Gearlab climbing 7 to 10. May 15, 2023 · The Petzl Sirocco is the lightest climbing helmet in our review — earning our Top Pick award for weight — and is also one of the most comfortable. May 6, 2021 · Traditional climbing is a type of rock climbing where the climber places their own gear for protection (e. Some testers like their chalk in a fine powder that cakes up on their hands. Jan 2, 2024 · A great deal for an adequate climbing shoe: A simple shoe with solid performance for trad climbing: A bargain price for a climbing shoe with respectable performance: This super comfy shoe is perfect for folks who are just starting to climb: This shoe isn't the highest performer in our review, but it's a bargain for someone looking to train in GearLab reviews are ad-free and entirely reader The Black Diamond Speed series is an excellent range of reliable backpacks optimized for climbing, mountaineering Jan 2, 2024 · Comfort. com: Best High Sierra Climbing Rack Oct 29, 2018 · Full-size models are generally easier to clip and handle, particularly with gloves on. A standout candidate is the Petzl Tikkina, which offers more than enough lighting power for most people's needs, is super easy, and is typically sold at a compelling street price around $16. Andy Wellman, a senior gear reviewer for the past eight years, is the expert tester who leads this review. Jun 5, 2017 · Below is our choice for Ultimate Rock Climbing Rack. The Misty Mountain Silhouette still manages to fit four loops on the waist belt and is a good option for a traddie lady. These shoes are pretty narrow, so climbing hand size cracks in the X1 can be rather painful, especially for wider-footed climbers. Larger than the 1 (red) is the 1. A good edging shoe also does a great job toeing into the lip of a pocket, and the Scarpa Instinct is no exception. We then narrow down our selection to only include the best of the bunch. Testing climbing slings involves a whole lot of going climbing. However, on many walls like the Freerider or The Nose, there are stacks of handjams and free climbing pitches to be climbed. May 14, 2025 · Why Trust GearLab. In this shoe, we can confidently push on small edges, smear on scary slabs, and jam into cracks without fear of popping off the rock. We top rope, clip bolts, place gear, venture in the alpine, and hand these helmets off to clients while guiding. May 13, 2025 · Our climbing fanatic found the best climbing pants of 2025. May 16, 2023 · The Black Diamond Vision Mips was released in 2020 and quickly impressed us with its comfort and protection attributes. GearLab provides the world's best reviews of outdoors gear based on in-depth side-by-side comparison and written by outdoor professionals. The size range is important. Other models are significantly lighter while offering better all-around climbing performance. These versatile shoes are an excellent addition to anyone's climbing shoe quiver. May 5, 2021 · Their affordability is unmatched by other high-end climbing shoes, they climb all styles well, and they don't hurt our feet. The best thing we can do is understand what metrics we prioritize. Nevertheless, we found this simple bag charming and functional and recommend it to anyone searching for the best deal. We are constantly researching the newest products on the market and adding new ones to this review as they become available. This Velcro version is more geared to overhanging terrain than the lace-up Miura, which is even a touch harder and offers more support for adventurous routes in less-than-vertical terrain. If you are a rock climber, check out our climbing site, SuperTopo. Metolius Climbing color codes its cams to help you gauge the quality of a placement. Apr 24, 2020 · For years, kids full-body harnesses were made very basic, simply using some flat webbing and some buckles. During testing, we use them the same way that you will. S. The wide-ish fit in the toe doesn't cram into smaller pockets like the pointy Tenaya Tarifa, but they are much stiffer than the Tarifa, and our testers found them better for standing on the edges of the vertical pocketed limestone of Wild Iris. Sep 14, 2022 · The La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX's stout leather construction offers durability and excellent calf support for climbing steep ice. Oct 31, 2024 · While sport climbing can be a little easier on the wallet, traditional climbing gear, and even more expensive gear for big walls can really add up. 9 feels Nov 3, 2020 · The Black Diamond Momentum is a great harness for beginners and those looking to get into the sport on a budget. Cut appropriately (apparently… none of us have used actual animal skin climbing skins), seal skins allow forward progress and backward grip. 33 - 1 (black to red) and then I switch to the Black Diamond Camalot. We can't wait to bring them on winter sport climbing trips to Spain and then use them for springtime adventures on desert sandstone. Jan 2, 2024 · A bargain price for a climbing shoe with respectable performance: A simple shoe with solid performance for trad climbing: A great deal for an adequate climbing shoe: This super comfy shoe is perfect for folks who are just starting to climb: This shoe isn't the highest performer in our