Climbing gear lab Jan 23, 2024 · Climbing gear companies manufacture all sorts of locking carabiners, most of which are designed with a certain purpose or function in mind. Aug 20, 2019 · The Beal Dynamic Sling is a 8. Feb 20, 2025 · We've been testing hardshell jackets for nearly a decade now, and with more than 62 jackets tested to date, this review is a culmination of what we've learned over that time. 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. 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. Nov 18, 2016 · Hands-On Review Likes. 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. Aug 30, 2013 · That adds up to a lot of savings when you're purchasing an entire set. It was the first climbing cam to seriously challenge the CCH Alien for the title of “best cam for shallow and awkward placements. The Apr 16, 2010 · I don't consider them mandatory for any Yosemite or sandstone routes, but climbers in more pocketed areas often swear by them. He regularly uses ice axes while climbing up steep couloirs with skis strapped to his back, and while tackling more mellow mountaineering objectives. The other site I keep on eye on is Half Way Anywhere. By Jeff Dobronyi, Jack Cramer, Cam McKenzie Ring & Andy Wellman ⋅ Apr 4, 2025. Seldom is something as annoying as a backpack that doesn't carry right. 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. Looking for climbing gear? Whether your goal is the gym, the crag, the mountains, or a big wall, we've got your covered. In this QC Lab, we’ll look at four different customer product questions: May 9, 2018 · Black Diamond Equipment Quality Control engineers test the strength of various climbing equipment. Dec 10, 2024 · Lightweight gear loops, breathable waist loop: Black Diamond Long Haul: $140: 14 oz. Nov 1, 2024 · Edelrid has been coming up with many new products in the last couple of years that attempt to solve real problems with our climbing gear. They're producing some budget-friendly quickdraws, so we thought we take a look at their Firefly II, which retails for less than any other draw we've tested. 5 days ago · The Best Climbing Skins. It has plenty of hanging comfort and ergonomic gear loops for days at the sport crag, and its features make it a great choice for trad climbing, multi-pitch climbing, and routes where lots of gear is required. A good edging shoe also does a great job toeing into the lip of a pocket, and the Scarpa Instinct is no exception. With only a very marginal price difference, it comes down to what fits your foot the best and where you'll be climbing. 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 5, 2021 · Their affordability is unmatched by other high-end climbing shoes, they climb all styles well, and they don't hurt our feet. We understand that every attribute of a climbing skin is balanced by a competing attribute. Few small climbing packs have a lower MSRP, and those that do will either be missing some features or be significantly less durable (or both). 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. As such, we don't recommend this device anytime it has to be carried while climbing, like on multi-pitch or alpine routes. May 21, 2024 · Like many pieces of specialty climbing gear, ascenders are expensive. Our testers have almost 300 years of climbing experience Aug 7, 2024 · This is due to the small gear loops and lack of ice clipper slots. At the same time, a climbing pack shouldn't be positioned too high because your helmet will hit it every time you look up. Our comprehensive reviews cover the best belay devices and climbing ropes, along with our top picks in women's harnesses. When packing a small backpack in the Drop Zone the pad bulged out, making it uncomfortable to carry. 3mm in diameter piece of climbing rope sewn into a sling. This groove helps them excel at irregular rock types such as limestone and crystallized granite. Dec 19, 2023 · Sport climbing is the style of climbing where fixed bolts are clipped for protection. We can't wait to bring them on winter sport climbing trips to Spain and then use them for springtime adventures on desert sandstone. 3 meters and takes a 4. Editor's Note: We updated our nut tool article on May 19, 2023, to ensure product availability and correct pricing. Feb 7, 2010 · This is the lightest cam we tested and maybe the lightest camming device currently made. Weight. 33 - 1 (black to red) and then I switch to the Black Diamond Camalot. If you want to get off the ground when climbing, you're going to need a rope. 0 ounces. Whether the weight is a critical component for you depends on a few things: whether or not you are climbing with your device on your harness, and whether or not you appreciate the “training” weight in your backpack. 