I don't think they'd work out. They won't protect your fingers which is the part that usually gets torn up and the leather won't give you good traction. There are a number of creams and goos that climbers use to help the skin. Your hands will get used to it pretty quickly. I do recommend learning to tape knuckles to help protect your tendons. Since you are carrying more weight than most climbers, your tendons will need some extra TLC.