review, but it's a bargain for someone looking to train in Apr 4, 2025 · At GearLab, our roots are in rock climbing, as the website started as an offshoot of SuperTopo. May 21, 2024 · We tested each of these ascenders while climbing thousands of vertical feet of rock on famous routes like The Nose on El Capitan in Yosemite and Moonlight Buttress in Zion. Fairly durable and quite affordable, this shoe will also help keep the soles on your sending shoes newer longer if used as a second shoe for the gym days and warm-ups at the crag. For this review, we tested slings side-by-side on long multi-pitch routes in Red Rocks and Eldorado Canyon, as well as in the alpine rock climbing paradise of the Bugaboos in British Columbia. GearLab has its roots in rock climbing, with our founder Chris McNamara being one of the most famous and recognized big wall masters on the planet. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which helps support our testing. The Mammut 9. The leather upper and lace closure keeps your feet from getting beaten up in cracks while jamming, and the sole supplies enough rigidity that you don't feel like you are on your metatarsals while standing flat. “I thought SuperTopo would be one guidebook to climbing El Cap,” McNamara says. Foremost might be the “Knuckle Box,” which is an appreciated area of extra space situated to accommodate the curled knuckle of your big toe while your foot is held in a downturned position. Jan 27, 2022 · Lightweight and athletically cut, the Outdoor Research Superstrand LT Hoodie is an midlayer or outer layer for climbers of all kinds. Jan 2, 2024 · The La Sportiva Miura VS belongs in the world of tough climbing, where it can use its diamond-hard edges and asymmetric shape to power down on invisible rock features. We understand that every attribute of a climbing skin is balanced by a competing attribute. May 2, 2021 · The Oracle is the latest top-of-the-line shoe from Evolv. It falls in the upper end of Edelrid's rope lineup in terms of thickness, although if you want something fatter, they offer a couple of 10. He is joined by GearLab testers Jack Cramer, Andy Sep 8, 2023 · We tested these small climbing packs for comfort, climbing utility, durability, versatility, and weight. Dec 9, 2024 · Whether guiding skiing, rock climbing, ice climbing, or alpine climbing, Brian uses outdoor gear more frequently than most human beings on the planet. It is as if other packs are a mere refraction of the As a result, the SuperTopo website became a rock-climbing catchall: a repository of photos, a community forum, a resource bank for bouldering, traditional and big-wall climbing, and—significantly—a review guide for climbing gear. We found it was a large improvement in terms of comfort over previous Arc'teryx harnesses, especially where the newly designed and shaped leg loops wrap around the insides of the legs. Climbing Performance Since the majority of time spent on a bike is while climbing, we had plenty of time to consider the climbing performance of each e-MTB in our test. All-American trad warriors, however, will probably be better off with a stiffer pair of climbing shoes for cracks or low-angle romps. We've tested close to 200 pairs of the best gloves over the past 11 years, and before each iteration of this review, we carefully researched the market more before deciding which ones to buy and test. Although it can involve various techniques to climb an array of rock features, when people refer to a “trad shoe,” they usually mean flat-soled shoes designed for crack climbing. Jan 21, 2021 · What we ask of our climbing skins are polarized concepts. Apr 29, 2025 · The last type of climbing technique we evaluate is crack climbing. May 5, 2025 · The Best Belay Device. If you combine these with the Metolius FS Mini carabiners or CAMP Nano 22, you will have the lightest possible climbing rack. Apr 10, 2025 · Mary is a passionate outdoors enthusiast who particularly enjoys alpine climbing in California and Colorado. Being protected from the rock while climbing is paramount. An awesome shoe for long climbs requiring a variety of crack climbing and edging techniques: With this shoe, you can climb pitch after pitch without pain: A simple shoe with solid performance for trad climbing: A bargain price for a climbing shoe with respectable performance: Rating Categories: Tenaya Tarifa: La Sportiva Katana La Sportiva Nov 12, 2019 · Petzl says that it is designed for rock climbing, mountaineering, or via ferrata. If we’re climbing anything that is remotely approaching vertical, we want an automatic crampon. Jan 8, 2019 · While this two-for-one locker can be rigged in a number of different ways––as a redirect when belaying with a gri-gri at a top anchor, for adding friction when a light climber is lowering a heavier one with an ATC, or when rappelling single ropes––none of these uses is terribly common in climbing, and all have other solutions that are Jan 2, 2024 · An awesome shoe for long climbs requiring a variety of crack climbing and edging techniques: With this shoe, you can climb pitch after pitch without pain: A simple shoe with solid performance for trad climbing: A bargain price for a climbing shoe with respectable performance: Rating Categories: Evolv Shaman: La Sportiva Katana La Sportiva TC Pro Sep 20, 2014 · Offering comfort that will make you wonder what all the veterans are whining about and a neutral shape that functions in many climbing scenarios. 