Background/Objectives: Caffeine is a well-established ergogenic aid in many strength- and endurance-based sports, but its efficacy in sport climbing remains underexplored despite the sport`s unique physical demands on grip strength, power, and muscular endurance. Therefore, this study examined the acute impact of a low caffeine dose (3 mg/kg) on climbing-specific performance, including pull-up and grip tests, in intermediate-advanced climbers. Methods: In a triple-blind, randomized, crossover design, thirteen male climbers (age: 28.2 ± 8.6 years) completed two experimental trials (caffeine vs. placebo). Performance was assessed via a pull-up one-repetition maximum (1RM) and power test at various loads, a pull-up muscular endurance test, and grip tests including maximum dead-hang time, maximum dead-hang strength, and rate of force development (RFD). Results: Caffeine did not significantly enhance performance in any measured variable. While a non-significant increase in peak power was observed at 80% 1RM (+8.0%, 95% CI: -0.232 to 0.304, p > 0.05, g = 0.348), effects at other loads and on pull-up endurance were trivial based on effect size (e.g., repetitions: +3.3%, 95% CI: -3.30 to 4.37, p = 0.292, g = 0.061). For grip metrics, caffeine was associated with a modest reduction in endurance time (+7.4%, p = 0.162, g = 0.171) and a slight increase in maximum strength (+2.4%, p = 0.060, g = 0.120). RFD was unaffected (p > 0.169, g < 0.13). Despite the lack of objective improvement, participants reported significantly greater subjective feelings of strength, energy, and alertness with caffeine (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A 3 mg/kg dose of caffeine, while altering psycho-physiological state, did not elicit statistically or practically meaningful ergogenic effects on pull-up or grip performance in climbers. Higher doses or sport-specific performance tests should be investigated in future research.
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