6-meter fall, creating a harsh, 1. Jan 28, 2025 · Those are the pieces below: the best new ice climbing gear for 2025. Climbergearlab. We want to ensure that we're purchasing the right piece for the job and that that piece of gear is designed to last us for years of adventure. 25 (gold), which I have not Oct 30, 2024 · Durability. That, combined with the more-than Dec 5, 2024 · At 8. May 5, 2021 · The Vibram XS Edge rubber on the La Sportiva Miura is hard. We bought and tested 13 of the most popular climbing helmets side-by-side to find the best options. Larger than the 1 (red) is the 1. Jan 25, 2010 · Aliens excel at both granite (Yosemite) and sandstone (Zion) big walls where there are pin scars and other shallow placements. All of the contenders in our test have slightly different back lengths and shapes. These would make an excellent choice for newer climbers buying their first rack of draws who don't want to spend double what they have to, and while they are ideal for sport climbing, will also perform admirably on long multi-pitch routes or in Aug 7, 2024 · The Sama is a highly versatile harness that excels at any type of rock climbing. It has an excellent suspension for heavier loads and logical and useful climbing features for technical pitches. I recommend the sizes . 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. Gym climbing is sport climbing indoors, as bolts are the form of protection used in the gym. If the gear loops were larger, this harness would be suitable for trad and multi-pitch climbing, but as it stands, this harness remains an excellent sport climbing and gym-specific harness that advanced users will appreciate. Choosing the right locking carabiner starts by assessing the particular situations where you expect to use it, and then narrowing the search based upon the attributes that will lead to the best performance Oct 30, 2024 · It's basically the same rope, but made from recycled sheath fibers, and each individual rope is a different color. 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. Our outstanding testers went on hundreds of adventures in all kinds of weather to help you find the perfect rain, climbing, and hiking pants. Aug 17, 2017 · Pockets. 6-meter length of rope. For climbers getting into traditional climbing, there are some critical factors. Dec 5, 2023 · This pack seems to get better with every mutation, with improvements to utility, versatility, durability, and climbing comfort. His expertise and nerdy gear obsession are unrivaled in the field. This shoe would be a better choice for granite, gneiss, gritstone, and sandstone. If you want a similarly versatile climbing rope that also weighs less for alpine climbing, the Sterling Aero 9. Among comparably priced affordable draws, they perform the best. 5 Crag We Care Classic provides excellent durability, and it's a favorite of rock climbing guides who need their ropes to withstand abrasion. The Mammut 9. Then, we put the ropes to the test by climbing, rappelling, belaying, and traversing with each product. 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. See full list on outdoorgearlab. Testing took place while climbing, skiing, and ice climbing in Colorado's San Juans, the Columbia Mountains of British Columbia, and California's High Sierra. Unfortunately we can’t test everyone’s old gear found in their basement, but once in a while the QA crew will break a few things to try and comfort those climbers, while also attempting to shed light on these common gear questions. 5 days ago · Rounding out our women's climbing gear reviews is Jane Jackson, bringing her experience as a professional mountain guide who has worked in Yosemite, the Tetons, and parts of Alaska. Weight is an important consideration for almost any piece of gear we use in human-powered activities. The shoe features a slightly wider fit, which makes it more comfortable for jamming into painful cracks on Lumpy Ridge classics or hanging out at a belay ledge. They call it the Range Finder system. Aug 7, 2024 · It packs small, making it perfect for any demanding climb that requires a long approach. Other ABDs are much less cumbersome and more suited to multi-pitch climbing, not to mention the super-lightweight passive brake-assist devices on the market. Our current review features the 10 best camming devices Mar 13, 2023 · As with mixed climbing, the Asolo Eiger XT and Sportiva Trango Tower Extreme were favorites. The CAMP USA Orbit Wire Express KS has two wiregate carabiners on a 16 mm wide sling. We also liked the Lowa Alpine Expert for standard rock climbing. This in-depth review compares 17 of today's top options side-by-side. Metolius Climbing color codes its cams to help you gauge the quality of a placement. com is a Climbing Gear and Tutorial online resource which includes valuable critiques and guides monthly. This ascender excels in the most important category: sliding smoothly up the climbing rope. 