3 days ago · Jeff was assisted by GearLab testers Jack Cramer and Andy Wellman. It goes without saying, then, that the cams we have tested for this review have undergone a serious workout. Our women's and men's fleece jacket testing teams are stacked with people who live outside and like to stay warm while doing it. Rest assured, our commitment to providing honest and trustworthy information remains See full list on outdoorgearlab. ET. Read more: La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX - Women's review Variables like temperature and humidity affect friction and performance outdoors and indoors, plus many of our testers had conflicting opinions about what makes good climbing chalk. Our test teams are fanatic rock climbing families that climb everywhere from the gym to their backyard crags, to the best cliffs across the Aug 7, 2024 · The Black Diamond Solution is one of the most comfortable harnesses we have ever worn. Remember, free climbing pitches on a big wall always feel harder: 5. Dec 5, 2023 · Why Trust GearLab We poured hours of research into our selection process for these packs, choosing the most promising models to purchase at retail price and put to the test . From the top-rated climbing shoes to belay device, we can help you find the right product for your needs. We identified each feature on each harness and tested them conscientiously while out climbing. Sunday: 12PM - 5PM. From here, we sent our ski and snowboard testing teams out into the cold of winter and the mountains to hang out on the ski Apr 18, 2010 · I really recommend climbing around on them a lot and erring on the side of too small. That said, every climbing area is different and we would tweak this rack a little here and there. Jan 2, 2024 · What Other Rock Climbing Shoes Should You Consider? If you decide to part with your hard-earned dough in exchange for the Scarpa Drago, you're getting an awesome, well-constructed product. Modern materials mimic seal skin in their own ways. Nov 3, 2022 · The Arc'teryx C-Quence is the best all-around harness because it earned excellent marks across all our testing metrics and is versatile enough for any style of climbing. Dec 21, 2015 · However, with savings comes sacrifice: its incorrectly named 'Titan' fabric is surprisingly delicate, and its limited climbing-specific features can be summarized as external pockets for guidebooks/shoes and a removable mini-tarp. Now with the growth of climbing and kids starting younger and younger, the offerings in this category have expanded to include harnesses with gear loops, padded leg loops, and secondary rear tie in point for specialized activities such as skiing or flying Peter Pan over the audience at May 1, 2025 · Why Trust GearLab. The Apple Watch Series 9 also does a great job of tracking elevation overall on runs, hikes, and rides, but it doesn't track rock climbing. Oct 24, 2022 · We tried to best this suit's waterproofness while camped out in a coastal rainforest, climbing slushy spring ice, on backcountry ski approaches, and long winter routes. Images of adrenaline junkies hucking themselves all over the wall just isn't real life. We tested these carabiners on single and multi-pitch traditional routes in Red Rock Canyon, NV, and they came on a road trip Independence Pass, Colorado. We took them on routes ranging from 5. We spent over 350 hours in the field on hikes, climbs, ski tours, expeditions, bike rides, and paddles. We independently purchase all the products we test, ensuring that our reviews are unbiased and reliable. Conclusion The Hyperlite Prism is a pack that brings us back to what really matters in an alpine climbing pack. Mar 13, 2023 · Climbing. The harder the climbing, the more we prioritize climbing ability until we reach a threshold where our climbing ability demands that we also bring climbing shoes to climb the route securely and safely. Lighter helmets are inherently more comfortable than heavier ones, but we also found this helmet to be deeper and slightly more “head-shaped” than some other shallower and rounder versions. Dec 19, 2023 · For these missions, we prefer shoes with lots of hiking comfort and a decent amount of climbing ability. We received input from six different testers with over 100 years of climbing experience between them, male and female, large and small hands. com May 6, 2025 · Why Trust GearLab. However, that comes at a cost; these are some of the heaviest boots in our review. Specific models are optimal for certain kinds Dec 20, 2024 · The Best Climbing Helmets. It is as if other packs are a mere refraction of the May 13, 2021 · This is not likely a great pack to buy if you're just dabbling in alpine climbing as it is fairly specific-use, but if you're an avid alpinist, the Prism is well worth the price. They are optimal for alpine routes and traditional climbing, but perform the lowest for regular sport climbing. Climbing harnesses have many different options when it comes to haul loops in the back. In aid climbing, you place protection, clip