If you’ve ever looked up at a bouldering climbing wall and wondered, “How do people know what to grab?” – you’re not alone. Those colorful shapes dotting the wall? They’re known as climbing holds, and they’re your invitation to explore movement, challenge gravity, and start building your own climbing experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common types of rock climbing holds you’ll find in a climbing gym, and how understanding them can support your growth – whether you’re new to climbing, coming in from hiking, or chasing new goals on your climbing journey.
What Are Climbing Holds?
Climbing holds (also called grips or hand holds) are the features placed on walls – often made of polyurethane or other durable materials -that mimic real rock. They’re designed to challenge your balance, strength, and creativity.
Understanding the various types of climbing hold shapes can help you read problems more clearly and climb with intention.
Common Types of Rock Climbing Holds
Here are a few of the hold types you’ll encounter in our gyms and out in the wild:
1. Jugs
Big, friendly holds you can wrap your whole hand around. These are perfect for beginners, warm-ups, and recovery moves on tough boulder problems. They offer comfort and allow you to focus on body movement over grip strength. They’re also often used to help introduce overhang climbs (i.e., climbs where you are partially or completely upside down).
2. Crimps
Tiny ledges that test your fingers and trust. These small holds require tip-to-tip tension and careful control. Crimps are great teachers of technique and are one of the hold styles that best prepare you for outdoor climbing.
3. Slopers
Smooth and round, slopers offer little friction. You’ll use an open hand grip and rely on subtle shifts in your center of gravity to stay on. They can feel frustrating, but they’re also deeply satisfying once you get the hang of them.
4. Pinches
Exactly what they sound like. These require you to pull with thumb and fingers in opposition, testing your grip and forearm endurance.
5. Pockets
Circular or oval openings that fit one to three fingers. Used in moderation, pockets can strengthen finger control and body tension. Overused, they can contribute to injury, so approach them mindfully.
