Climbing Apps: The Best Tools for Every Climber

Technology has transformed the way we train, plan, and track progress in climbing, but for me, it was board climbing and tracking my sessions through apps that truly changed the game. Stuck in a plateau, I struggled to push past the same grades despite consistent training. That changed when I started logging my climbs, analyzing my weaknesses, and using structured board sessions to refine my movement. The ability to track progress, set benchmarks, and measure gains gave me the motivation and direction I needed to break through.

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Table of Contents

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Why I Use Climbing Apps

Climbing apps bring a new level of efficiency and organization to your training and outdoor adventures. These apps allow climbers to:

• Log Progress: Track completed routes, attempts, and personal bests.
• Discover New Areas: Find detailed information about gyms, crags, and boulders worldwide.
• Improve Training: Access workouts, fingerboard plans, and climbing-specific exercises.
• Connect with Community: Share experiences and beta with other climbers.

Whether you’re tackling projects at the gym or heading to a new crag, climbing apps are an essential companion.

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Top Climbing Apps to Try

27 Crags

Best For: Discovering outdoor climbing areas

I can’t count the number of times 27 Crags has helped me find incredible climbing areas I would have otherwise missed. Whether I’m planning a trip to a new crag or searching for hidden bouldering gems nearby, this app has been an invaluable resource. The detailed topos, in-depth route descriptions, and user reviews give me all the information I need before even setting foot on the rock.

• Features:
  • Access thousands of crag and route maps.
  • Offline mode for remote climbing areas.
  • Submit and update route information.
• Why It’s Great: It’s a reliable companion for outdoor climbing trips, helping you plan your day with accurate and up-to-date information.

Vertical-Life (8a.nu)

Best For: Route discovery and gym integration

I’ve found Vertical-Life to be an essential tool for both training and exploring new gyms. It seamlessly integrates with climbing gyms, offering digital route maps and training features that make every session more efficient—whether I’m dialing in beta at home or checking out a new gym on the road.

• Features:
  • Digital topos for indoor and outdoor climbs.
  • Integrates with gyms to show route updates and grades.
  • Community features for sharing beta and achievements.
• Why It’s Great: Vertical-Life’s gym integration sets it apart, making it a go-to app for frequent gym climbers.

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KAYA Climb

Best For: Bouldering enthusiasts

KAYA has been a game-changer for my bouldering sessions, both indoors and outside. It’s built for boulderers, with powerful logging tools and in-depth analytics that help track progress. I also love how it provides detailed maps and beta for popular outdoor areas and gyms, making it easy to plan my next session or project a new climb.

• Features:
  • Record sessions and track sends.
  • Explore outdoor bouldering areas with verified topos.
  • Compare your stats with other climbers.
• Why It’s Great: KAYA’s user-friendly design and bouldering-specific features make it ideal for bouldering enthusiasts.

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Crimpd

Best For: Training and performance improvement

Crimpd has been a key part of my training, especially when focusing on finger strength and endurance. Developed by Lattice Training, it offers climbing-specific workouts and progress tracking, making it easy to stay on top of training goals.

• Features:
  • Preloaded training plans for strength, power, and endurance.
  • Custom workout builder.
  • Progress tracking and performance analytics.
• Why It’s Great: It’s like having a personal coach in your pocket, guiding your training to maximize results.

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Board Apps

Training on boards like the MoonBoard and Kilterboard was a game-changer for me when I hit a plateau. Their specialized apps gave me access to thousands of problems, logging tools, and a strong community that kept me motivated. By tracking my progress and refining my sessions, I was able to push past my limits and see real improvement.

MoonBoard App

Best For: Structured and community-driven board training

The MoonBoard App is the companion to the iconic MoonBoard training system. Designed to push climbers’ limits, the app connects to LED-equipped boards and provides access to an extensive database of problems.

• Features:
  • Thousands of user-created problems with precise grading.
  • Real-time LED integration to light up holds for each problem.
  • Leaderboards to compare your performance with climbers worldwide.
• Why It’s Great: The MoonBoard App fosters a sense of global community while providing a structured way to progress on a proven training system.

Try our MoonBoard problem called “THEDAILYCRIMP.COM”!

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Kilterboard App

Best For: Versatility and customizable training

The Kilterboard App supports one of the most versatile training systems available. The Kilterboard’s adjustable angles and variety of holds make it ideal for climbers of all skill levels.

• Features:
  • Extensive library of problems for all grades and styles.
  • Customizable angles for tailored training.
  • Leaderboards and problem creation to connect with the global climbing community.
• Why It’s Great: The app’s integration with the adjustable Kilterboard provides climbers with a versatile tool for improving technique, strength, and endurance.

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Tension Board App

Best For: Advanced climbers seeking precision training

The Tension Board App supports wooden hold systems that emphasize finger strength and precision. The minimalist design helps climbers focus on technique and building raw power.

• Features:
  • Problems designed for advanced climbers and technical refinement.
  • LED system integration for hold illumination.
  • Community-driven problem database.
• Why It’s Great: The Tension Board App is perfect for climbers who value technical mastery and wish to build finger strength on a challenging system.

How to Use Climbing Apps Effectively

1. Set Clear Goals: Decide what you want to achieve—whether it’s improving finger strength, completing specific grades, or exploring new climbing areas.
2. Log Regularly: Consistency is key. Log your climbs and workouts to monitor trends and identify strengths and weaknesses.
3. Explore Beta: Use apps like 27 Crags or Vertical-Life to gather beta and avoid surprises on outdoor climbs.
4. Train Smart: Apps like Crimpd offer tailored plans to enhance your performance. Follow these structured workouts for optimal improvement.
5. Engage with Community: Share your progress, ask for advice, and connect with climbers through apps like MyClimb and KAYA.

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DIY Climbing Logbook Alternative

Not ready to commit to an app? Here’s how to create a simple DIY climbing logbook:

1. Use a Notebook or Spreadsheet: Record key details like date, location, route name, grade, attempts, and beta.
2. Add Comments: Include notes about what worked, challenges faced, and any improvements.
3. Track Goals: Set milestones, such as grades to achieve or techniques to master.
4. Update Regularly: Consistency ensures your logbook is a valuable resource for reflection and planning.

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Why Climbing Apps are Game-Changers

Climbing apps make it easier to track your journey, discover new spots, and connect with a supportive community. They simplify the logistics of climbing trips and provide invaluable resources to help you train smarter and climb harder.

Whether you’re logging your first V0 or projecting 5.14s, there’s an app to match your needs and take your climbing experience to new heights.

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FAQs