Climbing gear lab Gym climbing is sport climbing indoors, as bolts are the form of protection used in the gym. Dec 20, 2023 · While the Organic Simple Pad is no doubt a high-quality piece of gear, it might not be right for everyone. 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. 0 . 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. If you're new to climbing and are looking for a more versatile rope, this shouldn't be your rope. The Finale is not the least expensive shoe on the market, and it is easily argued that the La Sportiva Tarantulace presents a better value for beginner Oct 30, 2024 · Durability. 25 (gold), which I have not Dec 20, 2023 · Metolius is a small American climbing company from Oregon, and they've been churning out high-quality, innovative climbing products for decades. As such, we don't recommend this device anytime it has to be carried while climbing, like on multi-pitch or alpine routes. 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. Apr 12, 2015 · The New Camp Air CR EVO vs. This is a pack that can morph from a gear-hauling beast to a light and nimble summit pack in mere moments. 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. It edges like a razor blade and effortlessly holds the down-turned toe in pockets. Aug 6, 2024 · The Sama is a highly versatile harness that excels at any type of rock climbing. May 7, 2025 · Climbing gear companies manufacture all sorts of locking carabiners, most of which are designed with a certain purpose or function in mind. Jun 2, 2010 · This means that each unit will have less possibility of fitting, increasing the chance that you'll be turning back to your gear sling or harness for a different piece. We also liked the Lowa Alpine Expert for standard rock climbing. He regularly uses ice axes while climbing up steep couloirs with skis strapped to his back, and while tackling more mellow mountaineering objectives. A good edging shoe also does a great job toeing into the lip of a pocket, and the Scarpa Instinct is no exception. The Camp Air Harness has been replaced by the Camp Air CR EVO. Dec 5, 2023 · This pack seems to get better with every mutation, with improvements to utility, versatility, durability, and climbing comfort. The 9. Weight. 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. Lead or top-rope belaying with the Giga Jul can be done in either assisted braking or manual mode. The version of the Air Harness that we previously reviewed was a fixed leg loop harness; there was also at that time an adjustable leg loop version. In this update, we purchased 7 of the best sets and slid them into cracks of all sizes across the United States. 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. 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. Our comprehensive reviews cover the best belay devices and climbing ropes, along with our top picks in women's harnesses. 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. Related: Best Climbing Shoes for Women GearLab provides the world's best reviews of outdoors gear based on in-depth side-by-side comparison and written by outdoor professionals. We believe the world's best gear reviews are based on objective, independent testing of each and every product, with ratings, awards, and expert insights that help you select the right products for your specific needs, budget, and interests. Editor's Note: Our belay device review was updated on May 5, 2025, to share some tester experiences using these devices. Our team present product critiques based on professional assessments Climbing Products Reviews - Climber Gear Lab Climbergearlab. Dec 5, 2024 · Catch and Bite. Related: Best Climbing Gear Dec 19, 2023 · Sport climbing is the style of climbing where fixed bolts are clipped for protection. Car Camping Gear Tent: REI Kingdom 6 or REI Half Dome 2 Plus Oct 30, 2024 · It isn't the best choice for a quiver-of-one rope, since it has limited usefulness for single-pitch climbing. But if you want to take your alpine climbing to new heights, the Beal Opera is a worthy investment. This ascender excels in the most important category: sliding smoothly up the climbing rope. This made carrying a loaded Drop Zone uncomfortable for long distances. We've reviewed climbing ropes for sport and trad climbing, as well as climbing harnesses for men and women's climbing harnesses. One tester says, “It's the most comfortable climbing helmet I've ever worn. For footwear, this is even truer. 3mm in diameter piece of climbing rope sewn into a sling. Nov 12, 2019 · Petzl says that it is designed for rock climbing, mountaineering, or via ferrata. Editor's Note: We updated our climbing shoe review on April 16, 2025, to remove a discontinued shoe from our lineup and ensure current pricing for each shoe. Oct 31, 2024 · Our climbing experts have been testing the best climbing nuts and stoppers for over 10 years and over 15 different sets. ” The addition of the Mips (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) harness – technology that is now standard in both bike and ski helmets – reportedly reduces the chances of concussion by deflecting certain impacts and Mar 13, 2023 · As with mixed climbing, the Asolo Eiger XT and Sportiva Trango Tower Extreme were favorites. 