for Sport Climbing will be best for the Red River Gorge.
Nemo Tent and Luci String Lights
You can find affordable car camping or tent camping options at Miguel's Pizza, which offers showers, bathrooms, and a sense of community that's perfect for climbers. If you're planning to tent camp, consider bringing a tent that has good waterproofing such as the Nemo Dagger tent. The Red River Gorge can be a very humid and wet place. Let this be my warning that many of your camping goods will be muddy after a weekend at the Red. I like to wear clothes that I don’t mind getting a little dirty.
We absolutely love our Luci String Lights for nights at the Red River Gorge. Whether we are tent camping or car camping, these lights help us pack up our crag bag in the early morning. These solar-powered lights not only provide ambient lighting but also create a warm and inviting atmosphere at your tent or your car.
Storage Bin for Food
Storing your food in a durable, critter-proof container is a must when camping in the Red River Gorge. This ensures your supplies stay safe and your campsite remains clean. Miguel’s Pizza has a gazebo where they allow you to leave your food containers. Join the community at the picnic tables, make your own coffee in the morning, and meal prep the crag day.
Jet Boil/Cooking Stove
A portable cooking stove like a Jet Boil is ideal for preparing quick meals and warm drinks at the campsite. It's a compact and efficient choice for climbers on the go. Miguel’s Pizza allows you to cook under the gazebo, so bring your Oats and cook up your own food on the picnic tables provided before starting your big day.
Puffy Jacket, Layers, Ear Warmers/Beanie
The weather at the Red River Gorge can be unpredictable and the temps can get extremely low during peak climbing season. Pack layers, a warm puffy jacket, and a rain jacket. Accessories like ear warmers or a beanie to stay comfortable in changing conditions or as you lose light at the end of the day.
Climbing Gloves/Hand Warmers
Climbing gloves provide extra protection for your hands before you begin climbing. These are built for belaying on the extremely cold days. Hand warmers can be a real comfort on chilly mornings as well!
Red River Gorge Guidebook
A guidebook is essential for navigating the vast array of routes in the area. You can also get lots of information on Mountain Project as well. Read over the route to see a review from other climbers in the community!
Don't forget a quick-dry towel for those post-climbing showers, drying off your feet after a creek crossing, or wiping down items that were left in the Gorge fog overnight.
Belay glasses are a game-changer for your neck and comfort. They allow you to watch your climber without constantly craning your neck, reducing strain during long belays. Many climbers enjoy taking the time to project a route, so get comfy quick!
This is another item that allows for a comfortable belay station. I recently saw a climber belaying from one of these and I am now in favor of this crag addition. Having a compact camp chair is essential, and nice to have at the campsite at the end of the day. It provides a cozy spot to relax by the campfire and share stories with fellow climbers.
A reliable headlamp is indispensable for navigating in low-light conditions, whether you're getting an early start on the crags or returning to your campsite after dusk. The Red River Gorge is extremely forested, so you will need a rechargeable light at the end of the day. This helps you get from campsite to Miguel’s without getting lost. They turn the lights off at night and the campground is difficult to get around.
The Red River Gorge is a climbing paradise that offers unforgettable experiences for climbers of all levels. But to fully enjoy your trip, you need to pack wisely. Make sure to include the essentials like your climbing gear, clothing, and guidebooks. And if you're looking for an affordable and vibrant place to camp, Miguel's Pizza is the go-to choice for climbers, offering not just a place to rest but a true community experience. So, load up your gear, head to Red River Gorge, and get ready for a climbing adventure like no other.
Happy Climbing, EM
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through one of my affiliate links, I will receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