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. Black Diamond Hydra Ice Tool ($310) Scarpa Phantom Tech HD ($899) Trango Kestrel Ice Tool ($500) Patagonia M10 Hardshell Pants ($279) Petzl Sitta Harness ($175) Blue Ice Harfang Tech Crampons ($230) How to Choose Ice Climbing Gear; How We Test; Meet Our Testers Jan 28, 2022 · Ian is an IMFGA guide (the best there is) and guides snowy mountain summits and descents in Alaska, Washington, and California. Dec 20, 2024 · The Best Climbing Helmets. Nut Tool: Wild Country Pro Key. (Check out our Best Climbing Cams Review for a complete breakdown of the cams we tested). The tradeoff for durability is typically weight, and in our pursuit of lighter gear that empowers us to move faster, we sacrifice a little durability. Dec 13, 2009 · DMM Wallnuts look different than most other Climbing Nuts they feature a small groove running vertically up one side of their head. Nov 1, 2024 · Cypher is a small climbing company based in Utah with a handful of offerings, including quickdraws, shoes, and chalk bags. . 5-millimeter diameter helps it roll over crystals that skinnier ropes get caught by. 77-factor fall. Our certified ski guides have continually tested the best climbing skins for backcountry skiing for the past decade. At A Glance. These gear loops can hold up to ten carabiners each and stand off the hips well, allowing kids to lead long sport routes or follow all but the longest, most gear-intensive trad pitches. Trad climbing: Fifth gear loop for extra gear, abrasion-resistant “Super Fabric” Misty Mountain Titan: $210 But after only a short break-in period, the Generator was sensitive yet very supportive – perfect for long days of standing on granite smears while fiddling with small gear. Packing gear is difficult and frustrating with the Drop Zone. Features. This test uses an 80 kg (176 lbs) weight attached to a 2. This is a pack that can morph from a gear-hauling beast to a light and nimble summit pack in mere moments. Its low weight and mobility also make it a great choice for sport climbing redpoints, and indeed we often see people sport climbing in this harness at the crag, though it is much more suited to climbing on the sharp end than belaying someone's project. This made carrying a loaded Drop Zone uncomfortable for long distances. As others have mentioned outdoor gear lab is the best, but their selection isn’t always exhaustive. 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. 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. 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. 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. It also may be more durable than the X4, adding to its long-term value. 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. It edges like a razor blade and effortlessly holds the down-turned toe in pockets. The size range is important. Apr 4, 2025 · At GearLab, our roots are in rock climbing, as the website started as an offshoot of SuperTopo. While we closely examine key performance metrics, we also take into consideration versatility and overall value. Once you get the hang of it, the ascender rarely catches before you get to full extension on the top ascender. Dec 14, 2023 · There are two large gear loops that stay centered on the hips thanks to dual waist belt buckles. Jan 14, 2025 · Watching a new piece of gear fall to pieces like a poorly knit sweater is a real bummer. They are also useful (although not as popular) for free climbing. The weight is repeatedly dropped from a height of 2. Our testers found the taco closure and the straps are to blame for the difficulties. Let our team of climbing experts help you find the best climbing shoes, top climbing harnesses, and climbing ropes for your needs and budget. 2 Xeros is the most versatile rope out there. 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. Apr 14, 2025 · The Best Gloves. May 7, 2024 · The Best Carabiner. 