| Big & easy | Jugs (buckets) |
| Small edges | Crimps, edges |
| Rounded | Slopers, volumes |
| Other | Pinches, pockets, underclings, flakes |
Climbing holds are the features — natural on rock or moulded on a wall — that climbers grip with their hands or stand on with their feet. They come in distinct types, each gripped with a specific technique. Recognising hold types is fundamental to reading and climbing a route.
The main types
Big positive jugs; small crimps and edges; rounded slopers and volumes; pinches; pockets; underclings; and flakes.
Why it matters
Each hold demands a different grip and body position, so identifying the type tells you how to use it — the heart of reading a route.
Training
Climb varied holds to build every grip; hangboards target crimps and pockets, while slopers train tension.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of climbing holds?
The main hold types are jugs (big and positive), crimps and edges (small fingertip ledges), slopers (rounded, friction-dependent), pinches (squeezed between thumb and fingers), pockets (holes for a few fingers), underclings (gripped from below), flakes (detached rock edges), and volumes (large gym shapes). Each calls for a different grip.
What is the easiest climbing hold to grip?
A jug — also called a bucket — is the easiest, because its deep, positive edge lets you wrap your whole hand around it and even hang and rest. Routes graded for beginners are mostly built on jugs.
How do you train for different holds?
Climb on a variety of hold types to build the specific grips, and use a hangboard for crimps, pockets, and pinches once conditioned. Slopers and volumes train body tension and position rather than raw finger strength, so deliberately seeking out your weaknesses pays off.
Sources
- Climbing holds and grips — American Alpine Club