What to Pack for Kalymnos, Greece

Wondering what to pack for Kalymnos? Here’s a complete packing list for climbers, catered for women. The packing list is geared towards single pitch climbers in the spring or fall season. I find spring to be the best time to climb in Kalymnos. The days are longer and the air isn’t quite as crisp as it is in fall. I’d rate September or October as the second best time to visit. Summer is, of course, hot, but there are spots to climb in the shade if you prefer a summer trip to Kalymnos too.

Essential climbing gear for Kalymnos

Here are the essentials you’ll need to pack for Kalymnos climbing. Don’t worry if you don’t have it all, there are a few local climbing shops in Kalymnos. They can always help you out. Some even offer rental gear.

• 80 meter rope. Yes, 80 meters is really necessary, a lot of routes are 40 meters, so this gives you the most versatility and accessibility. If you have a 70 meter rope you can do most routes, but if you’re buying new, go for 80. Remember to always tie a knot at the end of the rope, 80 m is a lot of rope to keep track of. It can actually be difficult to find 80 meter ropes online, especially outside of Europe. You can always buy one in Kalymnos!
• 15-20 quickdraws. Consider one quickdraw for every meter or two. The bolting in Kalymnos is generally very friendly. Here are some of my favorite quickdraws.
• Climbing shoes. I usually bring two pairs for an outdoor trip, one a bit looser and more comfortable for warm ups or longer days, and the other for more technical routes. Remember if you’re usually an indoor climber, your feet will begin to swell outside, especially on warmer days. You also tend to need to wear your shoes much longer, as the routes can be long.
• Harness
• Belay device. I recommend a Petzl GriGri, this is the safest option for outdoor climbing – a must for your packing list.
• A personal anchor system (PAS, cows tail or daisy chain, whichever you prefer). Even if you don’t plan to rappel or multi pitch, this can come in handy on routes where you need to clean. This is rare in Kalymnos, but some sectors still require it.
• Helmet. Routes are well-bolted but the mountain goats can kick rocks off the cliffs and some sectors can be very busy. It’s best for belayers to wear helmets.
• Chalk bag and chalk of your choice.
• A few locking carabiners, slings and extra carabines for emergency
• Climbing tape and a small first aid kit for injuries
• 30-50L climbing bag for carrying your gear. I really like the Street Creek from Black Diamond, they also make it with a smaller frame for women.
• Headlamp and spare batteries. Useful if you happen to find yourself at the crag a bit too late, especially in fall.
• Clipstick, stick clip, whatever you call it. Especially as a shorter, female climber, a clipstick can really help you out with getting off the ground safely, or even completing an impossible crux. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own though. In Kalymnos, there are lots of people around, and plenty are willing to lend you their clipstick if needed.

Clothing for Kalymnos

Climbing clothing

Even though it will be warm in the sun, you will spend most of your time climbing in the shade. For this reason, I recommend packing layers for Kalymnos.

• 2 pairs of climbing pants or shorts. I prefer long pants, as the rock can be sharp. If you climb in the shade, you tend to be cool enough.
• 2 breathable T-shirts or tops
• 2 sports bras
• 1 long sleeve fleece or pullover, this is great for cooler mornings or evenings. Sometimes the crag can get cold, especially if the wind shifts.
• 1 rain or waterproof jacket. Even if it doesn’t rain, a rain jacket is really useful for windy days. I love my Northface.
• 1 puffy jacket. Super useful for keeping warm, I wear this every day, even the warmest days.
• Approach shoes. Trail runners or sneakers also work. Most trails are clearly marked, but some are steep with loose rocks, so I do find trail runners or approach shoes preferable to sneakers. I wear Trailrunners from Nike.
• 3-4 pairs of socks
• 6-7 pairs of underwear. A lot of hotels have washing machines and there is a laundromat in town. I just bring enough for a week and plan to wash at least twice. Lately I’ve been loving the underwear from Oysho, the no seams ones are great for sports.

Lifestyle clothing

Everyone in Kalymnos dresses very casually. So you could easily get away with wearing your climbing clothes everywhere you please. That said, I like to have beach gear and a few other items for rest days and lounging.

• 1 Swimsuit for rest days or a post-climb swim
• 1 pair of shorts for travel days, rest days or going out in town. I really love these shorts from the Kuhl travel line. They are lightweight, comfortable, breathable and have plenty of pockets. Perfect for over a swimsuit, around town, on the ferry, or even for a climb.
• Flip flops or sandals for the beaches and going to town
• 1 baseball cap to protect from the sun. Though I typically wear a helmet, this can come in handy when you are resting.
• Day bag or tote bag for rest days, I like to bring a small foldable backpack, great for the beach or rest days. A tote also comes in handy for sustainable grocery shopping.
• Small dry bag, really useful for the beach. I love the ones from Osprey.
• 1-2 pairs of pajamas
• 1 sun dress or outfit for town

General items to pack for Kalymnos

• Stretch band, theragun or other massage tools, like a lacrosse ball are great for recovery.
• Sunglasses, I tend to pack two pairs, a sporty pair for the crag and a more chic pair for town, rest days and the beach. Of course, you only need one, but some splurge items are allowed.
• Sunscreen and chapstick with SPF
• Advil or any other medications for pain and swelling
• Electrolyte powder or tablets for recovery. LiquidIV is always my go-to.
• Stainless steel water bottle. It can of course get very warm at the crag. I love cold water, so I recommend a stainless steel water bottle to keep water cold. This is not necessary, but a splurge item.
• Microfiber towel for the beach, or any small towel, but the microfibers are really best for space saving and quick drying.
• Beanie to keep your head warm. Typically in April or May it’s not that cold, but some evenings get very windy. I tend to wear a beanie a few times in town.
• Guidebook. Definitely buy local, the newest guidebook is available in town, and it’s best to support the local shop owners.
• Hand / Foot cream. After long days or weeks at the crag, your hands and feet will be sore and cracked, and maybe even peeling. I’ve found this Elizabeth Arden Hand Cream to be a real life saver. There are also women in town selling balm and salve made with local ingredients, always worth a try.

So, that’s all you need. Those are the essentials to pack for Kalymnos climbing in spring or fall. Ready to get climbing? Check out one of my favorite crags, Little Eden.