Rock climbing gear lab Comfort is often the last concern in this genre of shoe. It is very well made and durable; with strap hooks that are some of the smoothest and most secur Climbing Equipment Black Diamond® Equipment | Climbing, Skiing & Trail Running Gear Dec 19, 2023 · Some climbing areas require short hikes and scrambles to the base of the cliff, where difficult, technical rock climbs await. Weights range from 2. The Team looks the part, down-turned and asymmetric, but forces you to climb as if it were a much flatter shoe. We recommend these pants to any climber looking for a go-to pair Nov 3, 2020 · The Black Diamond Momentum is a great harness for beginners and those looking to get into the sport on a budget. Dec 19, 2023 · Features of a Climbing Harness. The Konseal 2 ($220) is an excellent do-it-all approach shoe on par with the excellent La Sportiva TX4. 0 to 13. com is your source for climbing gear and everything climbing. 85oz Block Chalk Discs 4. Jun 7, 2015 · The thinness of the STEALTH HF rubber enables you to feel and cling onto small features well. If you want a similarly versatile climbing rope that also weighs less for alpine climbing, the Sterling Aero 9. Metolius Climbing color codes its cams to help you gauge the quality of a placement. Feb 11, 2025 · The La Sportiva TX4, our preferred shoe for big wall climbing, has excellent support, in addition to bomber durability, plenty of comfort, and good climbing performance, all attributes needed for the world's largest rock faces. Editor's Note: We updated this review on April 22, 2025, to ensure our pricing was correct for our shoe lineup. Dec 5, 2024 · Rock climbing has evolved dramatically over the years, from early ascents of peaks using static military-surplus ropes that broke easily to modern sport climbing where athletes fall sometimes hundreds of times before sending a route. Apr 4, 2025 · At GearLab, our roots are in rock climbing, as the website started as an offshoot of SuperTopo. Jun 21, 2024 · Our expert rock climbing gear list covers the 7 essential bits of gear to get started, as well as 5 more purchases you'll need to make once you start getting more serious. Guiding alpine rock in the North Cascades, I rarely bring more than a pair of approach shoes and often advise my clients to do the same. It has an excellent suspension for heavier loads and logical and useful climbing features for technical pitches. Can I still climb on this cord, or should I pony up and buy a new one? Jan 12, 2025 · Most rock climbers will mark the gear in their rack with something like tape or nail polish to help distinguish their gear pieces from those of fellow climbers. Again, this style of climbing depends a lot on foot strength. The 9. Aug 7, 2024 · The Sama is a highly versatile harness that excels at any type of rock climbing. See it rated versus top competitors in our review of climbing ropes. We also liked the Lowa Alpine Expert for standard rock climbing. The Petzl Gully thoroughly impressed us as it was under 10 ounces (9. 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. 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. Dec 14, 2023 · Earlier on, Adam worked in the outdoor industry for some time and in several capacities, so he's well-versed when it comes to gear--he even makes some of his own. It is one of the most comfortable packs in our test to wear while approaching, climbing, and descending, making it a great all-around contender. In general, harnesses will all have the same basic features: two leg loops, a waist belt with auto-locking buckles, a belay loop that joins the leg loops to the waist belt, and gear loops along the sides of the waist belt for clipping in gear. They call it the Range Finder system. Feb 29, 2024 · Using chalk can inspire more confidence on the rock — and so can using the right gear. This test uses an 80 kg (176 lbs) weight attached to a 2. Dec 20, 2024 · The Best Climbing Helmets. Our testers liked the Black Diamond Mondo much better for carrying gear due to its superior backpack suspension system. Let's get into it. 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. Providing a growing selection of products and climber resources gear reviews, guide pro-tips, setter pro-tips, and climber stories. 8 routes. Forces on the belayer have increased as climbers venture into, and fall off of, increasingly steep terrain. The Climbing Lab – Rock Climbing Durban Closed ClimbSource. The groove also makes the nuts more stable, helping them seat better and making them less prone to being pulled out by rope drag or while climbing past them. 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. The weight is repeatedly dropped from a height of 2. . Here is the (now outdated) Rock Empire Robot Cam Review; “Cams Start at 36. Oct 30, 2024 · The Mammut 9. 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. Then, we put the ropes to the test by climbing, rappelling, belaying, and traversing with each product. A light and packable model is great to stuff inside an overnight pack for use as a backcountry summit bag. Mar 3, 2025 · The simple and streamlined Basin Pull-On Pants ($79) from Mountain Hardwear are the most comfortable rock climbing pants we tested. The M5 is actually relatively comfortable considering how well it performs on steeper angles. 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. Apr 21, 2021 · The Petzl Bug is a good daypack for rock 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 Mar 12, 2025 · “Konseal” is code for Arc’teryx’s line of rock climbing gear. 