You need a robust backpack that’s comfortable to carry and can store everything such as your harness, climbing shoes, gear, chalk, boulder brush, guidebook, drink, food, spare layers, headlamp, phone, etc. While there are lots of packs that could do the job, climbing-specific backpacks have special features, such as dedicated attachment points for carrying a rope or hauling a pack and detachable tarps to protect your rope – a tarp helps extend the life of your rope by keeping it out of the dirt and grit at the crag.