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 Camp Air That We Tested. Our team present product critiques based on professional assessments including purchaser comments. Apr 22, 2025 · Climbing runs deep in GearLab's roots, and we've tested a lot of climbing gear over the years. Aug 17, 2017 · Pockets. I recommend the sizes . At A Glance. Their Metolious Magnum offers a very attractive alternative to the traditional bi-folding pad. While we closely examine key performance metrics, we also take into consideration versatility and overall value. Sep 8, 2023 · Climbing-specific packs should ride high on your back to prevent them from obstructing access to the back of your harness. CLOSED MONDAY. These versatile shoes are an excellent addition to anyone's climbing shoe quiver. Weight is an important consideration for almost any piece of gear we use in human-powered activities. May 21, 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. 719-239-7860 The 3 Best Rope Bags for Climbing: Organize and Protect Your Gear with Confidence Best Rock Climbing Shoes for Kids of 2024: Encourage Adventure and Skill Development Best Big Wall Climbing Harness: Comfort and Safety for the Vertical World Jan 25, 2010 · Aliens excel at both granite (Yosemite) and sandstone (Zion) big walls where there are pin scars and other shallow placements. 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 Apr 4, 2025 · At GearLab, our roots are in rock climbing, as the website started as an offshoot of SuperTopo. Nov 18, 2016 · Hands-On Review Likes. 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. May 22, 2025 · The change in seasons means an update to your outdoor gear kit and what you'll grab for everyday wear. Best Application. 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. From big wall gear like ascenders and haul bags to everyday necessities like rock climbing ropes and top-rated carabiners, we have you covered. His expertise and nerdy gear obsession are unrivaled in the field. Free Climbing, Aid climbing, Light and Fast Adventures. 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. 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. Metolius Climbing color codes its cams to help you gauge the quality of a placement. 5 Crag We Care Classic provides excellent durability, and it's a favorite of rock climbing guides who need their ropes to withstand abrasion. A slider bar along the top of the device must be positioned all the way on either end, denoting either manual or assisted mode, and then the rope must be loaded into the device in the correct manner depending on the mode, which is different for each. It has an excellent suspension for heavier loads and logical and useful climbing features for technical pitches. When new, the hardness of the rubber makes the shoe feel very stiff and imprecise, especially to lighter climbers. 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. com Climbergearlab. At the same time, a climbing pack shouldn't be positioned too high because your helmet will hit it every time you look up. Dec 27, 2023 · 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. com is a Climbing Gear and Tutorial online resource which includes valuable critiques and guides monthly. Cypher is a small climbing company based in Utah with a handful of offerings, including quickdraws, shoes, and chalk bags. Our testers have almost 300 years of climbing experience Oct 30, 2024 · It's basically the same rope, but made from recycled sheath fibers, and each individual rope is a different color. 5-millimeter diameter helps it roll over crystals that skinnier ropes get caught by. The May 5, 2021 · The Vibram XS Edge rubber on the La Sportiva Miura is hard. When packing a small backpack in the Drop Zone the pad bulged out, making it uncomfortable to carry. 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 Seldom is something as annoying as a backpack that doesn't carry right. If you like to bring a lot of stuff out to the boulders, consider the Organic Full or the Kinetik Newton 4. Our current review features the 10 best camming devices 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 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. Packing gear is difficult and frustrating with the Drop Zone. 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. Looking for climbing gear? Whether your goal is the gym, the crag, the mountains, or a big wall, we've got your covered. 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. 2 Xeros is the most versatile rope out there. Jun 5, 2017 · Metolius Adjustable Gear Sling. Editor's Note: We updated our nut tool article on May 19, 2023, to ensure product availability and correct pricing. Jan 28, 2022 · Ian is an IMFGA guide (the best there is) and guides snowy mountain summits and descents in Alaska, Washington, and California. 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 shivering in the cold. Editor's Note: We updated this review on April 22, 2025, to ensure our pricing was correct for our shoe lineup. If you combine these with the Metolius FS Mini carabiners or CAMP Nano 22, you will have the lightest possible climbing rack. All of the contenders in our test have slightly different back lengths and shapes. Aug 20, 2019 · The Beal Dynamic Sling is a 8. In this QC Lab, we’ll look at four different customer product questions: May 2, 2025 · If you want to go a little higher than a boulder will allow, you'll likely need more gear. No one tests climbing gear as extensively and thoughtfully as we do, and our review The 7 Best Climbing Shoes of 2024: Reach New Heights with Confidence and Precision Best Rock Climbing Shoes for Kids of 2024: Encourage Adventure and Skill Development All Posts See full list on gearjunkie. 