an aider to it, walk up the aider, reach up, place another piece of protection, and repeat. However, readers should be aware that of all of our metrics, climbing performance is most affected by fit. See it ranked against other top products in our review of climbing ropes. With its super adjustable waist and legs, combined with its large amount of gear storage potential, we think this harness is pretty great for any rock climbing, whether that means trad cragging, clipping bolts at the gym, or a long free route at Red Rocks. The VerticalX™ SuperStrand insulation combines the principal benefits of traditional down insulation (lightweight flexibility and great warmth-to-weight ratio) with the principal benefits of synthetic insulation (warmth when wet and an animal-free materials). Let our team of climbing experts help you find the best climbing shoes, top climbing harnesses, and climbing ropes for your needs and budget. Splitboard climbing skins meant, first and foremost, to grip and glide; what sets them apart is the balance and details. May 7, 2025 · Why Trust GearLab. Andy has traveled the world in search of climbing adventures and continues to do so. We made a note of whether a whole double rack plus water, a jacket, and shoes could fit in the gear loops, how easy or hard the gear was to clip or unclip from the loops, whether the haul loop was easy to clip and unclip, how easy the buckles adjusted and stayed locked in place, and many Feb 7, 2010 · This is the lightest cam we tested and maybe the lightest camming device currently made. Most folks who climb a lot tend to acquire a quiver of different shoes each with their own subtle strengths. Haul Loops. 0mm options as well. If you break a lace, relacing them is a major project. This in-depth review compares 17 of today's top options side-by-side. Jack is a National Outdoor Leadership School alumnus and climber whose resume includes more than a dozen alpine first ascents. Not all boots are made for walkin'! From hiking boots to top winter boots to trail running shoes on the market, most footwear is designed for a purpose. Aug 6, 2024 · Like other rock-specific climbing harnesses, the Sama lacks versatility for ice and mixed climbing due to its fixed, non-adjustable leg loops and lack of ice clipper slots. The Petzl Gully thoroughly impressed us as it was under 10 ounces (9. May 3, 2021 · Crack Climbing. Our certified ski guides have continually tested the best climbing skins for backcountry skiing for the past decade. The Arc'Teryx Acrux AR is the only double boot on the market with climbing performance to match that of a super-gaiter boot. He wears out gear faster than anyone we know and puts equipment through the wringer in his day-to-day mountain adventures. For over a decade, our team of experts has been testing the latest and greatest climbing gear on the market. We wanted to know how the shoe performed when fitting inside, twisting, and locking your toes into vertical cracks to climb upwards. Our testers have almost 300 years of climbing experience Apr 4, 2025 · We tested 13 climbing ropes from Sterling, Petzl, Edelrid, Mammut, and others to find the best options for you. Published Oct 24, 2022 Nov 29, 2021 · The Edelrid Boa Pro Dry is a 9. A seal's fur is short, stiff, and directional. In reality, the climbing can be slow, and every climber spends more time not slowly climbing as they spend… slowly climbing. His keen eye for detail lets him catch mistakes before they happen in the mountains as well as recognize high-quality gear that facilitates having memorable experiences in the outdoors. The toe profile is delightfully low, which allowed us to weasel into a few green camalot sized cracks and flares sometimes encountered in sport climbing. Mar 18, 2025 · After months of testing in the harshest of conditions, these are the best hardshell jackets to brave the alpine with in 2025, with top picks from Arc'teryx, Norrøna, Patagonia, and more. Our lead tester Dom Rickicki used this data to test and rank all the models in this lineup. He has guided trips along the most rugged portions of the Appalachian Trail, including the 100-Mile Wilderness, and bagged countless peaks in New Hampshire's White Mountains in all seasons. After all, if the boot can't handle the route, it doesn't matter if it can keep your feet warm or lace up easily. For climbers getting into traditional climbing, there are some critical factors. Did you know that GearLab started out as an offshoot of the acclaimed climber's resource, SuperTopo? GearLab provides the world's best reviews of outdoors gear based on in-depth side-by-side comparison and written by outdoor professionals. When she's not rock climbing, you can find her swinging ice tools, scaling mountains, backpacking, cycling, or simply enjoying the views. They call it the Range Finder system. 