"Always a good idea to be prepared." Gladio called over with a grin. "Better to be prepared for anything than caught with your pants down."

Maybe they wouldn't need the climbing gear. But maybe the rope would come in useful in other ways? Or maybe they'd just carry it around for no reason? Or maybe something will happen and they'll wish they'd brought more of the stuff with them? Who knew? Gladio sure didn't, so he planned on packing as much as he could for every eventuality.