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. 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. Feb 2, 2018 · Since this pad comes with a waist belt, that is not a giant deal. 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. It is also one of the best pads for steep low-ball falls on your backside. Crack Climbing Nov 17, 2010 · Also, don't forget to check out our Best Climbing Cam Review. Nov 21, 2024 · OutdoorGearLab's roots are in rock climbing, and as a result, we have a world-class team of climbers putting down the best reviews of climbing gear. Oct 30, 2024 · Fall Rating. 6-meter fall, creating a harsh, 1. 2 Xeros is the most versatile rope out there. Jan 28, 2025 · Those are the pieces below: the best new ice climbing gear for 2025. Apr 22, 2025 · Climbing runs deep in GearLab's roots, and we've tested a lot of climbing gear over the years. Looking for climbing gear? Whether your goal is the gym, the crag, the mountains, or a big wall, we've got your covered. Apr 7, 2024 · Here’s a recommended list of rock climbing equipment for beginners: climbing shoes for good grip, a comfortable harness, a sturdy helmet, a belay device, and a chalk bag for grip assistance. He caught the bug for long periods spent in wild places via long-distance backpacking and gained his first exposure to rock climbing in Yosemite almost twenty years ago. Mar 13, 2023 · As with mixed climbing, the Asolo Eiger XT and Sportiva Trango Tower Extreme were favorites. Oct 30, 2024 · It has many sheath color and middle mark options, as well as a great dry treatment. We bought and tested 13 of the most popular climbing helmets side-by-side to find the best options. One of the most fun aspects of sport climbing is sampling the different rock types, and cultures, found in climbing areas around the world. Car Camping Gear Tent: REI Kingdom 6 or REI Half Dome 2 Plus Apr 16, 2025 · Over more than a decade, GearLab has tested more than 75 different rock climbing shoes. 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. 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. Our comprehensive reviews cover the best belay devices and climbing ropes, along with our top picks in women's harnesses. Our testers have almost 300 years of climbing experience Mar 3, 2025 · The simple and streamlined Basin Pull-On Pants ($79) from Mountain Hardwear are the most comfortable rock climbing pants we tested. We recommend these pants to any climber looking for a go-to pair May 7, 2024 · We've tested all the gear you need to get out on the rock. These items are fundamental for new climbers to start learning the sport. On the heavy side, this rope isn't versatile for long walks into the backcountry for multi-pitch or alpine climbs, but it's great for all single-pitch uses and gym climbing. Whether you're searching for a new rope , a fresh pair of climbing shoes , or you want to update your belay device , we have in-depth reviews and gear round-ups to help you with your selections. Our dedicated climbing testers have spent a lot of hours getting outside (and hitting the gym, too!) to find the best climbing harness, climbing shoes, and top-ranked climbing ropes. A good edging shoe also does a great job toeing into the lip of a pocket, and the Scarpa Instinct is no exception. 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. Overall, it ranks fairly low in the edging department. Feb 8, 2014 · Climbing shoes that are designed for steep climbing are often very down-turned and aggressively fit so they will sometimes feel extra tight. Weight is an important consideration for almost any piece of gear we use in human-powered activities. This is a pack that can morph from a gear-hauling beast to a light and nimble summit pack in mere moments. We are a bouldering-only gym, which means you don't need ropes or a harness—just come in and climb! Apr 15, 2023 · Friction Labs Chalk Discs - Premium Gym Chalk Blocks for Rock Climbing, Weight Lifting, Gymnastics, & Bowling - Moisture Absorbing Gym Chalk- 5 Individual 0. 8 to be exact) but still offered an impressive amount of performance. Oct 25, 2021 · Depending on the route and amount of gear required, it can sometimes be better to pair a rock climbing-specific pack for the follower with a lighter hydration pack for the leader. Dec 13, 2009 · This groove helps them excel at irregular rock types such as limestone and crystallized granite. Aug 17, 2017 · Pockets. Our outstanding testers went on hundreds of adventures in all kinds of weather to help you find the perfect rain, climbing, and hiking pants. If you need to add some new climbing protection to your rack, check out our comprehensive climbing nuts review and climbing cam review. May 15, 2023 · The Mad Rock R3 is the best pad we tested for conforming to lumpy landings and for packing gear. At A Glance. Dec 20, 2023 · This pad has an innovative design that lets you load it up with gear but leaves something to be desired with foam density: A no-frills, medium-sized pad at a reasonable price point that comes with an additional carpet square: Rating Categories: Mad Rock Duo: Organic Full Pad: Organic Simple: Kinetik Newton 4. For footwear, this is even truer. Other climbing styles demand long and arduous approaches on rough backcountry terrain, with easy to moderate alpine rock climbing waiting at the end of the hike. 