slyder, if you're new to climbing then the best investment you can make is a class or some sort of instruction as to how properly and SAFELY rig for any sort of climb. If there are no classes available, then read books. Craig Luebben is a great author as far as instructional books. Mastering the Basic Skills is a great intro luebben book. once you start to build your knowledge, practice, practice, practice until you know the rigging and knots like the back of your hand. i was always told "the more tools (knowledge) you have in your toolbox (head), the less fancy gear you need."
as far as actual equipment, being new to climbing you want to have a few essentials:
-harness*
-chalk (and chalk bag)
-shoes*
-at least 2 locking carabiners (preferably one should be a HMS-pear)
-helmet*
-belay device* (stay away from the autoblocking ones for now)
*i can't make recommendations as to which brands are the best, but just try several out before you buy.
the above things should give you the ability to do gym climbing or go out with an EXPERIENCED climber for some TR work.
as far as gear is concerned for staying safe on top-rope climbs outdoors:
-small medkit
-4 non-locking carabiners and maybe a couple more lockers
-2 cords for prussik (or other friction) hitches and rap-backups: 1 ~10-12inch(30cm) closed loop and 1 ~17-20inch(43-51cm) closed loop, though sizes can vary depending on prefernce and task. YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW TO USE THESE!
-rope (60m dynamic - you can TR on static rope, but you may go on to lead later and you'll need a dynamic then)
-1inch wide tubular webbing for anchors (both belays and setting up TR) and to serve as safety tether LEARN &KNOW PROPER RIGGING WITH WEBBING! Note: you can use a daisy chain or PAS as a tether, but it's more $ and tubular webing works fine -and a pack to carry all that crap
i'm sure i'm forgetting a couple things. i'll add later if i think of something
that being said, it's possible to rig a USSR with little more than two ropes and two non-locking biners which gets back to that key point: the more you know, the less you need. make sure you learn the safety basics well
hope this helps
climb safe, be well
-chilli
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