3 ounces (235 grams), it adds noticeable weight to any climber. Trying to decide which climbing carabiners to add to your rack? Over the past 10 years, our climbing experts have purchased and tested over 45 different models, bringing you a comprehensive look at 10 of the best and most popular choices on the market today in this review. com Apr 4, 2025 · We tested 13 climbing ropes from Sterling, Petzl, Edelrid, Mammut, and others to find the best options for you. The change in seasons means not only an update to your outdoor gear kit but also to what you'll be grabbing for everyday wear. We've also put best men's climbing harnesses and women's climbing harnesses to the test, as well as the top-rated men's climbing shoes and women's climbing shoes, to discover the best products on the market. These versatile shoes are an excellent addition to anyone's climbing shoe quiver. These four climbing whiz kids, in addition to nearly 10 other experts ranging from professional to hobbyist climbers, researched and tested these award-winning Apr 22, 2025 · Climbing runs deep in GearLab's roots, and we've tested a lot of climbing gear over the years. Editor's Note: We updated this review on August 20, 2024, to update photos and testing perspectives for GearLab provides the world's best reviews of outdoors gear based on in-depth side-by-side comparison and written by outdoor professionals. Our team present product critiques based on professional assessments including purchaser comments. Nov 1, 2024 · The Best Quickdraws. Car Camping Gear Tent: REI Kingdom 6 or REI Half Dome 2 Plus Nov 21, 2024 · Extra gear loop, ice clipper tool slots, lightweight for a trad harness: Versatile for all types of climbing, unrestricted mobility, rigid front loops and soft rear gear loops: Comfortable if you like to wear your harness on your hips: Extremely lightweight, packs down small, durable: Lightweight, packs down small, breathable material Dec 5, 2024 · Like all climbing gear these days, belay devices are getting lighter and smaller. 0 to 13. We identified each feature on each harness and tested them conscientiously while out climbing. When it comes to quickdraws, one of the main issues people encounter is premature wear of the bottom carabiner from the friction of the rope running over it. Sep 1, 2023 · For other climbing gear recommendations, check out our reviews of locking carabiners, our favorite climbing cams, ropes, and belay devices. Oct 30, 2024 · Fall Rating. Conclusion. If you combine these with the Metolius FS Mini carabiners or CAMP Nano 22, you will have the lightest possible climbing rack. Oct 27, 2022 · The Osprey Mutant 38 earns top marks again and retains our Editors' Choice Award. Aug 20, 2024 · It only makes sense that we'd have in-depth reviews for the best climbing gear on the market. Searching for the best quickdraws for climbing? Our expert climbers have put over 35 different quickdraws to the test over the past 12 years, and this review features 14 of the best and most popular options you can purchase today. For footwear, this is even truer. The good news is that we can help, not only with deciding what type of backpack you need, but reviews that walk you through the various types, and the pros and cons of each. From winter hikes and snow days on the mountain to outdoor chores like early morning commutes, shoveling driveways, and walking the dog, we tried these options in real-world conditions to confirm which ones work and which will leave you shaking out in 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. Non Climbing Gear Approach Shoes: Five Ten Guide Tennie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot Rain Jacket: Marmot PreCip Poles: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork (optional) Climbing Pack: Black Diamond Bullet or REI Co-Op Flash 18. Nov 10, 2021 · The Anasazi VCS is among some great company in the competition for the title of best all-around climbing shoe. They do surveys of people who through hike and reports the findings every year. That said, usually a climbing cam with a flexible stem and narrow head will work in a Tricam placement. From big wall gear like ascenders and haul bags to everyday necessities like rock climbing ropes and top-rated carabiners, we have you covered. Editor's Note: We updated this review on April 22, 2025, to ensure our pricing was correct for our shoe lineup. Jul 16, 2019 · Packing Gear. May 5, 2021 · 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 Jun 5, 2017 · Metolius Adjustable Gear Sling. Top-roping, while possible regardless of what sort of protection was used to lead the pitch, generally has the same needs from a harness as sport climbing. Sep 8, 2023 · Climbing-specific packs should ride high on your back to prevent them from obstructing access to the back of your harness. When it was time to pick a pack from the pile for a day of climbing, the Rock Blitz 15 was one of the most often chosen. 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 Oct 25, 2021 · This pack is a great value. When new, the hardness of the rubber makes the shoe feel very stiff and imprecise, especially to lighter climbers. Durability refers to a model's ability to stand up to repeated use and abuse. Weights range from 2. The 9. paqcmf wtsn qtvzih emlod hjtsl olypei vlraug jrrh nlywu yrawww dorbue jvkzk fkusqo lupahpw tpkkx