8mm rope that comes in either 60m or 70m lengths. She is a former member of the U. If you do any type of cold weather or big wall climbing, make sure you purchase a full-size model. You'll do well with larger sized ones for sport climbing, where you want your clips to be fast and easy. We scoured the market for the best climbing draws before purchasing 14 different draws for this test. While they function well in other facets of climbing, sport climbing is where they excel, as the slight downturned shape is conducive to steep, pocketed climbing. You can see variations on this rack here on SuperTopo. These walkies survived the scorching heat of the desert and the arctic temps of Alaska, and some even made it through Nov 21, 2019 · The title of this article is a bit deceiving; those who have been climbing for a long time know that the idea of the perfect pair of climbing shoes is laughable. Trish Matheny, Amber King, and Maggie Nichols head up our women's review. The presence of a pedal assist drive unit makes these bikes climb quite a bit differently than bikes without, as you have varying levels of pedal assist support helping you May 13, 2021 · This is not likely a great pack to buy if you're just dabbling in alpine climbing as it is fairly specific-use, but if you're an avid alpinist, the Prism is well worth the price. Dec 7, 2024 · Originally, and an insight into the naming convention, climbing skins were made of actual seal hide. While climbing slings are often needed on traditional routes while cragging close to the ground, they are imperative pieces of equipment when you head out on a multi-pitch adventure, whether that means a traditional climbing in sunny climates or tackling giant alpine missions on rock and ice. Though the bulkiness of the toe box was initially an issue when it came to climbing pockets, we got used to the shape over time and were able to toe into pockets just fine. Having good quality climbing gear is important for safety and success. Jeff leads climbing, skiing, and trekking trips around the world, from his home near Ouray, Colorado, to the Alps, Andes, and beyond. Sized up, they would be adequate for thin cracks, corners, or a combination of face and crack climbing. , cams or nuts) while they ascend the rock. Although these shoes aren't designed for crack climbing, they're not terrible for some sizes. Whether you are tying into the rope or feeding it through a rappel device, it is soft enough to bend tightly, making life with pumped forearms a lot easier. May 5, 2021 · Used by many big names in climbing, it excels at both sport climbs and long trad routes: An awesome shoe for long climbs requiring a variety of crack climbing and edging techniques: With this shoe, you can climb pitch after pitch without pain: A simple shoe with solid performance for trad climbing Sep 1, 2023 · Why Trust GearLab. When free climbing, the gear is just for protection. Loose climbing chalk is the most ubiquitous form of climbing chalk on the market today. Andy completes the team, bringing extensive outdoor experience of all kinds, from alpine climbing to bouldering to writing guidebooks. On some walls, you might free climb just a handful of pitches. In order to use each rope enough to give you appropriate feedback on handling, durability, and long-term performance, we needed more than just a couple of people using these things. In this case, how a harness lets you free climb doesn't matter. We bought and tested 13 of the most popular climbing helmets side-by-side to find the best options. Apr 10, 2025 · Why Trust GearLab. We used them on fast-and-free ascents, on multi-day big wall sieges, practicing our systems at our local crags, and even to help develop new climbing routes. By clicking on our links, you can support our testing work as we may earn a commission. Here at The Adventure Junkies, we can help Oct 30, 2024 · The primary drawback is this rope's limited features, since you can't get it in a bi-pattern. Trish is a current member of the Yosemite Search and Rescue Team, and she spends the majority of her time out of doors Nov 1, 2024 · Ironically, they are also usually the most affordable, but we caution new climbers against purchasing these simply because of their price. 719-239-7860 May 20, 2024 · Aiders are the key differentiator between aid climbing and free climbing. 12. A bouldering crash pad provides a soft spot to land to help reduce injury so you can climb more safely. We've climbed big walls, topped out highballs, and spent multiple days on an alpine wall to push the gear to its limit. If you are trying to send your technical, thin crack project, the Miura VS is a good option, but we tend to prefer shoes without Velcro for crack climbing. Apr 22, 2025 · Our climbing shoe testing is divided into five rating metrics: Comfort (20% of overall score weighting) Smearing (20% weighting) Edging (20% weighting) Pulling (20% weighting) Crack Climbing (20% weighting) Why Trust GearLab. Climbing hundreds of feet of hand cracks in these puppies will probably leave you hobbled for days, but for short stretches of perfect hands, the Solutions don't feel all that bad. Editor's Note: We updated our nut tool article on May 19, 2023, to ensure product availability and correct pricing. Our review process always starts with research. 