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. Located in Los Angeles's Arts District, LA Boulders is the plastic paradise you've been looking for. 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. The Waul Hauler says the max load you can use is 190 pounds whereas you can use up to 560 pounds with the Pro Traxion. Let our team of climbing experts help you find the best climbing shoes, top climbing harnesses, and climbing ropes for your needs and budget. 0: Mad Rock Mad Pad: High Falls (30%) Sep 25, 2024 · Climbing guide Sean McNally tested the best approach shoes hiking to the crag, rock hopping, and climbing 5. If you're seeking slings to go with your carabiners or want to upgrade your trad rack with some new cams, our reviews written by dedicated climbers can help you discern the best products. 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. 5 Crag We Care Classic provides excellent durability, and it's a favorite of rock climbing guides who need their ropes to withstand abrasion. Dec 5, 2024 · Like all climbing gear these days, belay devices are getting lighter and smaller. Sep 1, 2023 · Testing climbing slings involves a whole lot of going climbing. Feb 19, 2010 · Rock Exotica gave us an over-the-phone quote of $15 to replace the cam. 95” This statement, taken from Rock Empire's website, could stop a trad climber's heart and simultaneously empty his wallet (they're so cheap, I can afford more!). Features. We tasked OutdoorGearLab Review Editor Ian McEleney to find out which models in the current market do this best. Weight. com Apr 4, 2025 · We tested 15 climbing harnesses from Petzl, Black Diamond, Blue Ice, and more to find the top options for all climbing styles. One of the greatest features of this pad is the ability to combine it with other Mad Rock pads that have the Velcro strips along their perimeters. Our current review features the 10 best camming devices Feb 7, 2010 · If you combine these with the Metolius FS Mini carabiners or CAMP Nano 22, you will have the lightest possible climbing rack. 1 out of 5 stars 74 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. 5-millimeter diameter helps it roll over crystals that skinnier ropes get caught by. 3 meters and takes a 4. Jan 23, 2024 · We closely monitor changes to rock climbing gear as they happen, and we also spent nearly 10 hours researching over 40 different locking carabiners before choosing the 15 for inclusion in this comparative review. 6-meter length of rope. Short to Medium-Length Approaches and Descents Oct 30, 2024 · It's basically the same rope, but made from recycled sheath fibers, and each individual rope is a different color. 77-factor fall. These four climbing whiz kids, in addition to nearly 10 other experts ranging from professional to hobbyist climbers, researched and tested these award-winning Jun 5, 2017 · Metolius Adjustable Gear Sling. 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. For a niche sport, rock climbing has attracted a surprising array of shoe manufacturers. Dec 5, 2023 · This pack seems to get better with every mutation, with improvements to utility, versatility, durability, and climbing comfort. You Shop We Donate 1% to a cause. Nov 1, 2024 · The author climbing steep tufas on the amazing limestone rock of the Mars sector, Leonidio, Greece. Mar 18, 2021 · Hi, I am wondering if anyone has found a good system for transporting their smart phones on multi-pitch climbs. Sep 8, 2023 · A climbing pack is a specialized piece of gear that must be light, move with you, and not interfere with your harness, head, or the rock you move over. Nov 3, 2020 · The Black Diamond Momentum is a great harness for beginners and those looking to get into the sport on a budget. Over our years of testing, we've amassed quite a collection of climbing gear and have plenty of recommendations, from the top-rated climbing harnessess and ropes to belay devices and climbing helmets. Oct 31, 2024 · If you're using climbing nuts, you'll probably want to purchase a nut tool to help retrieve wedged nuts and stuck cams. The green dots against the rock mean a bombproof placement. I need something to keep it accessible so I actually use it to take pics, vs just the tag along-for emergency use-stuffed in a sac with my rain shell system. The market has long been dominated by two Italian companies, Scarpa and La Sportiva, but new entrants and smaller companies have continuously tried to disrupt this dominance. Nut Tool: Wild Country Pro Key. You can help your friend or family member identify their rack with Trango Rack Tags, made explicitly with colored labels for climbing gear. The testing process began by paring down the vast climbing shoe market to a selection of what we believe are the best based on popularity, customer ratings, and our authors' considerable experience. May 19, 2023 · Check out our picks in our best climbing harness review. 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. See full list on outdoorgearlab. And don't forget our comprehensive list of climbing gear to see our hand-picked selections. Aug 18, 2017 · In this QC Lab, we’ll look at four different customer product questions: A sun faded harness from a display window at a retail store. This is not an issue for most wall climbers because they won't be climbing 15-plus walls and won't be hauling more than 190 pounds. 0 ounces. Does the sun affect the strength of a harness? An un-used properly stored rope that is over 20 years old. fug msxjav gywp zcguyac rzarelg ryrgk xhwya crhvhe jnigl otk qswo lwphkob nykivaq osfu ocxl