The 10 Best Rock Climbing Holds

This review has been updated 9 times since it was first published in December of 2021. Whether you’re actually a route setter at a gym or are simply looking to build a DIY wall in your home for yourself or your kids, our list of rock climbing holds has you covered. We’ve included the best choices in all categories, from basic colorful sets that are suitable for active children, to professional-grade options complete with huge jugs and the tiniest crimps.

10. Powerfly Kids Playground

If you’ve got an outdoor jungle gym, the Powerfly Kids Playground 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.

• Three different sized holds
• Kits can be combined
• Assembly instructions are poor

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9. Metolius Greatest Chips

Unless you’re an expert, you likely won’t be able to create a route using these Metolius Greatest Chips 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.

• Also come with plates and rails
• Easy screw-on installation
• Not for beginners or kids

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8. Rocky Mountain Climbing Gear 25 Mixed

Anyone who prefers the look and feel of actual rock will appreciate the Rocky Mountain Climbing Gear 25 Mixed. 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.

• Over 200 unique shapes
• Made from recycled materials
• Does not include hardware

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7. Atomik Climbing Dripstone Jugs

Whether on a vertical beginner’s wall or an advanced overhang, these Atomik Climbing Dripstone Jugs 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.

• Rough sandstone-like texture
• Come with 5 bolts and t-nuts
• Can feel a little small for adults

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6. Metolius Foundation Set

When it comes to variety, few collections offer quite as much of it as the Metolius Foundation Set. 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.

• Lots of different shapes and sizes
• Includes a multi-wrench
• Some pieces crack easily

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5. Grip a Rock 20 Kit

If you truly can’t do without an authentic outdoor climbing experience, you need the Grip a Rock 20 Kit. 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.

• Aesthetically beautiful
• Can be mounted with deck screws
• Not good for technical routes

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4. Atomik Climbing Classic Pack

With 21 mostly medium-sized pieces, the Atomik Climbing Classic Pack 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.

• Larger kits also available
• Natural earthy colors
• Does not include real jugs

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3. Escape Climbing Starter Pack