5 to 5. Jan 30, 2018 · Totem Cams are our favorite cams for aid climbing because of their ability to engage only two lobes at a time, allowing for an endless array of strange, body-weight-only placements, multiple clip-in points, and super narrow heads, even in the larger hand sizes. If sized right, this shoe is also a technical edging machine, with a narrow profile that allows for precision on small features and twisting into cracks. May 2, 2015 · As a fairly new rock climbing shoe company, Tenaya comes out swinging with the world's hardest/first 5. With the possibility of being struck in the head from rockfall or slamming your head into the wall after an out-of-control fall, wearing a helmet while climbing is simply a good idea. Our current review features the 10 best camming devices Oct 30, 2024 · Handling. It features nice cushy foam padding on both the waist belt and the leg loops, and the TrakFit adjusters on the leg loops are far and away the easiest to use and adjust on the fly of any harness we have ever tested. One way to try to avoid this condition is to wear good ice climbing gloves. Testing the Edelrid Salathe in the Lower Gorge at Smith Rock, a great trad climbing venue. Often, shoes with a lower toe-box height and a toe box made of more flexible rubber and upper materials are more natural to jam inside a crack. P. I recommend the sizes . Apr 25, 2024 · The La Sportiva Katana Lace is a high-end climbing shoe that earns our nod for its unmatched performance on multi-pitch outings and crack climbing projects. However, if all you need is a basic climbing rope for single, multi-pitch, and gym climbing, this rope is a solid performer and a fantastic value. Head on over to our list of top climbing review picks for the best items in Apr 24, 2025 · There are now so many different lines of climbing shoes, it’s hard to believe that back in the day there were only a handful of options. As a result, you are usually spending most of your time in aiders on a big wall route. Mar 13, 2015 · P. Many new climbers are drawn to the Tarantulace — and for good reason. That said, Petzl now makes the Caritool EVO ice tool clippers , which work with this harness by attaching to the entire waist belt, rather than needing specific slots. Whether heading to the gym or hitting up your local crag, we've got you covered. Nov 21, 2024 · Why Trust GearLab. These shoes don The Generator Mid is Scarpa's most recent attempt at creating a competitive, high-top trad climbing shoe, and we believe they have finally hit the mark. They are also useful (although not as popular) for free climbing. She is a volunteer climbing instructor at The Ice Coop, Colorado’s only dedicated ice-climbing gym, where she does much of her training. QC LAB: OLD VS. Features. May 29, 2018 · Headlamps get better each year, and that means yesterday's low-end lights may offer enough firepower now to meet your needs. Others preferred a thin layer of chalk that doesn't build up on the climbing holds. The Dual Aspect hung tough. 3mm in diameter piece of climbing rope sewn into a sling. Apr 18, 2010 · I really recommend climbing around on them a lot and erring on the side of too small. They don't edge all that well and over time, they tend to get a little sloppy. NEW GEAR TESTING – Black Diamond Apr 29, 2025 · An automatic crampon—also known as a step-in crampon—uses a wire toe bail and heel clip to provide the most secure attachment, ideal for ice climbing or technical mountaineering (the Petzl Dart, for example). Below we define these metrics and discuss standout models. May 6, 2025 · The result is the most authentic, continually updated climbing carabiner recommendations you will find. While it is heavy and bulky compared to the super thin and light Dyneema slings featured in this review, we chose to recognize it with a Top Pick award for clipping into a Belay or Anchor. The result is a compre Testing climbing helmets involves lots and lots of climbing. Feb 11, 2025 · Earning our highest praise for climbing ability, we find the La Sportiva TX Guide to be the best shoe for smearing, edging, and crack climbing due to its precise, narrow fit and stiff midsole. 8 to be exact) but still offered an impressive amount of performance. Among the essential equipment, a reliable harness is paramount for climbers tackling multi-pitch routes and spending extended periods on the wall. Jan 28, 2025 · Corey is a freelance writer and editor based in Boulder, CO. If you’re taking up ice climbing, one of the first things you hear about is the “screaming barfies,” an extremely painful sensation when your hands warm up after being exposed to extreme cold. Lead reviewer Ben Applebaum-Bauch is no stranger to backpacking through wet, cold, muddy trails. A belay device is essential for catching falls anytime you're climbing on a rope. Dom is an AMGA Certified Rock Guide that brings over a decade of climbing and training experience to the table for this review. For this review, we purchased 15 of today's top harnesses to test side-by-side, rating them for comfort while hanging, standing, and belaying, and evaluating their features and versatility. Climbing performance is the most important thing we're after in this review. 