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. The Mammut 9. Jul 16, 2019 · Packing Gear. . Aug 7, 2024 · This is due to the small gear loops and lack of ice clipper slots. We can't wait to bring them on winter sport climbing trips to Spain and then use them for springtime adventures on desert sandstone. Let our team of climbing experts help you find the best climbing shoes, top climbing harnesses, and climbing ropes for your needs and budget. Our team of climbing experts leverages more than 40 years of combined climbing experience, styling alpine ascents and performing rescues with the Yosemite Search and Rescue. 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 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 Apr 10, 2025 · A solid pair of everyday pants that are also good for hiking or climbing: This comfortable, well-ventilated pair of pants comes with a full complement of features: A hardy model that easily crosses over into multiple outdoor recreational activities like climbing due to their relaxed fit and stretchy material Aug 20, 2024 · It only makes sense that we'd have in-depth reviews for the best climbing gear on the market. Mar 13, 2015 · The GearLab mission is simple: to create world's best outdoor gear reviews. They call it the Range Finder system. 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. 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. Nov 1, 2024 · They can also be used while traditional climbing, ice climbing, or multi-pitch climbing for clipping the rope to protection or extending protection pieces, although shoulder-length climbing slings, also known as “alpine quickdraws,” are more common for this purpose. Dec 5, 2024 · At 8. Tue - Sat: 10AM - 6PM. Whatever your climbing pursuits, we hope our comprehensive reviews help you zero in on your options and guide you toward an Dec 14, 2023 · There are two large gear loops that stay centered on the hips thanks to dual waist belt buckles. Once you get the hang of it, the ascender rarely catches before you get to full extension on the top ascender. Dec 20, 2024 · We consider the Black Diamond Vision Mips the best climbing helmet on the market today. Then, we put the ropes to the test by climbing, rappelling, belaying, and traversing with each product. Larger than the 1 (red) is the 1. Jan 28, 2025 · Those are the pieces below: the best new ice climbing gear for 2025. 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. 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. If you want a similarly versatile climbing rope that also weighs less for alpine climbing, the Sterling Aero 9. Value. Feb 7, 2010 · This is the lightest cam we tested and maybe the lightest camming device currently made. And climbers take note — this pad isn't new. 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. Editor's Note: We updated this review on August 20, 2024, to update photos and testing perspectives for May 5, 2025 · Whether you're seeking a fresh pair of climbing shoes, a top-rated climbing harness, or an extra set of climbing cams, our team of seasoned climbers can help you find the right gear. To make a long explanation about forces and materials short, climbing Jan 2, 2024 · Although value is not a performance criterion, we know it's an important consideration for many shoppers, especially new climbers who face the prospect of purchasing a lot of new climbing gear. Sunday: 12PM - 5PM. Not the least or most expensive cam on the market. 3 ounces (235 grams), it adds noticeable weight to any climber. 33 - 1 (black to red) and then I switch to the Black Diamond Camalot. 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. 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. May 21, 2024 · Like many pieces of specialty climbing gear, ascenders are expensive. Our testers found the taco closure and the straps are to blame for the difficulties. 3 days ago · Like all load-bearing climbing gear, harnesses are rated and certified to hold a certain force, measured in kilonewtons (kN). They are also useful (although not as popular) for free climbing. Nut Tool: Wild Country Pro Key. Fishing Gear Gadgets & Tools Hammocks & Accessories Health & Safety Hydration Lighting Maintenance & Repair Maps Packs Snowshoes Sleep Solutions Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags & Duffels Tents Traction Devices & Gaiters Trekking Poles Climb Climbing Essentials Climbing Shoes Men Accessories Footwear Jackets & Vests Pants & Shorts Shirts Socks Apr 4, 2025 · Gear loops are small for carrying a large rack, not super versatile for other styles of climbing: No ice clipper slots, left gear loops can be too far behind the climber: No ice clipper slots, heavy: Expensive, not versatile beyond sport and gym climbing, limited adjustability: Small gear loops, not versatile: Poor hanging comfort, lacks Apr 16, 2025 · From boulders to big walls, our roundup of climbing gear on the market has something for everyone. Our outstanding testers went on hundreds of adventures in all kinds of weather to help you find the perfect rain, climbing, and hiking pants. May 6, 2025 · We bought the nine best carabiners and tested them side by side on alpine peaks, sport crags, and stellar multi-pitch climbs. zmm lcti askeood jhzw xtin mtls pssp kbqo snmhjr fninn