The summers get pretty hot here in Albuquerque, NM. So what’s a climber to do? Climb of course! Heat does makes it harder for your hands to hold on and easier for your feet to slip. Sunburns and zapped energy are also part of the summer climbing struggle. But you don’t have to stay indoors all summer. Here are a few tricks that I use to keep me climbing throughout the summer in the high desert heat!!

1) TRY ROOF CLIMBING

This isn’t just me saying this because I want everyone to love roofs the way I do. Roof holds often never see sunlight and the roof itself can provide good protection from the sun.

2) CLIMB AT NIGHT

I started night climbing regularly at night when the gyms closed during Covid and I absolutely fell in love. Once I got over the spookiness of it, I continued to night climb even when gyms opened back up. I even continued to night climb in the winter!! The topic of night climbing could be a post all by itself.

Know your local wildlife, so you don’t get eaten. At my local crag, are habitats for mountain lions and bears, so I have to be cognizant of these dangers.

Have a good light or THREE!! I have a few lights, to include the USB rechargeable and waterproof kind. Mine range from $30-50 and can last for an entire session. Things to consider when buying a light include the weight, battery life, and the lumens. My lights are 1500 lumen or 100 watts. Yes, these are super bright!—which I love, and pretty pricey—which I don’t love. The best lights come with a separate battery than can be used on power tools as well. They are also somewhat heavy.

Don’t forget your headlamp. When you’re topping out a boulder, the lights at the bottom sometimes don’t help. A headlamp will help you get down safely.

3) BUY A FAN

A fan at the crag is just wonderful. The moving air helps you stay cool and keeps the bugs away a bit. If there is a crux hold, use the fan to keep that hold cool. It’ll make a bigger difference than you think! The Makita fans seem to be the most popular brand among climbers.

4) WEAR LONG SLEEVES

I love lightweight white or light colored shirts for the summer. If you’re standing in the sun while belaying, your skin can get burned and your energy zapped. A lightweight shirt will keep you cooler than if you were wearing nothing. I have worn UPF shirts, which are specifically made for blocking the sun, but haven’t found them to be much better than lightweight cotton shirts.

5) BUG SPRAY

Always keep some in your pack!!! Whether you buy this from the store or make your own, bug spray will allow you to climb more comfortably—especially when every insect in the high desert is suddenly drawn to your 1500 lumen lamps illuminating the night sky.

6) KEEP YOUR SHOES OUT OF THE SUN

It’s important to keep the rubber on your shoes out of direct sunlight. The rubber is optimized for colder temps, so keeping your shoes cool can keep you on the wall longer!! Do the same for your cellphone or digital devices to optimize battery life.

6 Tips for Climbing in Hot Temps!