5 mm range. Best Uses: Alpine Climbing, Long Trad Routes, Onsighting Mega 40+ meter pitches Nov 1, 2024 · Ironically, they are also usually the most affordable, but we caution new climbers against purchasing these simply because of their price. Falling is a part of bouldering, and you want to have a supportive landing. When the rope is weighted the angle of the device changes, locking the rope down, though, as we mentioned above, you still need to keep your brake hand on the rope. We start the process by doing extensive research on the top products on the market. At GearLab, we love a good backpacking adventure. Apr 2, 2019 · Traditionally double boots have been warm enough to wear on the highest peaks of the planet, with the cost of added weight and bulk and compromised climbing performance. Nov 2, 2024 · Free Climbing. This pack defies limits, shifting with ease from a gear-hauling machine able to carry several days' worth of equipment into basecamp to a svelte summit pack nimble enough to climb complex technical alpine routes without compromising on features and durability. While the shoe features a wider toe box than other La Sportiva models that we tested, it does not prevent the shoe from edging and smearing on fifth May 19, 2023 · At GearLab, we've tested a wide variety of climbing gear over the past decade+ and have recommendations for every climber, from beginner to expert. But which one is the best? Belay devices come in three different categories — tube-style, auto-blocking devices, and assisted braking devices — and our expert climbing testers have put in hundreds of hours belaying and testing all three kinds. Our carabiner testing is divided across five rating metrics: Clipping (25% of overall score weighting) Unclipping (20% weighting) Weight (20% weighting) Gate Clearance (20% weighting) Handling (15% weighting) Why Trust GearLab Apr 29, 2025 · The Best Climbing Skins. Jan 14, 2025 · Why Trust GearLab. Then, we put the ropes to the test by climbing, rappelling, belaying, and traversing with each product. Our testers are big fans of several of its innovative features. Looking for climbing gear? Whether your goal is the gym, the crag, the mountains, or a big wall, we've got your covered. Oct 27, 2022 · The Osprey Mutant 38 earns top marks again and retains our Editors' Choice Award. 5 Crag Classic is a soft, easily bendable rope that feels comfortable in the hand right out of the box. Since our harness ratings are especially heavy on comfort — accounting for 55% of a product's final score if you combine comfort while standing, hanging, and belaying — it is no surprise that the Solution is among the highest-scoring harnesses in our review. Dec 14, 2023 · To a non-climber, watching climbing is worse than watching paint dry. Our outstanding testers went on hundreds of adventures in all kinds of weather to help you find the perfect rain, climbing, and hiking pants. Our lead testers are Jane Jackson and Whitney Clark. We feel this is the most versatile rack that will perform the best in the most number of locations. Tue - Sat: 10AM - 6PM. At first glance, the construction of the Generator may appear quite boot-like. May 1, 2023 · At the start of last winter I was sent a pair of the new La Sportiva G-Tech boots with the vague idea that I would review them. Usually sold in resealable bags or plastic buckets, loose chalk can be very fine or chunky, and until recently, the size of the chalk chunks seemed to vary wildly from bag to bag. Mar 29, 2019 · Loose Chalk. Apr 4, 2025 · Our team of climbing experts has climbed in 86 different climbing harnesses since we started testing harnesses in 2010. Feb 21, 2020 · The Black Diamond ATC Pilot is a “geometry assisted” belay device for ropes in the 8. Best Uses: Alpine Climbing, Long Trad Routes, Onsighting Mega 40+ meter pitches GearLab reviews are ad-free and entirely reader-supported. Aug 20, 2019 · The Beal Dynamic Sling is a 8. Share this: Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Feb 25, 2022 · Big wall climbing requires specialized gear that can withstand long hours of hanging, provide maximum comfort, and ensure safety in extreme conditions. By all standards, the Katana Lace is comfortable, and surprisingly so for a techy performance shoe. Apr 12, 2024 · The stiff toe box and supportive outsole makes for an excellent edging shoe | Downturned toe excels on steep terrain | Softer heel and midsole adds flexibility to the shoe, allowing for better smearing than many stiff yet aggressive counterparts | Soft and highly sensitive heel | Low price point for a high-end shoe | Far more comfortable out of the box than most stiff shoes. Nov 22, 2019 · The Up Lace shines in the multi-pitch trad realm - comfort, stiffness, and crack climbing abilities are the name of the game: A do-it-all shoe that is a new fan favorite for difficult cracks and multi-pitch climbing: These high-performance slippers work well for almost all types of climbing, from cracks to steep sport climbs to bouldering Mar 1, 2022 · It has the most sophisticated lacing system of the boots we evaluated, allowing the wearer to customize tightness and fit, while providing excellent heel-lock for steep ice climbing and front-pointing. Though the Boreo is slightly bulkier than higher-end options, it’s a high-quality and durable helmet perfect for Jul 13, 2022 · > Climbing SCARPA Quantix SF Review: A Performance All-Arounder With a Dash of Sass. . To that end, our expert reviewers unselfishly tied their laces and took to the desert, valleys, coasts, and mountains to test the full roster of shoes and