| Fits | 1-3 fingers |
| One finger | = a 'mono' |
| Common on | Limestone, gym holds |
| Injury risk | High (especially monos) |
A pocket is a hole or recess in a climbing hold that fits only one, two, or three fingers, requiring precise placement and finger strength. Pockets are common on limestone and moulded gym holds, and the number of usable fingers — a one-finger pocket is a ‘mono’ — defines how hard it is and how much it stresses the tendons.
How you use them
Place your strongest fingers precisely and pull; there’s no room for a full grip, so accuracy and finger strength rule.
Monos and injury
A one-finger ‘mono’ loads a single tendon and is a known injury cause — warm up and build strength slowly. Pockets relate closely to finger locks.
Good to know
See all hold types.
Frequently asked questions
What is a pocket in climbing?
A pocket is a hole in the rock or a moulded hold that only admits one to three fingers. You climb it by placing the strongest available fingers precisely and pulling — there's no room to get your whole hand on, so finger strength and accuracy matter.
What is a mono?
A mono is a one-finger pocket — the hardest and most stressful kind of pocket, since your entire body weight can load a single finger. Monos are notorious for causing tendon and pulley injuries and are approached with caution.
Are pockets bad for your fingers?
They can be, because they concentrate load on fewer fingers than a normal grip, raising tendon and pulley strain — especially monos and two-finger pockets. Warming up thoroughly and building pocket strength gradually reduces the risk.
Sources
- Finger health and climbing — American Alpine Club