boots. Ice Climbing Team and has climbed up to WI5 and M12- around the Colorado Rockies. Mar 13, 2025 · We were the most impressed (actually, we were super pumped!) to see that the Garmin Forerunner 965 could accurately track our laps at the climbing gym. Mar 2, 2025 · Ice climbing is such a cool sport – but it’s also a literally cold one. Written by Matt Samet Jul 13, 2022 10:39 a. Apr 22, 2021 · This can be frustrating, particularly when traditional climbing, as three gear loops don't always cut it space-wise. Jan 25, 2010 · Aliens excel at both granite (Yosemite) and sandstone (Zion) big walls where there are pin scars and other shallow placements. g. Jul 30, 2024 · We've tested hundreds of climbing products over the years and spend thousands of hours on the rock, sharing our findings in our thorough write-ups of each category. Andy has been climbing for over 23 years and considers himself a jack of all trades. Indeed, the regular Black Diamond Vision is almost two ounces lighter, comes in a couple of different colors besides just black, is available in a women's-specific version, and will save you a fair amount of money. Our lead tester is IFMGA Mountain Guide Jeff Dobronyi. 2 days ago · Why Trust GearLab. Hiking in the mountains and venturing deep into the backcountry is in our blood, and it's our pleasure to hit the trails. Think about what kind of climbing you do (and hope to do) as you're reading, as this will dictate the type of pack that's best for you. Climbing Magazine once computed that three percent of Chris's life on earth had been spent on the face of El Capitan—an accomplishment that has left friends and family pondering Chris’ sanity. Jan 23, 2024 · Looking for the best pair of rock climbing shoes for your kids? Our climbing gear experts researched over 30 models before purchasing the top 5 to put through our extensive side-by-side testing process. m. Chris is the author of 10 books, a big-wall climbing expert, and a recovering ex-Wingsuit BASE jumper. Nov 1, 2024 · Why Trust GearLab. “Then I met my business May 2, 2025 · The Best Bouldering Crash Pads. Balance and compromise are inherent requirements of this piece of gear to best serve our needs. But the sport has evolved massively since the crack-and-slab epoch, and we now need shoes for a wide range of specific applications: everything from garage spray walls and steep sport routes to multipitch climbing. We continuously make notes about comfort, ventilation, weight, adjustability, features, and durability. CLOSED MONDAY. Apr 16, 2025 · Why Trust GearLab. This boot performs for ice climbing, mixed climbing, and mountaineering. Traveling and climbing mountains for years, our team of experts has used and abused a lot of packs. After researching over 50 walkie-talkies, we purchased 11 models for rigorous and comprehensive testing. GearLab was originally formed as the gear review section on SuperTopo, which provides climbing guidebooks and web information to the rock climbing community. The Mar 10, 2025 · The La Sportiva Tarantulace ($89) has been one of the top-selling climbing shoes on the market for decades. Apr 25, 2024 · Crack Climbing. Jun 10, 2020 · Think alpine climbing, multi-pitch routes, anywhere where there is loose rock, when you are climbing below others, ice climbing, or just hanging out at the base of a crag. No one tests climbing gear as extensively and thoughtfully as we do, and our review At GearLab, our readers are at the heart of everything we do. Aug 20, 2024 · We offer you personal recommendations for all-day belaying, big wall rappelling, and crack climbing, and are sure that our comprehensive review includes a climbing glove to fit your needs and budget. Our expert team has a combined 40 years of climbing experience and has field-tested the best climbing gear since the inception of our site, with 20+ climbing cams tested over the past decade. May 17, 2024 · The Petzl Boreo ($65) is the most affordable adult climbing helmet on this list. At first glance, eyeing their thin, non-removable liner, I figured they would collect dust for most of the winter—I am a full-time alpine guide in the infamously cold Canadian Rockies, and double boots are absolutely standard for the majority of the season. 25 (gold), which I have not Nov 5, 2024 · The climbing shoe inspired lacing system allows you to better customize the overall volume and fit of the shoe specific to your foot shape which greatly increases the overall climbing ability. Aug 17, 2017 · Pockets. For difficult finger cracks where you can hardly get r/Ultralight is the largest online Ultralight Backcountry Backpacking community! This sub is about overnight backcountry backpacking, with a focus on moving efficiently, packing light, generally aiming at a sub 10 pound base weight, and following LNT principles. 15a flash by Alex Megos in the Oasi! GearLab is reader Jan 28, 2022 · While the Gully isn't an exceptional all-arounder, it excels at a surprising number of things and is perfect for alpine rock climbing, ski-mountaineering, or alpine ice climbing alike. Nov 21, 2024 · At Outdoor GearLab, we've been reviewing women's climbing harnesses for seven years and have tested over 20 models. mjwznqmgdfmtrkpmnbmyzxvuifsmliehrcqsieircvbnajuk